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Greek Food

20 Classic Greek Favorites

Must-Have Recipes for the Greek Food Enthusiast

From , former About.com Guide

These are the dishes that are at the top of the request list for lovers of Greek food. From simple to elaborate, they are the classic dishes that delight Greek food enthusiasts the world over.  Come explore the rich culinary traditions of Greece as you sample the best of Greek food.

1. Moussaka

Photo © Lynn Livanos Athan

Perhaps the most widely recognized of all Greek dishes, this oven-baked casserole of layered eggplant and spiced meat filling topped with a creamy bechamel will be the highlght of any Greek meal.

2. Tiropites - Phyllo Cheese Triangles

Photo © Lynn Livanos Athan

<p>These finger-friendly triangles are made with phyllo pastry sheets and filled with a delicious mixture of Greek cheeses.

To master the folding technique, see this recipe Step-by-Step with photos.

3. Baklava

Photo © Lynn Livanos Athan
A perennial favorite, this classic Greek pastry is made with flaky phyllo dough layered with a cinnamon-spiced nut filling, and bathed in sweet syrup. It’s crunchy and sweet and very decadent.

4. Horta Vrasta - Boiled Leafy Greens

Photo © Lynn Livanos Athan

Greeks love their leafy greens and for good reason - they are healthy and delicious. Packed with nutrients and flavor, these greens will compliment any meal. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and enjoy.

5. Chicken Soup Avgolemono

Photo © Lynn Livanos Athan
The ultimate in Greek comfort food, this soup is hearty and delicious and a staple of any Greek household. A traditional chicken soup finished with a creamy egg-lemon flavor, it is sure to become a family favorite.

6. Tzatziki - Creamy Cucumber-Yogurt Dip

Photo © Lynn Livanos Athan
A tangy cucumber dip flavored with garlic is the perfect compliment to grilled meats and vegetables. It's served on the side with warm pita bread triangles for dipping, and is also used as a condiment for souvlaki.

7. Pastitsio

Photo © Lynn Livanos Athan
Three essential components make up this dish - pasta, meat filling, and a creamy bechamel sauce which are layered in a pan and baked to golden perfection. You might dirty a few pots and pans making it, but it will be so worth the effort.

8. Galaktoboureko - Custard Phyllo Pie

Photo © Lynn Livanos Athan
Hard to pronounce, but so easy to eat! This custard filled phyllo pie is my favorite Greek dessert. It's rich and creamy and so delicious that you will want to make it again and again.

9. Fassolatha - Classic White Bean Soup

Photo © Lynn Livanos Athan
A staple of any Greek household, this classic white bean soup is on the menu at least once a week in our household. You can keep it simple or embellish with extra vegetables, either way, you'll find yourself returning to this hearty bean soup recipe again and again.

10. Spanakopita - Spinach Pie

Photo © Lynn Livanos Athan
Greeks will make almost anything into a pita or pie - especially fresh greens like spinach. This tasty pita happens to be so popular, it's popping up in mainstream grocery store freezers everywhere you turn. Why buy the frozen stuff when you can make your very own mouthwatering pan?
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