Warming, reassuring, and delicious - things many think of as comfort food. Comfort foods can be creamy, cheesy, or have just the right texture. At their best, they can transport us from the stresses of the present to a place where our senses take over. There are so many Greek dishes that provide this kind of comfort that it isn't possible to list them all, so here is the short version of the most well-loved.
1. Classic Moussaka with Eggplant
Photo © Jim Stanfield
This is the Greek recipe for moussaka with eggplant, probably the most well-known of all versions, and a favorite of Greeks and non-Greeks alike. A casserole dish, moussaka is made with layers of ground meat and vegetables, and topped with a rich cream sauce.
2. Creamy, Cheesy Baked Pasta with Meat - Pastitsio
N. Gaifyllia
Pastitsio is a classic Greek dish, with several variations. This creamy, cheesy dish is one of the all-time favorite Greek comfort foods. Tubular pasta (ziti, penne, macaroni), a meat sauce with a hint of cinnamon, cheese, and a thick cream sauce topping.
3. Easy, Cheesy Baked Farfalle - Pasta Karbonara
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com
This baked pasta dish is easy to put together, bakes in 15-20 minutes, and makes a great family meal. The recipe calls for pasta, ham, bacon, mushrooms, peppers, cream, and cheese. I like to use farfalle pasta (bow-ties) but elbow macaroni works just as well.
4. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Avgolemono (Egg-Lemon Sauce)
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
This version of stuffed cabbage rolls calls for a beef, rice, and herb filling, with the fabulous and famous avgolemono (egg-lemon) sauce. A delicious main dish and a favorite on the buffet table.
5. Egg-Lemon Chicken Soup - Kotosoupa Avgolemeno
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Chicken soup is a comfort food in cultures around the world, and this Greek version includes the avgolemono (egg and lemon) sauce that adds even more comfort with its velvety texture. There are several variations, and the egg-lemon sauce (avgolemono) is so popular that there are some who make a quick soup in the microwave using canned soup or broth, just to have the opportunity to add the avgolemono, which is the crowning glory.
6. Rice Pudding - Ryzogalo
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
"Rice pudding" is probably a poor translation for this dish, which is a creamy, comfort food that delights every time. While ryzogalo is often served at room temperature or chilled, it's totally divine served slightly warm.
7. Roasted Greek Cheese
Photo © Jim Stanfield
If gooey, cheesy dishes top your list of comfort foods, this is a quick and easy way to satisfy! 15 minutes in the oven and feta or kasseri (photo) cheese is ready.
8. Thick Creamy Greek Yogurt with Toppings
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com
Comfort foods don't always need to be hot or cooked dishes, and this simple combination of yogurt with honey (and nuts) is a great example. The thick creamy texture of the yogurt is wonderfully comforting, and the sweetness of the topping adds just the right touch. Try it also topped with a favorite spoon sweet or preserves, sprinkled with toasted almonds.
9. Easy Homemade Bread - Psomi Spitiko
Photo © N. Gaifyllia, licensed to About.com, Inc.
What could be more comforting than freshly baked bread! The smell, the taste. This recipe for yeast bread is especially easy and produces a nice white loaf, perfect to eat as is, to spread with a favorite comfort topping, or for dipping.