Fried Octopus
How many ways are there to prepare octopus? There’s grilled, boiled, baked, I recently tried “sous vide” (and it was fantastic) and now there is fried. Regardless of how you’re going to eat octopus the key is to tenderize it. The old-school way in Greece was to bash it on rocks at the beach, some […]
Tsaitia
Here in Toronto, we have Greeks from all over Greece, much like other cities in the Greek diaspora. The origins of where those Greeks came from can (and will) vary depending on immigration patterns of that region in Greece. If a certain relative or villager went to say, Australia then more folks from that part […]
Salad of Smoked Eggplant Dressing With Graviera Croutons & Roasted Peppers
I love eggplant and it especially excels when its given a smoky flavour. The best way to do that is by blackening or charring it – ideally over a charcoal grill but a gas grill or stove-top works pretty good too. Broiling eggplant in the oven doesn’t do the job, save your time. When charring […]
Red Mullet Savoro Style
In Greece, there are big fish and there are little fish. The big fish are usually grilled and the small fish usually get fried. There are always some exceptions but one fish that’s usually fried is the red mullet – prized for its firm but sweet meat that also holds up well to frying. Red […]
Batzos Saganaki
One of the cornerstones of Greek cuisine has to be it’s cheeses…varied in taste, texture and many offerings coming from all parts of the country. I brought a cheese from Greece is called Batzos – not Batsos (Greek slang for Police/Cop). Batzos come from northern Greece and more specifically from central to western Macedonia (Naoussa […]
Fried Batzos With Makalo & Kefte
I figured I better squeeze in all the fried cheese while it’s still December and we can splurge on some richer foods (and eat them too)! I have just one thick slab of Batzo cheese left in the fridge – a cheese from northern Greece that I brought back this past summer. To refresh your […]
Pan-Fried Cajun Rainbow Trout
For those familiar with Toronto, you might remember the Whistling Oyster. Although I’m not a fan of basement establishments, this once used to be innovative, had an open kitchen, one could sit at a table or eat casually at the bar. I’ve been told it has since closed but I hold dear memories of eating […]
Red Pepper & Feta Pseudokeftedes
When I visit Greece I also head into Thessaloniki to have a lunch or dinner at one of my favourite restaurants in the city, “Kourdisto Gourouni” (Wind-up Pig). The Kourdisto Gourouni has old world charm, serving lots of beers, a good choice of Greek wines and lots of great food to be served with […]
Crispy Fried Onions
I love this garnish as it adds height to a dish, it’s easy to make and you’re damn right they taste good! The key here is to thinly slice the onions and I use my mandoline. Serve with a steak or any other meat & potatoes dish or even a big bowl for friends to […]
Fried Peppers
Almost everyone in Greece will have a garden of some degree. Even the apartment dwellers (there are many) will dedicate part of their balcony to some herbs, a tomato plant or some chilli peppers. My grandfather used to collect discarded Feta tins, fill them with soil and place the plants on the rooftop of the […]
