Lenten Appetizers & Mezethes for Greek Orthodox Fasting
During Lent, many of these appetizers and mezethes can do double duty as side dishes. Mix-and-match according to your tastes.
Greek Style Boiled Shrimp - Garides Vrastes
Shrimp are a Greek favorite, and this simple recipe can be used as an appetizer or for any recipe that calls for boiled shrimp.
Shrimp are a Greek favorite, and this simple recipe can be used as an appetizer or for any recipe that calls for boiled shrimp.
Grilled Octopus - Htapothi sti Skhara
Octopus grilled over an open flame is a Greek classic, and a favorite meze to serve with ouzo and wine.
Octopus grilled over an open flame is a Greek classic, and a favorite meze to serve with ouzo and wine.
Hortopitakia -Small Savory Pies with Homemade Phyllo
Hortopita are small savory pies made with aromatic herbs and greens. They are easy to make, especially with homemade phyllo dough as shown here.
Hortopita are small savory pies made with aromatic herbs and greens. They are easy to make, especially with homemade phyllo dough as shown here.
Hummus with Tahini
This dip is a delicious appetizer, quick to make, no cooking involved, and it's vegan- and vegetarian friendly. Chickpeas and tahini are combined with olive oil, lemon juice, spices and herbs.
This dip is a delicious appetizer, quick to make, no cooking involved, and it's vegan- and vegetarian friendly. Chickpeas and tahini are combined with olive oil, lemon juice, spices and herbs.
Marinated Octopus - Htapothi Xythato
Octopus marinated in an oil and vinegar mixture (heavy on the vinegar) and served with a sprinkle of oregano is a favorite appetizer or meze.
Octopus marinated in an oil and vinegar mixture (heavy on the vinegar) and served with a sprinkle of oregano is a favorite appetizer or meze.
Melitzanosalata I: Eggplant Salad Appetizer w/ Tomato
This dip is a classic Greek appetizer, and this variation creates a chunky texture with chopped eggplant and tomatoes mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices.
This dip is a classic Greek appetizer, and this variation creates a chunky texture with chopped eggplant and tomatoes mixed with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and spices.
Melitzanosalata II: Eggplant Salad Appetizer w/o Tomato
This is a smooth version of this delicious appetizer dip and accompaniment to other foods. It does not contain tomatoes.
This is a smooth version of this delicious appetizer dip and accompaniment to other foods. It does not contain tomatoes.
Pasta Elias: Easy Olive Meze
Olive paste is a quick and easy blender dish, made with black or green olives. Served as a meze, it is a perfect accompaniment to Ouzo and wines, and is also used as an ingredient in recipes and in sandwiches.
Olive paste is a quick and easy blender dish, made with black or green olives. Served as a meze, it is a perfect accompaniment to Ouzo and wines, and is also used as an ingredient in recipes and in sandwiches.
Piperies Psites: Roasted Red Peppers
Roasted red pimiento peppers, known in Greece as Florina Peppers, can be served as an appetizer or meze, or as an ingredient in many recipes.
Roasted red pimiento peppers, known in Greece as Florina Peppers, can be served as an appetizer or meze, or as an ingredient in many recipes.
Skordalia: Greek Garlic Sauce
There are several variations of skordalia, some regional and some due to taste and ingredients preferences, but they all produce a garlic sauce that goes wonderfully with fried cod, greens, and beets ... and some even enjoy it as a dip with bread.
There are several variations of skordalia, some regional and some due to taste and ingredients preferences, but they all produce a garlic sauce that goes wonderfully with fried cod, greens, and beets ... and some even enjoy it as a dip with bread.
Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice - Dolmathakia Yialantzi
With a name straight from Asia Minor, this dish is common to many countries in the Middle East and southern Europe, each bringing it's favorite spices, herbs, and tastes into the mix. This version is a home cooking favorite.
With a name straight from Asia Minor, this dish is common to many countries in the Middle East and southern Europe, each bringing it's favorite spices, herbs, and tastes into the mix. This version is a home cooking favorite.
Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms with Rice - Kolokythanthoi Yemistoi me Ryzi
Zucchini blossoms are a Greek favorite, cooked in several ways. This version calls for rice, tomatoes, and herbs, cooked on the stove.
Zucchini blossoms are a Greek favorite, cooked in several ways. This version calls for rice, tomatoes, and herbs, cooked on the stove.
Taramosalata: Fish Roe Meze
Tarama (cod or carp roe) is sometimes called "the common man's caviar." Combined with olive oil and bread, it makes one of the tastiest and most basic of Greek appetizers and mezethes. Taramosalata goes exceptionally well with ouzo.
Tarama (cod or carp roe) is sometimes called "the common man's caviar." Combined with olive oil and bread, it makes one of the tastiest and most basic of Greek appetizers and mezethes. Taramosalata goes exceptionally well with ouzo.
Tomato Fritters - Domatokeftethes
These fritters are made with tomatoes, zucchini, onion, and herbs. Serve as an appetizer or side dish.
These fritters are made with tomatoes, zucchini, onion, and herbs. Serve as an appetizer or side dish.