The Great Greek Menu

I feel like I am going home when I visit Greece. Not only due to the warm welcome, sunshine, clear blue sea and skies but also the great variety of meals I enjoy at traditional Tavernas. Often family run serving good quality home cooked dishes from fresh, seasonal and sometimes home-grown ingredients. Here are 10 of my favourites –

1. Greek Salad – Chopped fresh tomatoes, chunks of cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, green pepper and olives are tossed together with a slab of feta cheese to top off. I like this served with a drizzle of local olive oil and a chunk of fresh baked crusty bread.

2. Kleftiko – Every island has its own take on this but oven baked lamb on the bone is slow cooked (sometimes in paper or foil) with potatoes, peppers, feta cheese and juicy tomatoes.

3. Giant Beans – ‘Gigantes’ beans (like a butter bean) baked in a fresh tomato, olive oil and finely chopped onion sauce. Oregano adds a unique flavour.

4. Moussaka – Layers of baked aubergine, minced lamb, sliced potatoes and béchamel sauce are baked together until the top is golden. A really filling dish.

5. Fresh grilled fish/seafood – with a fresh catch coming in every day, there’s nothing simpler and tastier than a fresh whole fish charred over hot coals. Drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

6. Stifado – A hearty stew of chunks of beef and baby onions in a rich tomato sauce.

7. Souvlaki - A firm favourite! Skewers of chicken (or pork) chunks, chargrilled over hot coals.

8. Tzatziki - A simple dip made from Greek yoghurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil and dill. Often served as a starter with crusty bread or as an addition to many of the above.

9. Baklava – A sticky sweet treat. Layers of crisp filo pastry and finely chopped nuts soaked in a syrup or honey. For a sweet tooth, a small slice goes a long way.

10. Greek Yoghurt with honey – Whether your choice is for breakfast or as a simple dessert, fresh Greek yoghurt and a good dollop of locally produced honey, delicious and fresh.

11. Dolmades – You are thinking she said 10 favourites! Well number 11 is a choice I don’t enjoy and is not for me but it’s such a Greek favourite that I can’t leave it off the list. Dolmades are vine leaves stuffed with herby rice (sometimes minced lamb too) and rolled into little parcel like shapes before being simmered.

I must get my next trip booked!