Posts Tagged ‘Meats’
Lamb Youvetsi
There are certain Greek meals that have a reputation for bringing back memories, youvetsi is one of them. And although I was not raised Greek, this is one of those meals that takes my husband back to his childhood just by smelling it. Especially when made in the crock pot, the aromas of lamb, tomato, and cinnamon fill the house with a comforting warmth that brings a permanent smile to his face.
The first picture is from a time I made youvetsi in Greece using a dutch oven, it turned out good, but this time using a slow cooker it was incredible.
Posted in Meat Dishes, Slow Cooker, Traditionally Greek | Tags: Authentic, Meats, Traditional | 
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Greek Soutzoukakia
I am sure you are wondering what the heck soutzoukakia is if you aren’t Greek, and the first time I heard someone mention it I replied, “Gazoontight” (Gesundheit)!
Although this dish has a ridiculously funny name, it has a seriously delicious taste. This particular version of the recipe comes from a part of Turkey called, Smyrni. This used to be a heavily inhabited by Greeks before the population exchange in 1922. It is basically a Greek meatball but instead of round it is egg shaped or like a sausage link.
Keftedakia (Greek Meatballs)
Greek food is very memorable. Whether it is the first time you taste your first gyro sandwich or maybe you are just a sucker for homemade baklava, but regardless of which recipe exactly it is, you definitely remember its origins! The first time I tasted keftedes (Greek for meatballs) or keftedakia (Greek for small meatballs) was kind of an unusual experience. We had just been visiting the in-laws for a couple of weeks and were leaving that morning to drive to Athens, about a 5-6 hour drive from north Greece. Being the wonderful mother-in-law that she is, she made us a picnic for the road.
Pork Chops and Cinnamon Apples
Mmmm… I hope those chops and apples caught your attention! Although they were not a very colorful lunch, they were certainly delicious!!!
We don’t eat meat very often here on the island, mostly because it is just really expensive, but pork is one of the more affordable choices. I (personally) am not a huge fan of anything pig — unless it is a Cuban sandwich, the Florida girl in me just loves those – but my husband enjoys every savory bite. Since he loves them, I love to make them for him, and pork is one of the easiest meats to cook. Especially, lightly battered and fried pork chops!
Chicken Souvlaki with a Lemon Oregano Marinade
Greek Souvlaki with a Lemon Oregano Marinade Recipe:
4 T. Fresh lemon juice
3 – 4 T. EVOO Oil
1 T. red wine vinegar (or just wine)
1 tsp. Greek oregano
1 tsp. Greek thyme, optional
2 – 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/4 onion, sliced or cubed
salt and pepper
Posted in Traditionally Greek | Tags: Authentic, Greek, Marinades, Meats, Traditional | 12 Comments »
Beef Enchiladas…
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, really because I look for any excuse to eat Mexican Food…. Let me introduce you to my Greek-Mex: Beef Enchiladas, Mexican Rice, Refried Black Eyed Peas, and Chips and Salsa!!!
First, I must give complete credit where credit is due too… there is a kindred blogger out there and she doesn’t even know it (or me). Maybe it is because we both adore Mexican Food Tex-Mex and have moved away from our home, the great country state of Texas! Anyway, she has a wonderful blog called, Homesick Texan, and shares some wonderful recipes, pictures, and stories!
Homemade Lamb Gyros
I would say that gyros (pronounced yee-ros) are Greece’s number one fast food item, with pizza, crepes, and club sandwiches following. These quick, satisfying, and very reasonably priced pita wraps are quite tasty too, especially when you find a busy store that makes them fresh. A typical gyro can be made with pork, chicken, or even lamb that is slowly cooked by rotating in circles (“γύρω“ in Greek means to go around, hence the name!). The meat is cooked until crispy and then is shaved off and loaded into a pita with your choice of toppings. A Thessaloniki gyro is filled with meat, fries, onion, tomatoes, ketchup and mustard, and a common addition is tzatziki, spicy cheese, or a paprika sauce for a more intense flavor. If you do not like the crispy meat, a very common alternative is to order a souvlaki gyro. Souvlaki is pork or chicken that is skewered and grilled on an open charcoal fire. Both options are really great for an occasional on-the-go meal, but I want to share a much healthier homemade lamb gyro recipe.
Beefteki, the Greek burger!
Stuffed Beefteki Recipe:
"Healthier" Homemade Calzones
Related posts:
Greek Beef Stifado
Greek Beef Stifado Recipe: Makes 2 servings
2-3 T. EVOO
2 good braising steaks of beef, whole or cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 small cinnamon stick
3 fl. oz. red wine
1 T. red wine vinegar
sprig of fresh rosemary, I didn’t have at the time
1 bay leaf, torn
1 T. tomato paste or puree
1 1/2 – 2 cups hot water
8-10 pearl onions
1-2 tsp. raw sugar
s/p (salt and pepper)
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