Beginner - My Greek Dish https://www.mygreekdish.com/category/recipe/skill-level/beginner/ Authentic, traditional, locally sourced Greek recipes and nutritional advice. Fri, 11 Aug 2023 09:03:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.mygreekdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-MyGreekDish-icon-32x32.png Beginner - My Greek Dish https://www.mygreekdish.com/category/recipe/skill-level/beginner/ 32 32 52084098 Greek Marinade for Chicken with Yogurt https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/greek-marinade-for-chicken-with-yogurt/ https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/greek-marinade-for-chicken-with-yogurt/#comments Fri, 04 Aug 2023 10:56:15 +0000 https://www.mygreekdish.com/?p=271374 All you need to take your chicken to the next level is a simple yet full of Mediterranean flavours marinade! And I have just the perfect Greek marinade for chicken […]

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All you need to take your chicken to the next level is a simple yet full of Mediterranean flavours marinade! And I have just the perfect Greek marinade for chicken for you to try!

It takes just a few minutes to create and adds tons of flavor to any type of chicken. You can easily use it to add flavor to chicken for a meal or to great delicious grilled chicken for your next barbecue.

Greek marinaded chicken

Greek Marinade for Chicken

Greek chicken marinade is a simple to prepare marinade to make your chicken more flavorful without a lot of extra work.

Marinades are used for all kinds of meat and this one could be adapted to other meats but is definitely a star when added with chicken.

  • Easy to make: Marinade takes just a few minutes to prepare.
  • Use with any type of chicken: You can add any cut of chicken into the marinade.

Delicious Greek marinade for chicken

Greek marinade for Chicken with yogurt 

It is definitely best to use Greek yogurt for this recipe if you have it, because the yogurt works to tenderize the chicken. However, if you don’t have any Greek yogurt, you can use plain natural yogurt and it will work in a similar way.

If you don’t have any kind of yogurt you could use lemon juice as stated at the recipe below.

Tip: Depending on what you are serving with the chicken, you can add a teaspoon of sweet smoked paprika to the marinade for extra flavor.

Key Ingredients Greek Marinade for Chicken

Marinade: The marinade is made up of olive oil, lemon, garlic cloves, yogurt and red wine vinegar with dried oregano and runny honey in the mixture.

Chicken: You can use any type of chicken for the piece, thighs, breasts or chicken pieces. It is also optional if you want to have the skin on or off. You’ll want around 1lb or 1 ½ ounce for this recipe.

Greek marinade for chicken ingredients

Greek chicken marinade Key Preparation Tips

Take a large bowl or a ziplock bag and add the oil, lemon zest, crushed and peeled garlic and Greek yogurt. Mix in the oregano, honey, and red wine vinegar and season with salt and black pepper. Use a whisk to combine them.

Greek marinade for chicken recipe

 

Take the chicken and add to the marinade bowl or bag then put in the fridge for a minimum of two hours, ideally overnight.

Greek chicken marinade

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees (390 F) and roast the marinated chicken for 20-30 minutes depending on the size. You might need nearer 40 minutes for something like bone in chicken thighs.

Tip: If you used chicken with skin on, transfer them to a grill and heat until the skin is crispy with a good level of caramelization.

Greek chicken marinade

How to cook the marinated chicken on the grilled pan or barbecue

If you want to grill the chicken instead, use a direct heat to caramelize the meat before moving it to the edge of the pan to cook indirectly.

I do not recommend the griddle pan method, only the barbecue for skin on or bone in pieces of chicken, though skin on, bone in chicken thighs can be browned in the pan before being transferred to the oven to cook through.

Greek marinade for chicken

 

Variations

There are two main variations for this Greek Marinade for chicken. First one is with yogurt and the second one is with lemon juice.

While I always use olive oil for marinades, you can switch the type of oil you use depending on the style of dish you want to use the chicken in. So you could use sesame oil for Asian style dishes or canola or vegetable oil for Mexican or American style dishes.

Best Greek marinade for chicken

Making ahead of time and storing

You can store the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat it to use in different recipes.

Can you reuse leftover marinade?

You shouldn’t reuse a marinade that has contained uncooked chicken unless it has been cooked in some way. That’s because there’s harmful bacteria that can come from raw chicken and pass through the marinade.

As a best practice, if you want to use your marinade more than once, simply set aside a portion of the marinade in the fridge before you add the raw chicken. This leftover marinade can be safely used later for 2-3 days.

Greek marinated chicken

Serving suggestions

You can serve the chicken as it or can serve it alongside other Greek favorites such as salads:

  1. Greek Orzo Salad (Orzo feta salad)
  2. Traditional Greek salad (Xoriatiki)
  3. Delicious Greek Lentil Salad Recipe with Feta cheese (Fakes Salata)
  4. Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad recipe
  5. Grilled Halloumi and Roasted Vegetables Salad Recipe
  6. Greek Pasta Salad recipe
  7. Greek chickpea salad

You could also serve it alongside some easy lemon rice, Greek lemon potatoes or vegetable dishes you love.

Greek marinade for chicken recipe

Other delicious chicken recipes

Find out how to make Greek yogurt from scratch with my super easy recipe!

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Greek marinade for chicken

Greek marinade for chicken

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (19 votes, average: 4.37 out of 5)
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  • Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 portions
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: Greek

Description

All you need to take your chicken to the next level is a simple yet full of Mediterranean flavours marinade! And I have just the perfect Greek marinade for chicken for you to try!


Ingredients

For Greek chicken marinade

  • 90ml extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup)
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 large garlic cloves
  • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (or the juice of 1 lemon) 
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano 
  • 1 tbsp runny honey
  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • black pepper
  • 500g chicken thighs, breasts, or other chicken pieces, skin on or off (1 lb 1 1/2 oz)


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl or ziplock bag combine the oil, lemon zest, garlic cloves, peeled and crushed, Greek yogurt (or the juice of the lemon, if you don’t have any Greek yogurt to hand), dried oregano, honey, red wine vinegar, salt and plenty of black pepper. Whisk to combine.
  2. Add your choice of chicken pieces and marinate in the fridge for at least two hours, but preferably overnight.
  3. In the oven: In a 200 degrees (390 fahrenheit) oven roast the chicken pieces for 20-30 minutes depending on their size (40 minutes for bone in chicken thighs) until the meat is cooked through. If the pieces still have their skin, finish them under a hot grill if needed to get nice crispy skin and a good level of caramelisation. 
  4. On a griddle pan or barbecue: Cook on a direct heat until the meat is caramelised before moving to the edge of the pan or an area of indirect heat to cook through. We do not recommend the griddle pan method, only the barbecue for skin on or bone in pieces of chicken, though skin on, bone in chicken thighs can be browned in the pan before being transferred to the oven to cook through. 

Keywords: greek marinade for chicken, greek yogurt marinade for chicken, greek lemon marinade for chicken

 

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Greek Chickpea salad with Feta cheese https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/greek-chickpea-salad-with-feta-cheese/ https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/greek-chickpea-salad-with-feta-cheese/#respond Wed, 02 Aug 2023 09:52:59 +0000 https://www.mygreekdish.com/?p=271266 A super healthy, colourful and absolutely delicious Greek chickpea salad made with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, feta cheese and a homemade Greek dressing! The perfect side dish for grilled […]

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A super healthy, colourful and absolutely delicious Greek chickpea salad made with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, feta cheese and a homemade Greek dressing! The perfect side dish for grilled meats or as a light and satisfying vegetarian meal!

Greek Chickpea salad recipe with feta

What is Greek Chickpea Salad

Greek Chickpea Salad is a refreshing salad made with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and feta cheese, all dressed in a simple yet delicious homemade Greek dressing. Greek chickpea salad is not only delicious and nutritious but also easy to make and great for meal prep.

  • Delicious salad alternative: Great if you aren’t a fan of leafy greens
  • Loads of taste: The combination of chickpeas with tomato, olive and feta cheese, and fresh herbs makes it packed with flavor.

What you’ll need to make Greek Chickpea Salad the traditional way

To make the perfect Greek chickpea salad make sure to use some good quality fresh ingredients! Some extra virgin olive oil for the dressing, Greek feta cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives.

Kalamata olives are typically considered an essential ingredient in this salad as they provide a distinct flavor and texture. To use Kalamata olives in a traditional Greek Chickpea Salad, you can either pit them and then slice them or leave them whole if you prefer.

If you can’t get Kalamata olives, you can use other types of olives instead, such as black or green olives. While they won’t be exactly the same as Kalamata olives, they will still add a salty, savory flavor to the salad. 

Greek Chickpea Salad Key Ingredients

  • Salad: You’ll need two tins of chickpeas for the recipe, along with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and olives. Fresh dill and mint add flavor to it.
  • Vinaigrette: This is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  • Salad topping: Feta cheese is perfect for crumbling onto the top of the salad.

Greek Chickpea salad ingredients

Greek chickpea salad Key Preparation Tips

There are just two main steps in creating this recipe:

  1. Create the salad
  2. Make the vinaigrette and serve

Create the salad

After draining the chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water until the water running out of the bottom of the container runs clear. Then, allow the chickpeas to sit and drain any remaining water.

Cut the cherry tomatoes into four pieces and add them to a big mixing bowl. Slice the cucumber into quarters after peeling it. Add the finely chopped red onion and quartered olives to the tomato bowl along with the cucumber.

Chop the fresh herbs into small pieces and put them in the bowl with the drained chickpeas.

Greek Chickpea salad prep

Make the vinaigrette for Greek chickpea salad

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Pour the mixture over the salad and stir until the dressing coats everything.

Add the crumbled feta to the salad and gently mix it with the dressing, ensuring that the cheese is evenly coated while maintaining its texture.

Taste the dish to determine if it requires additional salt and pepper, then proceed with serving it.

Greek Chickpea salad preparation

Should you use fresh or canned chickpeas for Greek chickpea salad?

Canned chickpeas are already cooked, which saves you time and makes the salad easier to prepare. Additionally, canned chickpeas have a consistent texture, which ensures that all of the chickpeas in the salad will have the same texture and flavor.

When using canned chickpeas, you only need to rinse them and drain them before adding them to the salad.

Using dried chickpeas requires preparation and cooking time, which may not be practical for making a quick and simple salad. While dried chickpeas can be more flavorful and have a better texture than canned chickpeas, they also need time to cook them.

Using canned chickpeas is a quick and easy way to make this Greek Chickpea Salad recipe, but it’s up to you to decide!

Greek Chickpea salad feta cheese

Variations

There are many variations of Greek Chickpea Salad that you can make to add your own unique twist to the dish. Here are a few ideas:

  • Add avocado slices: Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to the salad.
  • Use a different dressing: Try a different dressing, such as a lemon-tahini or balsamic vinaigrette, for a different flavor profile.
  • Add fresh herbs: Chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill can add freshness and brightness to the salad.
  • Use different vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the salad to add more color and nutrition.
  • Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added to the salad to make it more filling and satisfying.
  • Use a different type of cheese: If you don’t like feta cheese, use goat cheese or shaved Parmesan instead.
  • Add nuts or seeds: Toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds can add crunch and nutrition to the salad.

These are just a few ways to customize your Greek Chickpea Salad. The possibilities are endless!

Chickpea salad Greek

Making ahead of time and storing

To enjoy Greek chickpea salad at its best, we don’t recommend keeping it in the fridge for more than 24 hours after assembly. You can store it in an airtight container.

If you want to make it ahead, wait to add the vinaigrette until you are ready to serve it to keep the ingredients fresh.

Serving suggestions

Traditional Greek Chickpea Salad is typically served as a main dish for a light and healthy lunch or dinner or as a side dish to accompany a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas for what you can serve with it:

  1. Grilled chicken or fish: Grilled chicken or fish pairs well with Greek Chickpea Salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  2. Souvlaki or kebab: Grilled souvlaki or kebab, whether it’s made of meat or vegetables, is a classic Greek dish that goes well with Chickpea Salad.
  3. Pita bread: Warm, soft pita bread perfectly accompanies Greek Chickpea Salad.
  4. Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, are a great side dish to serve alongside the salad.
  5. Couscous: Couscous or quinoa can be cooked and served with Greek Chickpea Salad to make it more filling and satisfying.
  6. Hummus and vegetables: A platter of fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and sliced cucumbers, with a side of hummus, is a simple and delicious side dish that complements the flavors of the salad.
  7. Starters such as fried halloumi, saganaki, keftedes and tzatziki.

Ultimately, the salad is versatile and pairs well with many different dishes.

Greek Chickpea salad with feta

Other salads for you to try 

If you love my salad, then you’ll also love my following handpicked recommendations!

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Greek Chickpea salad

Greek Chickpea salad with Feta cheese

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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  • Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2-4 portions
  • Category: Salad
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A super healthy, colourful and absolutely delicious Greek chickpea salad made with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, feta cheese and a homemade Greek dressing! The perfect side dish for grilled meats or as a light and satisfying vegetarian meal!


Ingredients

  • 2 x 400g tins chickpeas (2 x 14 oz)
  • 200g cherry tomatoes (7 oz)
  • 1/2 English cucumber (approx. 160g / 5 1/2 oz)
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 2 handfuls Kamalata olives
  • 10g fresh dill (1/3 oz)
  • 10g fresh mint (1/3 oz)
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 150g feta (5 1/4 oz)


Instructions

  1. Drain the chickpeas and rinse them until the cold tap until the water coming out the bottom runs clean. Set aside to let any excess water drain.
  2. Quarter the cherry tomatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Peel the cucumber and cut into quartered slices. Finely chop the red onion, and quarter the olives, adding the cucumber, onion and olives to the tomato bowl.
  3. Roughly chop the fresh herbs, and add them to the bowl along with the drained chickpeas.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and vinegar along with a generous pinch of salt and a good amount of black pepper. Pour over the salad and stir until everything is coated in the dressing.
  5. Crumble in the feta, and fold it into the salad carefully, making sure it is coated in the dressing but that it does not break down too much. Check the seasoning to see if it needs any more salt and pepper, and serve. 

Keywords: greek chickpea salad

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Easy Beef Gyro recipe wrapped in Pita bread https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/easy-beef-gyro-recipe-wrapped-in-pita-bread/ https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/easy-beef-gyro-recipe-wrapped-in-pita-bread/#respond Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:03:02 +0000 https://www.mygreekdish.com/?p=270136 Are you looking for a delicious, homemade meal that is easy to make and cooked in 20 minutes? Look no further than Greek beef gyro with the most flavourful marinade!  […]

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Are you looking for a delicious, homemade meal that is easy to make and cooked in 20 minutes? Look no further than Greek beef gyro with the most flavourful marinade! 

This classic Greek dish combines thin slices of marinated beef with an array of flavorful toppings to create a tantalizing combination of textures and flavors!

So grab your ingredients and get ready to make the best pan fried beef gyro just like served in your favorite Greek taverns!

Souvlaki with Beef Gyro recipe

What is Beef Gyro?

Beef gyros is a delicious Greek street food that is easy to prepare and perfect for any time of the day! Ok except maybe breakfast.. 😉

Slices of beef are marinated in a combination of spices and grilled to perfection. The juicy meat is then stuffed inside a warm pita bread with a variety of toppings such as tomatoes, onions, fries, lettuce and tzatziki sauce. 

The resulting combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of mouthwatering. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this pan fried Greek beef gyro is a fantastic way to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for delicious, homemade food!

  • Easy to make: This is a really simple recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment
  • Cooks in 20 minutes: There’s a bit of preparation needed, but cooking time is only 20 minutes

Beef Gyro souvlaki recipe

 

What you’ll need to make Beef Gyro souvlaki the traditional way

If you want to make authentic Greek Beef Gyro, you’ll need some key ingredients to get that traditional flavors. Sweet and smoked paprika and dried oregano are essential seasonings for achieving that savory and fragrant taste.

The best way to serve beef gyros is nothing other than wrapped in a delicious traditional Greek pita. Finding the original Greek pita can be quite challenging as most supermarkets stock only the arabian style ones but you can most likely find them at your local Greek deli or amazon (here and here)!  

Or try making your own homemade pita bread with my super easy recipe!

Greek Pita Bread prepared in a bread machine

Of course authentic Greek tzatziki is the preferred sauce to garnish with. Most Greeks enjoy their traditional Greek souvlaki with some potato fries stuffed in the pita so feel free to try adding some as well.

 

With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and authentic Greek meal.

Beef Gyro Key Ingredients

Marinated beef:  You’ll need 500g of beef steak along with juice and zest of a lemon, garlic, dried oregano, salt, runny honey, hot and sweet paprika and some black pepper.

Potato fries (optional): Choose a waxy potato and use oil for cooking them in.

Beef Gyros wrap (souvlaki): To make the beef gyro wrap (souvlaki) you’ll need some pita bread (use our Homemade Pita Bread to make your own), Authentic Greek Tzatziki, red onion, tomatoes and shredded lettuce (optional).

Beef Gyro ingredients

Key Preparation Tips

There are three main steps involved with this Beef gyro recipe:

  1. Marinate the beef steak
  2. Cook the steak and make the gyros
  3. Make the potato fries and assemble the beef gyro wrap (souvlaki)

Beef gyro marinade

To prepare the beef gyro, marinate the beef one day in advance to let the flavours to mingle. In a dish that can fit the steaks in one layer, mix together the lemon juice and zest, crushed garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, honey, paprika, and a generous amount of black pepper.

Rub the marinade into all sides of the beef using your hands. After that, put the beef covered in the fridge and let marinate overnight.

Beef Gyro marinade

Cook the beef gyro

Heat a non-stick frying pan or seasoned skillet over high heat for a few minutes on each side to cook the beef. If the pan is in danger of burning, reduce the heat slightly. It is important to ensure a caramelized crust.

Beef Gyro

After removing the pan from the heat, trim off any excess fat and thinly slice the steaks. Before serving, return the slices to the pan and coat them well with the pan juices.

Beef Gyro preparation

Make the potato fries

To make the potato fries, start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into strips. Then, toss them in a sieve with a generous amount of salt and let them drain for 20 minutes.

Heat a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over high heat and add enough olive oil to cover the potatoes by a couple of inches. Make sure to leave at least 1/3 of the pan empty to allow the oil to bubble up while cooking.

After the oil starts shimmering, drop a potato strip into the oil to test its temperature. The potato strip should immediately start bubbling and frying if the oil is hot enough to cook.

To cook the potatoes until they turn golden, add the remaining potatoes to the pan and fry them until golden and crispy.

After cooking the fries, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with kitchen paper. Then season with salt.

Serve the beef gyro wrapped in pita bread with fries, Tzatziki, red onion, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.

What’s the best beef to use for beef gyro?

When it comes to making delicious beef gyros, the quality of the meat is important, but you don’t have to break the bank to achieve a great result!

Rather than splurging on expensive cuts, opt for a more affordable option that is still suitable for pan searing and has a good amount of marbled fat. This will ensure that your meat is tender, juicy and flavorful once you marinate it with your favorite spices and herbs.

Beef Gyro souvlaki

How do you stop onions from being so sharp?

We’ve all been there – you’re prepping for dinner and slicing an onion when suddenly, the sharp smell overwhelms your senses. It’s no secret that raw onions can pack a punch, but fear not, there’s an easy solution.

Try this trick the next time you cook with onions and taste the difference! Simply soak the slices in a bowl of cold water for at least 20 minutes before draining and patting dry. This will not only remove some of the harshness but also leave the onion crispier and more enjoyable to eat.

Variations

Pan-fried Greek beef gyros is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some variations you can try:

  • Classic Greek beef Gyro Pita wrap: Layer thinly sliced beef in a pita with tzatziki sauce, onion, tomato and fries.
  • Beef Gyro Salad: Place sliced beef on a bed of lettuce and add cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Dress with tzatziki sauce or Greek vinaigrette.
  • Beef Gyro Pizza: Spread pizza dough with tzatziki sauce and top with beef, tomato, onion, and feta cheese.
  • Beef Gyro Sliders: Serve small beef gyros on slider buns with onion, tomato, and tzatziki sauce.
  • Beef Gyro Nachos: Spread pita chips with tzatziki sauce and top with beef, feta cheese, and diced tomatoes.
  • Beef Gyro Omelette: Add sliced beef, feta cheese, and serve your omellete with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Gyro fries: Place the fries on a platter, then top with the beef gyro, some tzatziki sauce on top and diced tomatoes and onions.

Tip: To make a lighter version of the the dish replace the potato fries with my homemade version of baked potato fries.

Homemade Baked Greek Fries recipe with feta cheese

Making ahead of time and storing

To store leftover beef gyro it is best to store every component separately. Wrap the beef separately from the pita and toppings to prevent any sogginess.

Place the beef in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Place the pita and any toppings in separate airtight containers or bags then store the containers or bags in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat the beef in a pan over medium heat until warm. Assemble the gyros by placing the warm beef in the pita, topping with your desired toppings, and adding tzatziki sauce, if desired.

Note that tzatziki sauce should be stored separately from the gyros components and can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Authentic Greek Tzatziki sauce recipe

By storing your gyros components separately and in airtight containers, you can keep them fresh and ready for a delicious and convenient meal later on.

Serving suggestions

In addition to pita bread and tzatziki sauce, there are many delicious sides and accompaniments that you can serve with beef gyros. Here are a few options:

  • Greek Salad: A classic side dish with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, and feta cheese topped with a Greek vinaigrette.
  • Lemon Potatoes: Roasted potatoes tossed with lemon juice, garlic, and oregano for a flavorful side dish.
  • Grilled Vegetables: In-season vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant can be grilled or roasted and served with the gyros.
  • Pilaf Rice: A fragrant, flavorful side dish made with rice, herbs, and chicken or vegetable broth.
  • Greek Fries: French fries coated with lemon juice, feta, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist on a classic side dish.
  • Greek potato salad: a simple and delicious combination of potatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, red onion, garlic, dill and feta cheese.
  • Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, served cold as an appetizer or side dish.
  • Greek Yogurt: A creamy and tangy side dish, perfect to balance the flavors in the gyros.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Experiment with different sides and accompaniments to find your favorite combination!

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Beef Gyro souvlaki

Easy Beef Gyro recipe wrapped in Pita bread

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (86 votes, average: 4.93 out of 5)
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  • Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
  • Prep Time: 40 min
  • Cook Time: 20 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 portions
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: Greek

Description

Make your own traditional Greek souvlaki with beef gyro with this easy to follow recipe and discover what makes this dish the most popular Greek street food!


Ingredients

Beef gyro marinade

  • juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 large garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano 
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp runny honey
  • 1/2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp hot smoked paprika
  • black pepper, to taste
  • 500g beef steak

For the potato fries (optional)

  • 250g waxy potatoes (9 oz)
  • oil
  • salt

For the Beef Gyro pita wrap



Instructions

Beef Gyro marinade

  1. Marinate the steak a day ahead. In a dish just big enough to sit the steaks in a single layer whisk together the juice and zest of the lemon, the garlic cloves, crushed, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, honey, paprika and a good amount of black pepper. Add the steaks and using your hands rub the marinade into all of the exposed meat. Cover and transfer to the fridge to marinate overnight.

For the potato fries

  1. If you’re making the fries, peel the potatoes, and cut into strips. Toss in a sieve with a generous amount of salt and set aside to drain for 20 minutes. 
  2. Heat a couple of inches of oil in the bottom of a large, heavy bottomed saucepan over a high heat, enough to generously cover the potatoes but allowing at least 1/3 of empty space in the pan to allow the oil to bubble up during cooking. 
  3. Once the oil is shimmering, check the oil is hot enough to cook by adding a chip; it should start bubbling and frying instantly. Add the rest to the pan and cook for roughly 10 minutes, until the potatoes are lovely and golden. To make sure they cook evenly, stir occasionally with a long handled slotted spoon, but don’t touch them for the first 5 minutes of cooking time or else they’ll stick to the bottom of the pan. 
  4. Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the pan with the slotted spoon onto a plate lined with kitchen paper, and season again with salt.

For the Beef Gyro pita wrap (souvlaki)

  1. Heat a non-stick frying pan or a seasoned skillet over a high heat and cook the steaks to your liking, a few minutes on each side. Make sure you have a nice caramelised crust, but reduce the heat a little if you’re in danger of getting burnt pieces in the pan.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat, and thinly slice the steaks, trimming off any excess fat. Return the slices to the pan and make sure they’re all coated in the pan juices before serving
  3. Wrap the beef gyro with the olive oil chips, pita bread, Tzatziki, red onion, tomatoes and shredded lettuce. 
  4. To serve, spread some tzatziki sauce on the pita breads and top with the beef gyros, some slices of red onion, some sliced tomato, fries and lettuce and wrap.

Keywords: beef gyros recipe, Greek beef gyro, beef gyros marinade, homemade beef gyros, souvlaki gyro

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How to cook Halloumi cheese (Pan fried and Grilled Halloumi recipe) https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/how-to-cook-halloumi-cheese-pan-fried-and-grilled-halloumi-recipe/ https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/how-to-cook-halloumi-cheese-pan-fried-and-grilled-halloumi-recipe/#respond Thu, 27 Apr 2023 09:19:29 +0000 https://www.mygreekdish.com/?p=269475 If you love the taste of halloumi cheese, you’ll be pleased to know that you can cook it in various ways in no time! From pan fried halloumi to grilled […]

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If you love the taste of halloumi cheese, you’ll be pleased to know that you can cook it in various ways in no time! From pan fried halloumi to grilled halloumi, there are plenty of options for how to cook Halloumi cheese, this delicious Mediterranean cheese!

Pan fried Halloumi recipe

In this post, we’ll discuss two simple methods and recipes for how to cook halloumi cheese using a pan. The first method is grilled halloumi in a grill pan and the second is pan fried halloumi with honey and sesame seeds. Both of which will give you a delicious result each time!

Tip: You could also use an outdoor barbecue to grill halloumi.

Fried Halloumi cheese with honey and sesame

What is Halloumi Cheese?

Halloumi cheese is a firm, salty cheese made from sheep and/or goat milk originating in Cyprus. It is a semi-hard and unripened cheese that is tangy and salty.

Halloumi cheese has become increasingly popular in recent years as both an ingredient in Mediterranean dishes and as part of modern fusion cuisine. 

  • Traditional cheese: Halloumi cheese comes from Cyprus and is a favorite in Greek recipes.
  • Halloumi cheese has a high melting point, so the outside sears and becomes crisp and charred or browned (depending on the cooking method), while the inside is deliciously warm and chewy.

How to cook perfectly Halloumi cheese

Grilled Halloumi Key Ingredients

Halloumi Cheese: A block of halloumi around 250g or 8 ounces works well for two portions.
Other ingredients: You’ll want some olive oil, juice of half a large lemon and either mixed pepper or black pepper to taste.

Grilled Halloumi Key Preparation Tips

There are just four steps to make simple grilled halloumi:

  • Remove the halloumi from the packaging and use some kitchen towel to dry it as much as possible. Cut it into eight pieces.
  • Heat a griddle pan to a very high heat. You want your grill pan to be nice and hot before adding the cheese! This helps prevent sticking. Brush each piece of halloumi with olive oil and season.
  • Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Don’t move it around the pan to create nice brown lines on it.
  • Remove from the heat and squeeze over the lemon juice before serving. Enjoy!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Pan Fried Halloumi with Honey & Sesame Key Ingredients

Halloumi Cheese: Use the same 250g or 8 ounces for this recipe.

For this fried Halloumi recipe, you’ll need olive oil, runny honey, lemon juice, and some sesame seeds.

Tip: Use the best honey you have here as you can really taste the flavour in the finished dish.

Pan fried Halloumi recipe ingredients

Fried Halloumi Key Preparation Tips

To prepare this fried Halloumi remove the cheese from the packaging and use some kitchen towel to dry it, then cut it into eight pieces.

Heat a thick bottom frying pan over medium heat and toast the sesame seeds for around 1 minute until colored. Remove from the pan, making sure you wipe out any stray seeds.

Return the pan to the heat, add oil and heat until shimmering, then add the cheese. Cook on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden.

How to cook Halloumi cheese

Spoon the honey over the cheese, then flip and as soon as the honey starts to bubble, remove it from the heat.
Serve with lemon juice drizzled over it, the remaining honey from the pan over it and topped with sesame seeds.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Pan fried Halloumi cheese with honey and sesame

Can you use different pepper on the cheese?

Using a mixture of peppercorns, including green and pink on the halloumi adds a variety of different flavors to the cheese. Pink peppercorns work particularly well.

However, regular freshly ground black pepper is a delicious alternative. If you don’t have a grinder for different peppercorns, they can be crushed using a pestle and mortar.

Variations

Instead of pepper or honey and sesame seeds, other variations that can be added to halloumi include garlic, herbs such as oregano or basil, cumin, chili flakes, lemon juice, olive oil and paprika.

Pan fried Halloumi cheese recipe

Other creative additions could include sautéed mushrooms, grated apple, or even diced tomatoes. Whatever you decide to add to your dish, be sure to balance out the flavors to get the desired taste.

Making ahead of time and storing

Leftover grilled halloumi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, put it on a grill or pan over medium heat until heated through.

Alternatively, you can also reheat it in a microwave. Before serving, make sure to check that the halloumi has been heated all the way through.

Serving suggestions

Grilled or fried halloumi can be enjoyed with a variety of Greek appetisers such as:

Popular options include salads (Greek salad) roasted vegetables, couscous, rice, or quinoa. You could also serve fried or grilled halloumi alongside some village breadpita bread and hummus for a delicious and filling meal.

For something more unique, try serving it with grilled fruit such as peaches, plums, or apricots for a sweet and savory dish. Enjoy!

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How to cook Halloumi cheese (Pan fried or Grilled)

How to cook Halloumi cheese (Pan fried and Grilled Halloumi recipe)

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  • Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 portions
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Fried/ Grilled
  • Cuisine: Greek

Description

If you love the taste of halloumi cheese, you’ll be pleased to know that you can cook it in various ways in no time! From pan fried halloumi to grilled halloumi, there are plenty of options for how to cook Halloumi cheese, this delicious Mediterranean cheese!


Ingredients

Grilled Halloumi cheese (Grill Pan Method)

  • 250g block halloumi cheese (approx. 8 oz)
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • mixed pepper or black pepper to taste
  • juice of 1/2 large lemon

Pan Fried Halloumi with Honey & Sesame

  • 1 tsp sesame seeds
  • 250g block halloumi cheese (approx. 8 oz)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp runny honey
  • juice of 1/2 lemon


Instructions

Grilled Halloumi cheese (Grill Pan Method)

  1. Remove the halloumi from any packaging and pat as dry as possible with a piece of kitchen towel. Slice into 8 pieces (approx. 1/2 inch, 1.3cm thick) and pat each piece dry with a fresh piece of paper.
  2. Heat a seasoned or non-stick griddle pan over a very high heat. Meanwhile brush each halloumi piece with olive oil and season well with freshly ground pepper.
  3. Cook the cheese for a minute or two on each side, trying not to move it around the pan so it forms nice golden lines.
  4. Remove from the heat and squeeze over the lemon juice before serving immediately.

Pan Fried Halloumi with Honey & Sesame

  1. Remove the halloumi from any packaging and pat as dry as possible with a piece of kitchen towel. Slice into 8 pieces, and pat each piece dry with a fresh piece of paper.
  2. Heat a very bottomed, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Toast the sesame seeds for about a minute until just coloured, and remove from the pan.
  3. Wipe any stray seeds from the pan and return it to a medium high heat. Add the oil and once it is shimmering, add the halloumi. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
  4. Spoon the honey over the top of the halloumi slices. Flip them, and the moment the honey starts to bubble, remove the pan from the heat. Squeeze over the lemon juice.
  5. Serve the halloumi immediately with the honey from the pan drizzled over the top, and the toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over each slice.

Keywords: fried halloumi, grilled halloumi, how to cook halloumi cheese

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Easy Greek Potato Salad (Patatosalata) https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/easy-greek-potato-salad-patatosalata/ https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/easy-greek-potato-salad-patatosalata/#respond Sun, 23 Apr 2023 11:06:52 +0000 https://www.mygreekdish.com/?p=269216 Looking for a delicious and flavorful side dish or a light meal? This Greek potato salad (Patatosalata) is the answer! This classic Mediterranean dish is perfect for any occasion and […]

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Looking for a delicious and flavorful side dish or a light meal? This Greek potato salad (Patatosalata) is the answer! This classic Mediterranean dish is perfect for any occasion and pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, grilled lamb, or other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Read on to learn about the best potatoes for Greek potato salad and how to make this easy and flavourful dish to perfection!

What is Greek Potato Salad (Patatosalata)?

Greek potato salad (Patatosalata) is a classic rustic dish. It’s a simple and delicious combination of potatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, red onion, garlic, dill and feta cheese.

All the ingredients are mixed together and is served cold or at room temperature to allow the the flavours to mix!

Easy Greek Potato Salad (Patatosalata)

This is a great side dish to serve with grilled meats or fish or as part of a summer meal. Enjoy Greek potato salad as an easy and flavorful way to enjoy the best flavors of Greece!

  • Easy to make: This is a simple dish that’s ready in around half an hour
  • Scale as you need: Make as much salad as you need for bigger occasions

Greek Potato Salad Key Ingredients

  • Potatoes: You’ll need around 750g of baby potatoes for this recipe to serve up to six people.
  • Salad ingredients: This potato salad recipe uses feta cheese, red onion, capers and lemon juice, along with fresh dill and parsley.

Greek Potato Salad Ingredients (Patatosalata)

Key Preparation steps for Greek Potato Salad

There are just two main steps in creating this potato salad recipe:

  1. Cook the potatoes
  2. Create the salad

Cook the potatoes

Put the potatoes in a pan of cold water with lots of salt and bring to the boil. Cook for 20 minutes until tender, then drain and leave them to cool.

Greek Potato Salad preparation (Patatosalata)

Create Greek Potato salad

Take a large bowl and whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. Half the potatoes and add them to the bowl, then crumble in the feta.

Greek Potato Salad preparation

Peel and finely chop the onion, then add to the potatoes.

Add the drained capers, chopped herbs and a good amount of black pepper.

Fold together the ingredients and season as needed. Leave to set for 20 minutes to let the flavors mix before serving.

Greek Potato Salad recipe

What are the best potatoes for Greek potato salad?

For the best flavor and texture, the ideal potatoes to use in Greek potato salad are waxy varieties such as red potatoes or new potatoes.

These types of potatoes are lower in starch and will hold their shape better when boiled, resulting in a delicious and sturdy salad. Yukon Gold or russet potatoes can also be used but may break down more quickly.

What could you use in Greek potato salad in place of feta cheese?

If you’re looking for a substitute for feta cheese in Greek potato salad, try substituting it with crumbled goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative. Both of these options will give the dish a tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to that of feta.

Consider adding capers or kalamata olives to add additional Mediterranean flair and saltiness.

Easy Greek Potato Salad

What can you add if you don’t like capers?

If you don’t like capers, you can still achieve a similar flavor in a Greek potato salad with other Mediterranean ingredients. Try adding roasted red peppers or chopped artichoke hearts to give the dish extra texture and flavor.

Or, go with something more traditional and opt for chopped green olives or sun-dried tomatoes to give your Greek potato salad an extra punch. Finally, if you’re looking to add a bit of sweetness, consider some diced shallots.

Variations

Greek potato salad can be easily adapted to suit different tastes. For a saucier version of the dish, use plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and add diced cucumbers or tomatoes for a refreshing twist.

Add chili flakes or replace the feta cheese with crumbled goat cheese for a spicier version.

Substitute olives for the red onion and oregano for dill to give it a Mediterranean flair.

Easy Greek Potato Salad recipe

 

Serving suggestions

Greek potato salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with roasted chicken or fish, grilled lamb, or other Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

It can also be served as a light lunch or dinner on its own, topped with chopped fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, or parsley.

Try adding a few Kalamata olives, feta cheese and village bread for an easy and flavorful meal!

Greek Potato Salad recipe (Patatosalata)

Other delicious Greek salads

If you love my salad, then you’ll also love my following handpicked recommendations!

  1. Greek Orzo Salad (Orzo feta salad)
  2. Traditional Greek salad (Xoriatiki)
  3. Delicious Greek Lentil Salad Recipe with Feta cheese (Fakes Salata)
  4. Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad recipe
  5. Grilled Halloumi and Roasted Vegetables Salad Recipe
  6. Greek Pasta Salad recipe
  7. Greek chickpea salad
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Greek Potato Salad (Patatosalata)

Easy Greek Potato Salad (Patatosalata)

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (78 votes, average: 4.92 out of 5)
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  • Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling and resting time)
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 portions
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiled
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Looking for a delicious and flavorful side dish or a light meal? This Greek potato salad (Patatosalata) is the answer! A classic Mediterranean dish perfect for any occasion!


Ingredients

  • 750800g baby potatoes (roughly 1 3/4 lb)
  • salt
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 100g feta (3 1/2 oz)
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 4 tbsp capers in brine
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped flat leaf parsley
  • black pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. To prepare this Greek potato salad recipe start by boiling the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a pan of cold water with a very generous amount of salt and bring to the boil. Cook until tender; this should take about 20 minutes. Drain, and set aside to cool.
  2. To assemble the salad, in the bottom of a large bowl whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and the fresh lemon juice.
  3. Halve the potatoes into the bowl, then crumble in the feta. Peel and finely chop the red onion, before adding it to the potatoes along with the drained capers, chopped herbs and a good amount of black pepper.
  4. Fold together the salad and season to taste with more salt and pepper, if needed. Set aside to allow the flavours to blend for at least 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Keywords: greek potato salad, patatosalata

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Imam Bayildi recipe https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/imam-bayildi-recipe/ https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/imam-bayildi-recipe/#comments Sun, 19 Mar 2023 10:51:01 +0000 https://www.mygreekdish.com/?p=268721 Imam Bayildi (stuffed eggplants) is a simple, delicious vegan dish, packed with so much flavor! An amazing combination of fresh aubergines stuffed with a juicy tomato based filling, caramelised onions, […]

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Imam Bayildi (stuffed eggplants) is a simple, delicious vegan dish, packed with so much flavor! An amazing combination of fresh aubergines stuffed with a juicy tomato based filling, caramelised onions, garlic with aromatic herbs and spices!

So, if you want to try something beyond traditional Greek dishes but stick with something that many Greeks enjoy, Imam Bayildi is a perfect idea. This dish is a classic of Ottoman and “Politiki” cuisine, that is the best way to serve eggplants (or aubergines if you like) and is really easy to make!

Imam Bayildi (stuffed eggplants)

What is Imam Bayildi?

Imam Bayildi is a classic vegetarian dish that can be served as a main or side dish. The story behind the name of the dish is that the first Imam to try it was so impressed by the flavor that he fainted! So the dish is called ‘the imam fainted’ in Turkish.

Vegan Imam Bayildi

What you’ll need to make Imam Bayildi the traditional way

You can make this Imam Bayildi recipe at any time of the year but to get the best results, it is worth using summer aubergines and the best tomatoes. But if you can’t get good quality plum tomatoes, you can use the tinned variety. You might find you need to add some sugar to the sauce as tinned tomatoes tend to be a bit more acidic and the sauce will be sharper.

Imam Bayildi Key Ingredients

Basics: For this imam Bayildi recipe, you will want 1 large eggplant per 2 portions you want to create. You’ll also want onion and garlic cloves along with plum tomatoes for the basics of the dish.

Seasoning: To add flavor to the ingredients, use cumin, smoked paprika, oregano and either a little fresh parsley or mint. Have some tomato puree to use to bind them together and a little black pepper to finish.

Imam Bayildi ingredients

Key Preparation steps 

There are three main steps involved with this Imam Bayildi recipe:

  1. Prepare the eggplant
  2. Make the filling 
  3. Finish the dish

Prepare the eggplant 

Preheat the oven to 150 degrees (300 F). Half the eggplant and score the flesh with a cross-hatch marking with the tip of the knife, being careful not to break the skin. Rub plenty of salt into the flesh and set it aside.

Imam Bayildi eggplant

Measure the olive oil in a cup or jug and keep it to one side by the stove. Add more oil to a large, non-stick frying pan over a high heat then fry the eggplant in batches, adding more oil as needed. The flesh needs to be golden.

Imam Bayildi-fry the auberginesPlace the cooked eggplant in a baking dish snugly.

Imam Bayildi prepare the eggplant

Make the filling for Imam Bayildi 

Reduce the heat under the pan to medium and cook the thinly sliced onions with a bit of oil and salt. Cook for 5-6 minutes until soft and starting to change color.

Imam Bayildi cook the onions

Finely slice the garlic cloves and add them to the pan then cook for another few minutes until soft and aromatic.
Roughly dice the tomatoes and add them to the pan, cooking for another 5 minutes until breaking down into a rough sauce.

Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano and fresh herbs with tomato puree and season with salt and black pepper.

Imam Bayildi prepare the filling

Tip: If you don’t like tomato skins in your sauce, the easiest thing to do is make a small cross on the top of each tomato with a sharp knife. Then submerge them in some boiled water. Once the water is cool enough to put your hands in, remove the tomatoes and the skin will come off.

Finish the dish

Remove the filling from the heat and stir in 4 tablespoons of water.

Use a spoon to add the mixture over the cut sides of the eggplant then drizzle with olive oil and cover the dish with foil.
Bake in the oven for 1 hour 30 minutes or until the eggplant is soft and has collapsed.

Leave to stand and serve warm or at room temperature.

Imam Bayildi ready to bake

Do you need to salt eggplants?

You may have heard that you need to salt eggplants before cooking them, but is this really necessary? Modern eggplant varieties are bred to be less bitter, so in most cases, there’s no need to salt them.

However, if you find that the eggplants you usually buy are bitter, or if you’re using an heirloom variety, it’s worth salting them.

To do this, simply season the eggplant halves with salt and leave them to sit for 30 minutes. This will help to remove any bitterness. Rinse the salt off and squeeze out any excess moisture before proceeding with the recipe.

It may seem strange to double-salt them, but the key to a delicious dish is to be bold with the seasoning!

Imam Bayildi

Making ahead of time and storing

If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool then store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can freeze it once it is cold and use a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for no more than 3 months and allow to defrost overnight before reheating in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Vegetarian Imam Bayildi

Serving suggestions

Imam Bayildi is great on its own but you can also serve it as part of a meze-style meal. You can serve it with some plain rice or steamed vegetables but avoid anything too spicy as this could make the meal too strongly flavored.

Imam Bayildi (stuffed aubergines)

Love eggplant? More recipes to try

Take a look at my some of my favorite Greek eggplant recipes like:

  1. Traditional Moussaka with aubergines and potatoes
  2. Stuffed eggplants with mince (Melitzanes papoutsakia)
  3. Eggplant dip (Melitzanosalata)
  4. Pan-fried battered eggplants (Melitzanes tiganites)
  5. Vegan Moussaka with Lentils 
  6. Vegetarian Moussaka with mushroom sauce
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Imam Bayildi recipe

Imam Bayildi recipe

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (97 votes, average: 4.78 out of 5)
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  • Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 pieces
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Politiki
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Imam Bayildi (stuffed eggplants) is a simple, delicious vegan dish, packed with so much flavor! An amazing combination of fresh aubergines stuffed with a juicy tomato based filling, caramelised onions, garlic with aromatic herbs and spices!


Ingredients

  • 2 large eggplant
  • salt
  • 150ml olive oil
  • 1 brown onion
  • 4 large garlic cloves
  • 4 large plum tomatoes
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree 
  • handful fresh parsley or mint, or a mixture of the two, plus extra to serve
  • black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 150 degrees (300 fahrenheit).
  2. To make this Imam bayildi recipe start by preparing the eggplants. Half the eggplant and score the flesh on a cross hatch, trying not the break the skin with the tip of your knife. Rub a generous amount of salt into the flesh, and set aside. 
  3. Measure out the olive oil in a measuring cup or jug, and keep it by the stove. Add a generous splash to a large, non-stick frying pan set over a high heat. Fry the eggplant, working in batches and adding a little more oil if necessary until their exposed flesh is golden. As you remove them from a pan, nestle them cut side up in a baking dish just large enough to fit them snugly.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, thinly sliced into half moons along with another splash of oil and another pinch of salt. Fry for 5-6 minutes or so until they’re soft and just starting to colour.
  5. Finely slice the garlic cloves before adding them to the pan and cook for another couple of minutes until they’re soft and aromatic. 
  6. Roughly dice the tomatoes and add them to the pan, cooking for a further 5 minutes until they start to break down into a rough sauce. Stir in the cumin, paprika, oregano, tomato puree and the fresh herbs, finely chopped. Season generously to taste with more salt and a little black pepper.
  7. Remove from the heat and stir in 4 tbsp of water before spooning the mixture over the exposed cut sides of the eggplant. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the dish before covering with foil and baking for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the aubergines and soft and have collapsed. 
  8. Leave to stand and serve either warm, or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Keywords: imam bayildi

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Greek Honey cake (Melopita Sifnos) https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/greek-honey-cake-melopita-sifnos/ https://www.mygreekdish.com/recipe/greek-honey-cake-melopita-sifnos/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2023 11:02:46 +0000 https://www.mygreekdish.com/?p=267737 If you are looking for a sweet treat, then this Greek Honey Cake (Melopita Sifnos) is a simple and delicious cake to make that will satisfy your craving. The sweetness […]

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If you are looking for a sweet treat, then this Greek Honey Cake (Melopita Sifnos) is a simple and delicious cake to make that will satisfy your craving. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the ricotta and the cake is really really easy to create with only 15′ prep time! So, let’s see how to make it!

Greek Melopita recipe (Greek Honey cake)

What is Greek Honey Cake (Melopita)

Greek Honey Cake is also known as Melopita and is a traditional honey cake made on the Greek island of Sifnos, in the Cyclades. It is a little like a cheesecake because it uses ricotta cheese and is very simple to make.

  • Classic honey cake: the traditional recipe only uses six main ingredients.
  • Delicious for any occasion: the cake works well at any time of the year.

Greek Melopita (Greek Honey cake)

What you’ll need to make Greek Honey Cake the traditional way

While ricotta isn’t a Greek cheese and instead comes from Italy, it is a big part of making this cake the traditional way. The traditional recipe uses anthotyro, but it’s really hard to find outside Greece.

Tip: Aim for the best ricotta you can afford, otherwise the end result may contain too much water, and will be prone to splitting. If you can only get watery ricotta, strain it for a couple of hours before using to remove as much liquid as you can.

Greek Honey cake ricotta (Melopita)

Greek Honey Cake Key Ingredients

For the mixture of melopita: You’ll need ricotta cheese and runny honey along with eggs, cornflour and vanilla extract or bean paste for the cake. Olive oil and lemon zest are the final ingredients.

For the topping: More runny honey and some ground cinnamon will be used to top the cake once it is cooled.

Greek Honey cake ingredients (Melopita)

Key Preparation Tips

There are just two main steps to making this recipe:

  1. Prepare the melopita cake
  2. Finish and decorate the cake

Prepare the melopita cake

Start by preheating the oven to 160C or 320F. Grease a spring form tin with a little olive oil, I usually use an 18cm or 7 inch one. Add some baking parchment to the bottom and the sides.

In a large bowl, beat the ricotta with a wooden spoon or whisk until it is smooth then beat in the honey. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly then add the cornflour, vanilla and lemon zest.

Preparation Greek Honey cake

Using a scraper to get the mixture into the baking tin and smooth it with the back of a spoon to get a level finish.

Tip: If you want to change a little of the flavor, you can substitute the lemon zest for orange zest.

Finish and decorate the cake

Bake the melopita in the oven until it is set, usually around 30 minutes. It will have some color around the sides.

Leave the cake to cool then transfer it to a plate from the tin. Add enough honey to cover the top and sprinkle generously with ground cinnamon.

Melopita (Greek Honey cake)

My melopita isn’t rising did I do something wrong?

It is worth remembering that this is a flat and dense cake mixture so don’t panic if it doesn’t rise while in the oven.

The Greek name melopita features ‘pita’ which means flat so the cake is more like a cheesecake than a sponge cake. But it does tend to stick like a baked cheesecake, so don’t forget to line the sides of the pan.

Greek Melopita (Greek Honey cake recipe)

Variations of Greek Honey cake

The traditional Melopita from the island of Sifnos is this simple and beloved version with no other additions. But one can also find some variations using phyllo dough as a base.

Also it is very common to use a base made from crushed biscuits, melted butter and a pinch of cinnamon, like this no bake cheesecake. So feel free to experiment!

Making ahead of time and storing

You can make this Greek honey cake cake ahead of time by carrying out the first steps and then stopping before cooking. Then simply cook when you are ready to serve and add the topping.

Keep any unused portions in the fridge due to the ricotta cheese and use them within 2-3 days.

Greek Honey cake recipe (Melopita Sifnou)

Serving suggestions

The cake can be served on its own or you can top it with some vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream would also work if you want to offset the sweetness of the honey a little. And of course, some crushed walnuts on top will give that extra crunchiness you may look for!

More recipes to try 

If you love Greek honey, the below recipes are made for you! Enjoy!

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Greek Honey cake (Melopita Sifnos)

Greek Honey cake (Melopita Sifnou)

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (82 votes, average: 4.87 out of 5)
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  • Author: Eli K. Giannopoulos
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 60 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 pieces
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Greek

Description

If you are looking for a sweet treat with only 15′ prep time, then this Greek Honey Cake (Melopita Sifnos) is a simple and delicious cake to make that will satisfy your craving!


Ingredients

  • olive oil
  • 660g ricotta (1 lb, 7 1/4 oz), at room temperature 
  • 100ml runny honey (5 1/2 tbsp), plus extra for drizzling
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature 
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • zest 1/2 lemon
  • ground cinnamon


Instructions

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 160C (320F). Grease a round loose bottomed 18cm (7 inch) cake tin with a little olive oil before lining both the bottom and the sides with baking parchment. 
  2. In a large bowl, use a wooden spoon or a whisk to beat the ricotta until smooth. Beat in the honey, followed by the eggs, one by one, the cornflour, the vanilla, and the lemon zest.
  3. Scrape the mixture into the prepared tin, smoothing the top with the back of your spoon. 
  4. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the middle is set not jiggly, and it has started to colour around the sides.
  5. Leave to cool in the tin before transferring to a plate and drizzling with just enough honey to cover the top, and sprinkling with a generous amount of cinnamon. Enjoy!

Keywords: greek honey cake, melopita, ricotta cake, honey cake

The post Greek Honey cake (Melopita Sifnos) appeared first on My Greek Dish.

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