Meatballs with Pasta and Red Country-style Sauce
A delightful dish that brings back memories of our grandmothers, of the countryside, and carefree moments from our childhood. The table set, the rustic homemade bread sliced thinly, the country-style sauce taking an honorable place on the table, and the checkered tablecloth... Who doesn't remember this wonderful dish with its thick pasta and juicy, fluffy meatballs that we almost devoured after hours of playtime? The house was filled with delightful aromas!

Our Ingredients For the meatballs:

300g beef mince
300g pork mince
2 large onions, finely chopped or grated
100g soaked and well-squeezed stale bread
1 egg
½ bunch of fresh mint, finely chopped
1 tbsp dried basil
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
? bunch of parsley
1 large ripe tomato, grated without skin and seeds
1 tbsp thyme
2 tbsp white vinegar
Salt and pepper
1 shot glass of olive oil
Flour for coating
Olive oil for frying, and a little ouzo for shaping (optional)

For the sauce:
2 onions, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 eggplant, diced
4 white mushrooms
2 tbsp tomato paste
? tsp sugar
? bunch of finely chopped mint
1 tbsp dried basil
Salt, pepper, and olive oil
1kg ripe tomatoes, peeled and deseeded, or tomato juice

Additionally: ½ kg pasta of your choice (I prefer rustic, thick pasta like our grandmothers used to make) Grated Myzithra cheese for serving

Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and tuna Discover the delicious combination of flavors in stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and tuna. This original recipe combines the healthy and nutritious qualities of quinoa with the rich taste of tuna. With the harmonious balance of ingredients, a dish is created that will satisfy the demands of health-conscious food lovers, offering both rich flavor and nutritional benefits.

Ingredients:

3 green bell peppers

3 red bell peppers

3 orange bell peppers

6 tomatoes

2 cups quinoa

3 cans tuna, drained

3-4 fresh onions, finely chopped

1 tbsp vegetable broth

2 dried onions, finely chopped

1 tbsp tomato paste

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

½ bunch dill

½ bunch fennel

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

An easy and flavorful recipe, perfect for a comforting meal with a glass of wine. The pasta will cook in the flavorful meat broth, creating a delicious and satisfying dish. You can also substitute the pasta with potatoes, or any other accompaniment of your choice.

Ingredients:

2 kilograms of goat meat, cut into pieces (preferably shank or leg)

2 dried onions, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

½ kilogram of ripe tomatoes, grated or 1 can of crushed tomatoes

½ wine glass of red wine

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

1 packet of pasta

Salt, pepper,

4-5 whole allspice berries,

2 bay leaves

Olive oil

A pinch of sugar

A little fresh butter

Myzithra cheese

Oven-Baked Giant Beans with Sausage

A tasty variation of the classic giant beans that makes us wonder why we haven't tried this variation sooner! The sausage pairs perfectly with the giant beans, leaving a satisfied palate in its wake! We've soaked the giant beans overnight to allow them to absorb water (to swell).

The sausage I'll be using is village-style (from my hometown, Kymi). However, you can use any sausage you prefer (e.g., with leeks or even chicken sausage for a lighter version).

Ingredients:

• 500g giant beans

• 2 village-style sausages, sliced

• 3 ripe tomatoes, grated

• 2 carrots, thinly sliced

• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (with strings removed)

• 3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

• 2 large onions, sliced

• Half a bunch of fresh onions, finely chopped, or 2 leeks (only the white part), cut into half-moons

• Some parsley

• Salt, pepper, paprika, olive oil

A tasty, healthy, and refreshing choice. This salad is perfect for the summer and accompanies our dishes with its cool yogurt sauce, providing a delightful burst of flavor. It is great to enjoy as a light meal, a side dish, or even as an appetizer. The freshness, healthy approach, and cool yogurt sauce make this salad a delightful choice.

Our ingredients:

200g zucchini

½ tsp coarse salt

A handful of pine nuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and Aegina pistachios

For the yogurt sauce:

200g yogurt

1 tbsp lemon juice

3 tbsp olive oil

1 clove of minced garlic

? cup finely chopped dill

Salt and pepper

A Summer Dish Full of Aromas

Discover the amazing taste of these delicious, magical eggplants that melt in your mouth. This dish is a flavorful and rich summer meal that will delight you. Our ingredients are simple and affordable, so don't hesitate to give it a try.

Our ingredients:

• 4 eggplants
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 200 grams grated Cretan graviera cheese
• 100 grams Vermio cheese
• Salt, pepper, oregano, thyme

Goat with oregano in the pot

Easy and delicious classic dish with simple ingredients that will turn our table into a feast. Perfect for a Sunday meal or even a festive occasion where every bite will melt in your mouth!"

Ingredients:

• 1.5-2 kg goat meat, cut into pieces
• Juice from 2 lemons
• 1 ripe tomato, grated
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, cut lengthwise in half
• 60 g olive oil
• 60 g white wine
• Salt, pepper, oregano
• Water (if needed)
• Baby potatoes (optional)
• Fried potatoes or rice for serving

Stuffed cuttlefish with feta cheese, manouri cheese, and tomato is a traditional recipe originating from Greek cuisine. This dish combines the rich flavor of cuttlefish with the creamy texture of feta cheese and manouri cheese, along with the freshness of tomatoes. It is a simple and delicious option that can be enjoyed throughout the year, even as an appetizer.

Ingredients:
•    1 kilogram of frozen cuttlefish
•    2 cups crumbled feta cheese
•    1 cup crumbled manouri cheese
•    1 small onion, finely chopped
•    2 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
•    1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
•    1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
•    1 yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
•    Pepper and oregano
•    Olive oil
For the sauce:
•    1 tomato, grated
•    A handful of dill
•    Olive oil
•    Salt, pepper, and oregano

A very easy, healthy, and flavorful dish that is loved by many, both young and old, including students and singles. It can be enjoyed as a vegetarian dish or with meat (chicken, beef, etc.). It is suitable for fasting, gluten-free, and simply delicious!

Ingredients:

• ½ kilogram of cleaned green beans
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• ½ bunch of finely chopped spring onions
• 1 dry onion, diced
• 2 ripe tomatoes, grated or ½ can of crushed tomatoes
• A pinch of chopped dill
• Salt, pepper, and olive oil to taste
• A pinch of sugar (optional)

The salad with pasta and smoked tuna is an excellent choice for those seeking a tasty, nutritious, and complete meal. With the unique combination of pasta and smoked tuna, this salad creates a perfectly balanced and flavorful experience.

However, the true magic of this salad lies in the rich presence of vegetables. The addition of red and green bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, onion, and tomato brings freshness, color, and nutritional value to our salad. These vegetables are complemented by the aromatic Portobello mushroom, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.

The salad is mixed with pasta, creating a harmonious combination of ingredients. The creamy sauce, made with olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, and fresh mint, enhances the taste of both the pasta and the vegetables, providing a refreshing sensation and aromatic richness to the salad. The touch of smoked tuna adds a sophisticated character and enriches the flavor with high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

This salad with pasta and smoked tuna meets all the requirements of taste and nutritional value. It is ideal to enjoy as a complete meal, as it contains a balanced amount of carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and plant-based nutrients from the vegetables. Moreover, the presence of vegetables provides valuable vitamins, minerals, and trace elements that contribute to health and well-being.

Add this salad to your menu to rejuvenate your diet with a variety of flavors and nutritious ingredients.

Our Ingredients:

1 package of smoked tuna

1 red bell pepper

1 green bell pepper

1 zucchini

1 eggplant

1 onion

1 tomato

1 Portobello mushroom

250 grams of your favorite pasta

3 cloves of garlic

3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint

60 grams of olive oil

Juice and zest of one juicy lemon

Salt and pepper

A traditional, rustic, exceptionally delicious, healthy, and fasting-friendly dish that we love, yet it tends to be forgotten. Let's remember this wonderful dish that has been passed down through generations and incorporate it into our daily lives.

Our ingredients:

500g chickpeas soaked overnight

3-4 medium-sized eggplants, cut into cubes

2 dry onions, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

400g crushed tomatoes

400g vegetable broth

2 tbsp tomato paste

½ tsp sweet paprika

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Welcome to the world of Cretan gastronomy, a wonderful region filled with flavors and aromas. Today, I will present to you a traditional recipe that comes straight from our beloved Crete - the Cretan Tart with Myzithra Cheese and Honey. The taste emanating from the kitchen will transport you to distant Mediterranean landscapes and fill your space with delightful aromas. Get ready to embark on a journey into a culture of flavors, where myzithra cheese and honey combine perfectly, creating an exceptional taste experience that will enchant you. I am confident that this tart will become a favorite choice for a sweet treat and offer you unforgettable culinary moments. Let's begin this gastronomic adventure!

For the crust, you will need the ingredients listed in this (link to lemon pie crust recipe).

For the filling:

400g Cretan sweet myzithra cheese

150g honey

2 eggs (depending on the moisture content of the cheese)

Lemon zest

1 tsp corn flour

2 tsp all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Indulge in the allure of these fasting-friendly individual tahini pies without oil. They are easy to make and incredibly delicious. Filled with the rich flavors of tahini, walnuts, and cinnamon, they are a delightful treat for fasting days and beyond.

Our Ingredients:

500g all-purpose flour

100g bread flour

100g tahini

70g sugar

25g yeast

350g lukewarm water

For the Filling:

300g tahini

150g crushed walnuts

300g sugar

3 tsp cinnamon Powdered

sugar for dusting

The perfect combination of chestnut and fig flavors and sweetness can only be experienced by making this wonderful, velvety, aromatic, delicious, quick, easy, and why not, festive cream.

Our ingredients:

450g raw chestnuts

260g water

40g honey from figs (CUMA)

1 cinnamon stick

Delightful tomatoes filled with light and flavorful tuna, paired with healthy bulgur, that will win you over. This recipe is a key player in many dietary plans as it combines everything we desire: convenience, deliciousness, low fat, healthy eating, enjoyed by both young and old.

Ingredients:

12 medium-sized tomatoes

2 cans of yellowfin tuna

1 cup of bulgur

2 cloves of garlic, mashed

2 grated carrots

2-3 fresh finely chopped onions

2 finely chopped dry onions

½ bunch of finely chopped dill

Tomato flesh (removed from the tomatoes)

A pinch of sugar (optional)

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Ribs (Baby Back Ribs) with Barbecue Sauce

Indulge in a beloved recipe that appeals to many. Ribs with barbecue sauce is a favorite dish that transcends age boundaries. Even children love it, as the meat becomes tender and the caramelized flavor from the grilling transforms into a delightful treat.

This delectable recipe offers a combination of enticing aromas and flavors. The ribs, also known as baby back ribs, with their juicy meat and subtle smoky undertones, perfectly complement the rich and sweet barbecue sauce. The result is an explosive taste that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Preparing ribs with barbecue sauce is a highly gratifying and satisfying endeavor. Slow-cooking the ribs at a low temperature while basting them with the barbecue sauce allows the flavors to infuse into the meat, creating a burst of flavors. The caramelized glaze of the barbecue sauce adds an appealing golden hue to the ribs, adding a touch of temptation and charm to the dish.

This recipe is ideal for those moments when you crave a more indulgent culinary temptation. It can be the perfect choice for a family celebration, a summer barbecue, or even a gathering with close friends. Ribs with barbecue sauce will steal the show and bring a summery vibe to your table.

Don't hesitate to savor this delightful recipe. I promise you an extraordinary taste experience that will captivate you and leave you craving for more. Get ready to treat your taste buds to an unforgettable gastronomic adventure with this ultimate dish.

Ingredients: For the marinade:

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

For the ribs:

• 1 slab baby back ribs (approximately 1-1.5 kg)
• 100 g barbecue sauce

This recipe is a traditional dish filled with health and well-being, which can be served as both an appetizer and a main course. It is a choice that combines taste with nutritional value, offering a variety of nutrients and beneficial properties for our bodies.

It is ideal for those seeking a balanced diet, as it contains healthy ingredients such as fresh vegetables, proteins, and valuable fibers. Additionally, you can add your favorite preferences and adjust the recipe according to your needs and preferences.

And let's not forget that broad beans are high in protein. Specifically, they contain amino acids that are the "building blocks" of proteins, as well as other nutrients 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.

Our Ingredients:

500g broad beans

½ bunch Swiss chard

½ bunch wild greens

1 bunch fresh finely chopped onions

2 dried large onions, sliced

2 leeks, sliced

2 carrots, sliced

2-3 garlic cloves, sliced

½ bunch dill, finely chopped

½ bunch parsley, finely chopped

200g spinach

200g lamb's lettuce

100g fennel leaves

1 tomato, crushed

Salt, pepper,

bay leaf

Olive oil

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

The healthiest cookies you can offer yourself, your children, and all those you love. Can you think of anything better than bites of oats filled with nuts and honey? Give your body dietary fiber, vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, and remove all unhealthy ingredients. Soft cookies for your little ones and adults, perfect for enjoying with your cup of coffee!

Our ingredients:

• 300g honey
• 300g rolled oats
• 300g water
• 500g self-rising flour
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 150g coarsely chopped almonds-walnuts
• 50g pine nuts
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp baking soda

What would you say to making a village-style chicken pie with colorful peppers, mushrooms, and cheese? It's perfect for an evening meal, for the office, for school, for a festive table, and basically for any time... delicious, nutritious, healthy, and low in fat. Let's see how to make it...

Our ingredients:

1 kilogram boiled chicken, shredded

1 package of country-style or filo pastry sheets

1 green pepper, finely chopped

1 red pepper, finely chopped

1 yellow pepper, finely chopped

1 package of button mushrooms

1 onion, finely chopped

1 zucchini, finely chopped

200g crumbled feta cheese

Vegetable oil for the pastry sheets

1 egg

Salt, pepper,

nutmeg, sweet paprika

A delightful combination of spinach and mushrooms creates a tantalizing dance of flavors and aromas. Our beloved spinach, with its nutritious and rich composition of vitamins and iron, pairs perfectly with aromatic mushrooms, offering antioxidants and protein. The result is a delicious and wonderful culinary experience that is worth trying. Get ready to discover the harmony of flavors and the freshness of this lemon-infused spinach rice with mushrooms.

Our Ingredients:

1 kilogram of cleaned and roughly chopped spinach

1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

30 grams of dried porcini mushrooms

1 bunch of fresh spring onions, finely chopped

200 grams of rice

½ bunch of dill

Lemon juice

Salt and pepper

½ cup of olive oil

500 grams of mushroom broth

The recipe I propose today is a tasty and nutritious option that combines the tender flavor of squid with the rich nutritional value of spinach and rice. Squid with spinach and rice is a dish that offers a flavorful experience while simultaneously enhancing your health and well-being.

Spinach is known for its high content of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and iron, among other nutrients. Spinach provides antioxidant protection, boosts the immune system, and contributes to the health of the digestive system.

The rice added to the recipe provides energy and contains dietary fiber that supports proper bowel function. It also contains B-complex vitamins, magnesium, and other essential minerals that promote the health of the nervous system and muscles.

With this recipe, the freshness of spinach and the rich texture of rice and squid come together to create a dish that satisfies your taste buds while offering significant nutritional benefits.

Ingredients:

• ½ kg squid, cleaned and chopped
• ½ kg spinach, cleaned and roughly chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 1 bunch fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tomato, ripe and grated
• 150-180g Carolina rice (or any other short-grain rice)
• Juice of one lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water

Small bites filled with flavorful minced meat and drizzled with a light, aromatic egg-lemon sauce, offering a delightful taste experience. These dolmades can be served both cold and hot, whether as an appetizer, a main dish, or even as a finger food alongside other tantalizing dishes on a table.

It provides a balanced combination of flavors, where the rich and savory taste of the minced meat harmoniously blends with the refreshing and tangy sensation of the egg-lemon sauce. The petite size of these dolmades makes them ideal for enjoying as a quick appetizer or a light main course, while they can also be served as a flavorful finger food amidst other delectable treats on a table filled with flavors.

Our Ingredients:

½ kilogram minced meat

60-70 blanched grape leaves (see preparation here)

1 cup Carolina rice

1 large onion, finely chopped

½ bunch parsley, finely chopped

½ bunch dill, finely chopped

1 small tomato, grated

Salt and pepper

Olive oil

Lemon

2 eggs