I've returned from the village, and my dad made sure that my basket was full of vegetables, eggs, oil, wine, cheese, etc. I have plenty of leeks, so I'm thinking of making a super tasty recipe with them. Baked leeks, with mushrooms and plenty of cheese.

For this recipe, we will need:

4-5 cleaned, washed, and halved leeks

Half a bunch of dill

2 eggs

1 cup grated feta cheese

150g white wine

150g sliced agaricus mushrooms

Salt and pepper

We saute the leeks together with the mushrooms. We deglaze with the wine and let them cook for a while. Then we set it aside and add the feta cheese and eggs after beating them.

We spread the mixture in our baking dish.

For the topping, I prefer to use a yogurt bechamel because I believe it goes better with the leeks and cheese, and it's lighter.

For the yogurt bechamel:

1 kilogram of yogurt

3 eggs

150g grated kefalotyri cheese

Salt, pepper, nutmeg

We put the yogurt in a bowl, add the eggs, the kefalotyri cheese (keeping some for sprinkling on top to create a crust). We beat everything together and pour it over the filling. We then place it in a preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.

For creamy bechamel sauce lovers, here are the ingredients:

100g butter

80g all-purpose flour

800g milk

80g grated kefalotyri cheese

Salt, pepper, nutmeg

Celery root, this root vegetable with its intense aroma and unique flavor, is a hidden treasure in the world of vegetables. With its white color and textured appearance, it offers a unique combination of taste and texture that can transform our dishes.

It is a sophisticated choice to enjoy the wonderful flavor of this delicious root. With its soft and velvety texture and rich, slightly sweet taste, celery root puree offers a gastronomic experience that will satisfy our senses.

In this recipe, we will show you how to prepare a celery root puree that will impress you. With few and simple ingredients, but with intense flavor, this recipe will guide you to create a puree that will impress your taste buds.

Here are our ingredients:

1 large celery root

1 potato

1 carrot

½ cup warm milk

2 tbsp fresh butter

Salt and pepper

Mashed potatoes are a classic dish loved by both young and old, and they make an excellent side for many meals. Simple to prepare, quick, and incredibly delicious, mashed potatoes can accompany a variety of dishes and create endless flavor combinations.

With its humble and easily accessible ingredients, mashed potatoes have the power to transform a simple meal into a creative and flavorful experience. The smooth texture and creamy taste create a balanced and satisfying culinary journey.

In this recipe, we will show you how to prepare mashed potatoes that will win over your taste buds. With the simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation, this recipe will help you create mashed potatoes that will impress your senses.

Ingredients:

• 1 kilogram of potatoes
• 80 grams of butter
• 150-200 grams of warm fresh milk
• Salt and pepper

Eggplant, with its beautiful black skin and creamy, rich flavor, is one of the most beloved ingredients in Mediterranean cuisine. And one of the best and most popular ways to enjoy eggplant in all its glory is through a sophisticated and flavorful mashed eggplant dish.

It combines the smoky, slightly sweet taste of eggplant with its smooth, velvety texture. It's a dish that exudes both luxury and simplicity, and can be used as a side dish or enjoyed on its own. The experience of culinary pleasure that mashed eggplant provides is simply unique.

In this recipe, we will show you how to prepare a mashed eggplant that will delight your senses. From the preparation of the eggplant to the final presentation of the dish, this recipe will guide you through a world of flavors and aromas that will captivate you.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium-sized globe eggplants
• 2 tablespoons of fresh butter
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 1 cup of warm fresh milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mashed pumpkin is a delightful choice that will add a velvety texture and vibrant color to your table. This wonderful dish pairs perfectly with poultry, pork, game, beef, duck, and can even be used in sweet versions like chocolate and coffee. Whether you include it in your Christmas or New Year's Eve dinner, it will create a festive atmosphere and impress your guests.

Mashed pumpkin offers a balanced flavor and a smooth presence on the table. The distinct taste and creamy texture of pumpkin add a personal touch to every dish. From warm and traditional meals to creative culinary inspirations, mashed pumpkin is the perfect ally to add an original note to your meal. By following this recipe, you will prepare a mashed pumpkin dish that will captivate your taste buds.

Our Ingredients:

2 kilograms of pumpkin

2 boiled potatoes

4 tablespoons of butter

1 cup of fresh milk

Salt and white pepper

Optional: a touch of nutmeg

The recipe for carrot mash offers you an opportunity to discover a simple yet flavorful option for your meal. With its smooth texture, natural sweetness, and vibrant orange color, carrot mash is a delightful culinary experience that will impress you.

The recipe calls for a few but quality ingredients, such as fresh carrots, potatoes, a small amount of milk, and butter. Carrots, known for their nutritious properties and rich content of Vitamin A, add a bright color and delicate flavor to the dish. Potatoes contribute to a richer and creamier texture.

Carrot mash makes a perfect accompaniment to various dishes, including meats, fish, or even on its own as a healthy appetizer. With this recipe, you'll be able to create a dish that is full of flavor and nourishing ingredients.

By following this simple and quick recipe, you'll enjoy a carrot mash that will delight your taste buds.

Our ingredients are:

• Approximately 1 kilogram of carrots
• 1 potato
• 1 carrot
• ½ cup of warm milk
• 2 tablespoons of fresh butter
• Salt and pepper

Roasted potatoes, beloved and topped with plenty of butter and cheese. A side dish that can easily transform into a main course with the addition of various ingredients. Who could resist these potatoes while watching a movie or next to a cozy fireplace (if we have a fireplace to put them on), slowly savoring them with a spoon, capturing the flavors of the herbs and the creamy taste of melted cheese?

Let's take a look at roasted potatoes, also known as jacket potatoes, and explore their many variations to choose the one that suits you best.

Our ingredients are as follows:

• 6-8 medium-sized potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, thyme

Thoroughly wash the potatoes and pierce them with a fork. After brushing them with olive oil, sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cut pieces of aluminum foil and wrap each potato individually.

Bake the potatoes in a preheated oven for about 1 hour (depending on the size of the potatoes). To check if they are done, insert a toothpick easily without opening the aluminum foil.

While the potatoes are baking, prepare the fillings you want to add when they come out.

For jacket potatoes, you have various options:

1. Creamy Cheese Filling: In a bowl, place light cream cheese and add 1 clove of minced garlic, finely chopped green and red bell peppers, and a bit of smoked turkey.
2. Greek-style Filling: In a bowl, mix crumbled feta cheese with diced tomatoes, finely chopped onions, and bell peppers, and a sprinkle of oregano.
3. Hearty Filling: In a bowl, combine sauteed pancetta with shredded cheddar cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Once placed inside the potato, crack an egg on top and bake it to your desired level of yolk doneness.
4. American-style Filling: In a bowl, mix grated cheese, finely chopped bacon (previously sauteed), diced red and green bell peppers, salt, and pepper. Crack an egg, mix well, and stuff the potatoes. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Cheese Lover's Filling: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt with crumbled feta cheese, crumbled blue cheese, finely chopped dill, and a generous amount of pepper.

One of our country's finest products is the potato. Many regions in our country, such as Nevrokopi, Thebes, Naxos, Lasithi, Achaia Tripoli, and more, produce potatoes. It is a beloved vegetable that can be prepared in various ways, including boiling, roasting, sauteing, making soup, or gratin.

Rich in carbohydrates (which creates a feeling of satiety), protein, vitamin C, K, B6, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and manganese, the potato is ideal for individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease. It serves as an excellent source of gluten-free carbohydrates and can be safely incorporated into their diet as a garnish or even as the main ingredient of a meal.

In Greece, we cultivate three varieties of potatoes (Spunta, Lizeta, Marfona), which don't differ significantly in taste. The timing of potato harvesting varies depending on the region. We have the spring harvest (planted from January to March, harvested from April to July), the summer harvest (planted from April to June, harvested from August to October), and the autumn harvest (planted from August to September, harvested from November to January).

New potatoes, which are smaller and more tender, are harvested before reaching maturity, and their skin has not hardened yet. They are ideal for roasting with the skin on. Be cautious when purchasing new potatoes as they may appear clean and light-colored but are often water-damaged. Avoid consuming potatoes that have sprouted or turned green as they contain the toxic compound solanine.

To preserve their freshness, store potatoes in a dark and cool place, and only buy what you need, as they lose up to 50% of their vitamin C content over time.

Today, we will prepare delicious paprika potatoes that can accompany chicken, fish, or be served as a side dish for festive Christmas or Easter meals.

Our ingredients are as follows:

• 4 large potatoes, cleaned and cut into thick cubes
• Juice from one orange
• 2 tablespoons of mustard
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Half a wine glass of white wine
• 1 clove of garlic
• Salt, pepper, dried oregano, olive oil

Get ready to enjoy a classic and delicious dish of lemony potatoes that will perfectly accompany meats, fish, chicken, burgers, or anything else you desire. This recipe is full of flavor and aroma and will impress you with its simplicity.

Lemony potatoes are a timeless dish that simply cannot go wrong. The freshness of the lemon combines with the delicate taste of the potatoes, creating a taste sensation that will captivate you from the first bite. The spicy note of mustard and the aromatic presence of garlic add an extra dimension to the flavor of this dish.

Our ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, cut into wedges or thick slices
• Juice from one lemon
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of mustard
• Salt, pepper, olive oil, oregano, rosemary, thyme

Get ready to experience a dish that will impress you from the very first bite! The aromatic potatoes, the hearty notes of the cold cuts, and the creamy flavor of the cheeses will take you on a journey to a world full of delights. This dish is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or any moment when you want to savor a tasty and impressive flavor.

The cold cuts will add an incredible intensity of flavor, while the cheeses will melt and create a creamy texture that will conquer your taste buds. It's a dish that suits every occasion and will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Here are our ingredients:

• 1300 grams of parboiled potatoes
• 100 grams of bacon (approximately 4 slices)
• 400 grams of assorted cold cuts, cut into small cubes
• 50 grams of melted butter
• 150 grams of milk
• 230 grams of light cream
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon of nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 500 grams of assorted grated yellow cheeses

A recipe that will delight you with its simplicity and rich flavor. Our potatoes are boiled and sliced, becoming crispy and golden in the oven. The mixed minced meat, flavorful and savory, will provide the necessary protein and enhance the taste of the dish. With the addition of fresh vegetables such as finely chopped tomato, onion, leek, and garlic, we will add aromas and freshness. The white wine will complement the overall aroma of the dish, while the butter, milk, and flour will create a creamy bechamel sauce that will bind our ingredients together. The milk will give a velvety texture, and a hint of nutmeg will add a delicate aromatic note.

An exceptional combination of flavors loved by both young and old. As it bakes, it will fill your home with enticing aromas, and when it reaches the table, I guarantee there won't be a single crumb left.

Our ingredients:

• 1 ½ kg boiled potatoes, sliced
• 500g mixed minced meat
• 300g grated cheese
• 1 large ripe tomato, finely chopped
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 finely chopped leek
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 50g white wine
• 100g butter
• 100g all-purpose flour
• 1 liter warm milk
• ? tsp nutmeg
• Olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano
• 8-10 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Delicious, divine, incredibly tasty dish that everyone loves... there won't be a single crumb left! Soft and flavorful potatoes that melt in your mouth, combined with mildly spicy minced meat, and elevated by a touch of egg... Your children will adore it, and you will make it a staple in your meals. Let's see how it's done!

Ingredients:

5-6 potatoes, sliced

700g minced beef

1 dry onion, sliced for the potatoes + 1 finely chopped dry onion for the minced meat

2 cloves of garlic, minced for the potatoes + 2 cloves of garlic for the minced meat

300g tomato juice Water or vegetable broth

6 eggs

Olive oil Salt and pepper

1 tsp smoked paprika for the potatoes + 1 tsp for the minced meat

? tsp turmeric for the potatoes

½ tsp cumin for the minced meat

1 wine glass of red wine

Exquisite potatoes, an easy garnish to accompany your dishes and more. These soft, flavorful, and aromatic potatoes are simply delightful! A combination of flavors that will enchant you and add a unique touch to your meal.

Our ingredients are simple: fresh, cubed potatoes, thin slices of dried onion, aromatic garlic and rosemary, olive oil and lemon, along with a touch of mustard to enhance the flavors. By adding a light vegetable broth or water, we will provide the necessary moisture and juiciness to our potatoes.

Get ready to savor this delightful garnish that will add an air of luxury to your table. Just surrender to the aromas and flavors and let the feelings of satisfaction overwhelm you.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg potatoes, cleaned and cubed
• 1 dried onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, sliced
• 2 tsp mustard
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper

Easy, wonderful, quick, and delicious potatoes cooked in a pot. Whether you eat them plain - who says they can only be eaten with tomato sauce? (yahni) - or try them with lemon and savor them with a fork in their flavorful broth, or serve them as a side dish with your meats, fish, or anything else you desire!!

Our Ingredients:

1 kg potatoes, cleaned and cut into large cubes

2 dried onions, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

50g butter

500g vegetable or chicken broth

2 carrots, sliced

2 tsp mustard

Juice of one juicy lemon

Salt, pepper, dried oregano,

2 bay leaves

Olive oil

Finely chopped parsley

Divine stuffed potatoes that you will love, I'm sure. You can serve them on their own or as a side dish with meat, at a buffet, or on a platter for your table. For Christmas, Easter, celebrations, or even in front of the TV for a movie or a game... These potatoes are loved by young and old alike with their signature touch! Try them and let me know your impressions!

Our Ingredients:

6-8 medium-sized potatoes

10 slices of finely chopped bacon

4 fresh onions, finely chopped

250g cream cheese

250g mixed cheeses (Edam, Cheddar, Vermio, etc.)

100g heavy cream

1 clove of garlic, melted

Salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika

Finely chopped parsley

Butter for baking

Who doesn't love these golden, delicious onion rings? Especially in sandwiches or burgers! Roll up your sleeves and let's make the most flavorful onion rings.

We'll divide our ingredients into two categories: For the batter, we'll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp corn flour
• 1/2 tsp salt

Mix these ingredients well and place them in a bowl.

For the batter coating, we'll need:

• 1 small bottle of buttermilk (500g)
• 2 eggs

For the breading, we'll need breadcrumbs or panko.

Introducing the flavorful Oven-Baked Dolmadakia with Vegetables! All the tastes of summer come together in this dish, as it is filled with seasonal vegetables. These dolmadakia can be enjoyed as a main course or served as appetizers, perfect to accompany a glass of ouzo.

Ingredients:

60 vine leaves

250g Carolina rice

2 medium-sized onions,finely chopped

1 eggplant, peeled and cut into pieces

2 zucchinis, cut into pieces

2 ripe tomatoes

2-3 button mushrooms

1 green bell pepper

3-4 fresh spring onions, finely chopped

3-4 mint leaves

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 lemon

½ bunch of parsley

½ bunch of dill Salt and pepper

Olive oil

Introducing the incredibly delicious Dolmadakia with Greek Greens! Get ready to savor the flavors of these mouthwatering dolmadakia, filled with a variety of rich greens from the Greek land. This recipe celebrates the abundant selection of fresh herbs and vegetables that Greece has to offer, creating a truly satisfying gastronomic experience. Whether you opt for fresh, frozen, or canned vine leaves, combined with aromatic rice and an array of flavorful herbs, these dolmadakia will transport you to the vibrant Greek countryside.

Ingredients:

• 250g vine leaves (approximately 70 leaves) If using fresh vine leaves, blanch them in salted boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Remove them from the water using a perforated spoon and drain them in a colander after removing the stems and any thick veins. If using frozen vine leaves, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. If using canned vine leaves preserved in brine, simply rinse them and allow them to drain well.
• 300g Carolina rice (thoroughly rinsed)
• 3 leeks, finely chopped
• 1 dried onion, processed in a food processor
• 1 bunch of fresh spring onions (around 5 pieces), finely chopped
• 200g spinach, finely chopped
• ½ bunch of parsley, finely chopped
• ½ bunch of dill, finely chopped
• 1 bunch of fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 bunch of fennel fronds, finely chopped
• 5-6 leaves of sorrel, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 400g water
• 1 ripe tomato, processed in a food processor
• 1-2 lemons (depending on desired tanginess)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup of grelia olive oil

Indulge in the Greek flavors with these delightful dolmadakia filled with quinoa, purslane, and Alonnisos or Kavala tuna. This unique variation of the classic recipe combines the ingredients in a harmonious way and will surprise you with its flavors. With the freshness of purslane, the richness of tuna, and the lightness of quinoa, these dolmadakia offer a wonderful combination of tastes that will tantalize your palate. The aromatic herbs and fresh lemon add a refreshing touch, while the vegetable broth enhances the overall aromatic profile. So, let's embark on this culinary journey and discover how to create these delicious dolmadakia with quinoa, purslane, and tuna.

Ingredients:

• 60 large purslane leaves
• 2 cans of Alonnisos or Kavala yellowfin tuna
• 2 cups of quinoa
• 2 cloves of garlic, mashed
• 2 grated carrots
• 2-3 fresh finely chopped onions
• 2 dried finely chopped onions
• ½ bunch of finely chopped purslane
• ½ lemon
• Vegetable broth
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

An excellent variation of our well-known dolmades, very delicious as they encapsulate our entire garden! Courgettes, bell peppers, and all the vegetables wrapped in grape leaves give us a wonderful taste, deliciousness, and we love them because they are full of vitamins and light. They are favorites of children and adults alike, as we eat them as a main dish, appetizer, or side dish. Let's see how we make them...

Our Ingredients:

50-60 tender grape leaves

2 dried onions, finely chopped

1 bunch fresh onions

½ bunch parsley

½ bunch dill

½ bunch mint

1 grated tomato

2 grated courgettes

1 grated carrot

1 finely chopped red bell pepper

1 finely chopped green bell pepper

4-5 finely chopped mushrooms

Juice of two juicy lemons

1 whole lemon

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Sugar (optional)

The classic tomato rice our grandmother used to make, which filled the entire house with the smell of tomatoes! The secret, of course, is to find garden-fresh tomatoes from a village, where we know they haven't been exposed to all the taste-destroying chemicals. I am lucky because my father has a garden and gave me ripe tomatoes from it. As soon as the tomatoes entered the house, the whole place smelled wonderful. I love smelling tomatoes on the vine with their incredible aroma that we've almost forgotten. Of course, they're not perfectly round and shiny like store-bought ones - they have marks and irregular shapes. But their taste and aroma are amazing!

Ingredients:

5-6 ripe organic tomatoes (about 1 kg/2.2 lbs)

300 g (10.5 oz) Carolina rice

1/2 tbsp tomato paste

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped

Olive oil Salt and pepper

Optional: a little sugar, and grated feta cheese or fasting cheese for those who are fasting

The famous Cretan dish of briam, essentially a vegetable medley with ripe tomatoes, is a traditional and old recipe.

Ingredients:

2 eggplants, cut into pieces (previously drained)

2 potatoes, cut into large pieces

2 green (or red) peppers, chopped

2 handfuls of green beans

1 bunch of chard (washed and keeping the water)

2 ripe tomatoes, grated

4-5 zucchinis, cut into large pieces

1 large onion, roughly chopped

2-3 garlic cloves, sliced

Grelia olive oil

Salt and pepper

The recipe "Broad Beans with Dill" is an easy and quick choice, ideal for fasting days and any other occasion. This recipe is full of flavor, colors, and aromas, while also offering significant health benefits. Broad beans are known for their high protein content. Specifically, they contain amino acids that are the "building blocks" of proteins, as well as other nutritious components such as iron, dietary fiber, and vitamins. The proteins found in broad beans can be an important source of dietary protein, especially for those following vegetarian, plant-based diets or have limited meat consumption. Continue to discover the unique combination of these fresh ingredients and indulge in the flavorful enjoyment that this dish offers.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh broad beans (or soak dried beans overnight)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch of fresh dill, finely chopped
• 3-4 blossoming onions with their bulbs (optional)
• 3-4 ripe tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped, or 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 3-4 potatoes, cut into large cubes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

My nieces came from Thessaloniki and brought plenty of eggplants and peppers from their garden. When they left, there were still many left, so I thought of making them in jars, just like my friend and I used to do when we worked in Kos during the season.

After work, we would make eggplants with peppers in jars to have them in winter! (Oh, those were the days, my God...!!!) And we would use them for everything, as appetizers, in the oven with pasta, with meat...the jars were gone in no time. So, I roll up my sleeves and head to the kitchen!

Our ingredients are:

2 kg of eggplants, cut and peeled

1 kg of green and red peppers

2 kg of ripe tomatoes, passed through a grinder

6-7 garlic cloves, sliced

1 dry onion, chopped

2-3 leeks (the white part), finely chopped olive oil

salt and pepper

a little sugar (1/4 tsp)