20 Classic Greek Favorites

You can also see How to Roll Grape Leaves, step by step with photos.

The Greek meze (meh-ZEH) or appetizer table would not be complete without this traditional spread. Serve with plenty of fresh bread for dipping.

Vegetable dishes that are cooked with olive oil and tomatoes are referred to as lathera (lah-the-RAH) in Greek, because the key ingredient is flavorful olive oil, or “lathi.”  This is a great way to prepare fresh green beans as a side dish or a vegetarian main meal.

Delicious walnut cookies bathed in a cinnamon flavored honey syrup and then topped with more chopped walnuts.  A classic Christmas offering, this cookie is unlike anything you've tasted before.

Souvlaki (soo-vlah-kee) is the term used to describe “little skewers” of meat that are marinated in a wonderful red wine marinade and then grilled.  Serve this with delicious tzatziki on the side.

A Greek staple of the summer season when tomatoes are abundant and at their peak. You can also use the same filling for peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables that may be available.

The traditional bread of Greek Easter, Tsoureki is a rich yeast bread flavored with orange and a delightful spice called Mahlab (also called Mahlepi) that is ground from the pits of wild cherries.

Keftethes (keh-FTEH-thes) are savory Greek meatballs that are served as an appetizer or meze (meh-ZEH). The traditional recipe calls for frying the meatballs, but I've found that this baked version is quite good and just a bit healthier.

A Greek family celebration wouldn’t be complete without the delightful buttery goodness of Kourabiethes (koo-rah-BYEH-thes).

These are very rich cookies (as are most shortbread cookies) yet somehow lighter and melt-in- your-mouth good. Be sure to make extra because these will go fast!