BEST FOOD RECIPES FROM TOP 20 BEST COUNTRIES FOR FOOD - GREECE

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  Baklava Pastry (Baklavas)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: μπακλαβάς, say: bahk-lah-VAHS
  
  Sheets of wafer-thin phyllo dough are sprinkled with a sweet nut mixture to create one of Greece's most famous dishes. A wide variety of nuts can be used - alone or mixed - and this recipe calls for walnuts and almonds. The pastry is baked, then covered with a sweet syrup. Syrups can be honey-based, sugar-based, or call for a combination. However it's made, the small pieces of flaky pastry are packed with sweetness.
• 02of 25
  Boiled Leafy Greens (Horta Vrasta)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: χόρτα βραστά, say; HOR-tah vrahs-TAH
  
  A staple of the traditional Greek diet, the leafy greens chosen for this dish are often gathered in the wild. Greens can be sweet like spinach (needing little cooking time) or bitter like dandelion greens (needing a longer time to cook). The greens are usually drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, then topped with fresh lemon juice. Tasty and healthy!
• 03of 25
  Cheese Pie Triangles (Tyropitakia)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: τυροπιτάκια, say: tee-ro-pee-TAHK-yah
  
  A favorite meze, appetizer, or snack, these small triangular shaped savories can be baked or fried. Sheets of phyllo dough are cut in wide strips, the filling is added, and they are folded up into triangles (using the same folding technique as when folding a flag). This recipe using fabulous Greek feta cheese in the filling includes a link to step-by-step photos.
• 04of 25
  Chicken & Lemon Rice Soup (Kotosoupa Avgolemono)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: κοτόσουπα αυγολέμονο (αβγολέμονο), say: koh-TOH-soo-pah ahv-gho-LEH-moh-no
  
  This soup is a favorite with Greek families and frequently served as a first course at the holiday table. There are several variations, and the egg-lemon sauce (avgolemono) is so popular that there are some who make a quick soup in the microwave using canned soup or broth, just to have the opportunity to add the avgolemonosauce, which is the crowning glory.05
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  Chickpea Soup (Revithosoupa)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: ρεβιθόσουπα, say: reh-vee-THOH-soo-pah
  
  Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a Greek favorite, used in salads, dips, and other dishes as well as this fabulous soup.

  Deceptively simple, this delicious soup is a wonderful warming dish made with chickpeas and onion (carrots optional). A dash of olive oil and lemon juice give it that authentic Greek taste.
  
  As is usual when preparing Greek soups, the olive oil gets added at the very end. (A great choice for vegetarians and vegans as well.)
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  Classic Dips & Spreads (Melitzanosalata, Skorthalia, Taramosalata, Tzatziki)

  
  

  

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  These four dips and spreads are considered the four traditional Greek classics. The recipes are simple - easy to make, with few ingredients - and belong in the recipe box of every Greek food lover. Serve them as appetizers, mezethes, condiments, or in creative ways devised in your kitchen.Creamy Cheesy Baked Pasta with Meat (Pastitsio or Pasticcio)
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  In Greek: παστίτσιο, say: pah-STEET-see-yoh
  
  This dish of layered tubular pasta, cheese, and meat sauce is topped with a thick and creamy bechamel sauce to create a dish that's more extravagant than some of the simpler Greek fare. Along with moussaka (below) and Greek au gratin dishes, the pastitsiowe know today is the result of embellishments added to Greek cuisine in the early 20th century, when cream sauces became popular.
• 08of 25
  Custard-Filled Phyllo Pastry (Galaktoboureko)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: γαλακτομπούρεκο, say: ghah-lahk-toh-BOO-reh-koh
  
  One of the most famous Greek desserts, galaktoboureko is a delightful milk and egg custard wrapped in thin sheets of phyllo dough and baked to a golden brown. It's a traditional Greek sweet, soaked in a light lemony syrup after baking. A true special occasion dish.
• 09of 25
  Fried Greek Cheese (Saganaki)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: σαγανάκι, say: sah-ghah-NAH-kee
  
  A quick and simple appetizer dish, the original Greek version is not flamed (with the addition of ouzo or brandy), but certainly can be - in the best Chicago tradition where that version originated.
  
  The cheese is dredged in flour and seared to a golden brown. Saganaki is traditionally served with a squeeze of lemon juice.

  Several varieties of cheese work well when making saganaki, which takes its name from the sagani, the traditional two-handled
  
• 10of 25
  Greek Country Salad (Horiatiki Salata)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: χωριάτικη σαλάτα, say: hoh-ree-YAH-tee-kee sah-LAH-tah
  
  Salads carrying the simple name "Greek salad" are sold all over the world, in Greek and non-Greek restaurants. Often, the name "Greek" just means that there's some feta cheese and possibly some Kalamata olives thrown into the mix, but in this traditional recipe, the most notable feature is that there is no lettuce of any kind.
• 11of 25
  Green Bean Casserole (Fassolakia Freska)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: φασολάκια φρέσκα, say: fah-soh-LAHK-yah FRES-kah
  
  As simple as this recipe looks, it will fast become a family favorite. Fresh green beans, tomatoes, herbs and spices are simmered together long enough for the tastes to meld. In a traditional Greek diet that is heavily weighted toward dishes without meat, this is a favorite main dish.
• 12of 25
  Hearty Bean Soup (Fassolatha or Fassolada)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: φασσολάδα, say: fah-so-LAH-thah
  
  According to food historians, fassolatha has been around since ancient Greek times. It is the national dish of Greece, representing the best of the Greek way of cooking: legumes, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil.
  
  It can be made with tomato (red version) or lemon juice (white version), and whichever way you choose, culinary tradition dictates that fassolatha be served with crusty bread, feta cheese (except during Lent and periods of 
• 13of 25
  Honey Spice Cookies (Melomakarona or Phoenikia)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: melomakarona, μελομακάρονα, say: meh-loh-mah-KAH-roh-nah; phoenikia, φοινίκια, say: fee-NEEK-yah
  
  Melomakarona (also called Phoenikia) are one of the most famous cookies in Greece. They are a favorite throughout the year, and a Christmas tradition.
  
  This recipe calls for olive oil instead of butter or other shortening and creates a delightful treat. The spice cookies are made with cinnamon and cloves, soaked in a honey syrup, and sprinkled with sesame seeds, walnuts, and cinnamon. 
  
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  Lentil Soup (Fakes Soupa)

  
  

  

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  In Greek: φακές σούπα, say: fah-KES SOO-pah
  
  Legumes are an important part of the Greek diet, and lentil soup is a perennial favorite as well as a Lenten dish consumed during fasting periods in the Greek Orthodox faith.
  
  Use the lentils of your choice, but in Greece, this is traditionally made with small green-brown lentils. This soup can be made with or