Nikki’s Perfect Pastitsio
My mother used to work so hard in the kitchen to make this classic Greek dish, and the results were always well worth her effort. My Greek recipe for pastitsio is easier, a bit lighter and every bit as great as Mom’s.—Nikki Tsangaris, Westfield, Indiana
Moussaka
Moussaka is traditionally made with lamb, but I often use ground beef instead. The Greek recipe looks a bit daunting, but if you prepare one step while working on another, it will save time. —Kim Powell, Knoxville, TennesseeCan’t enough of the Greek flavors? Check out these Greek Easter recipes perfect for all of your celebrations.
Greek Ouzo Pork Kabobs
Eat dinner as the Mediterraneans do with these delightfully different kabobs. The ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, and the tzatziki dipping sauce give you a real taste of the Greek islands. —Francine Lizotte, Langley, British ColumbiaGreek Sheet-Pan Chicken
I love roasted vegetables and keeping things simple. One bowl and one sheet pan, that’s it. You could certainly use boneless chicken and add other veggies to this Greek recipe. Then serve it with cucumber salad. —Sara Martin, Whitefish, MontanaSlow-Cooker Spanakopita Frittata Sandwiches
Years ago my husband and I took a cruise through the Greek islands for our tenth anniversary. Delicious and nutritious foods like this were served on our ship all day, every day. I enjoyed re-creating the flavors for this brunch sandwich. —Laura Wilhelm, West Hollywood, CaliforniaWeeknight Skillet Spinach Pie
I love sneaking extra veggies into my kids’ dinners, especially with this skillet spinach pie recipe. With a flaky crust and extra cheese, the kids never know they’re eating a vitamin-rich dish, and I’m not hovering over an oven for hours. Put the spinach and phyllo sheets in the refrigerator the night before or early in the morning for thawing. —Kristyne McDougle, Lorain, OhioChicken Souvlaki Pitas
These chicken souvlaki pitas are a favorite at our house, especially in summer. A quick trip to the market for a few ingredients results in gourmet-style Greek sandwiches we often enjoy outdoors by the grill. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. —Becky Drees, Pittsfield, MassachusettsMediterranean Braised Chicken Thighs
This chicken and artichoke dish was inspired by a-once-in-a-lifetime trip to Santorini for my parents’ 40th anniversary. It’s cooked in a big skillet until the chicken basically falls of the bone and all the flavors meld together into a sauce that will literally have you spooning into your mouth. This Greek recipe is really a showstopper! —Grace Vallo, Salem, New HampshireDouble Nut Baklava
It may take some time to make this rich, buttery treat, but it’s well worth the effort! The blend of coconut, pecans and macadamia nuts is irresistible. —Kari Kelley, Plains, Montana(Galaktoboureko is another Greek dessert that uses phyllo dough—it’s a custard-based treat that goes great with coffee.)
We also have one more recommendation for you. Try these Greek doughnuts which are fluffy, bite-sized, and fried to perfection!
Lamb Pitas with Yogurt Sauce
The spiced lamb in these stuffed pita pockets goes perfectly with cool cucumber and yogurt. —Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsville, VirginiaKourabiedes (Greek Butter Cookies)
I had to bake something from my heritage for school. So, I made this heavenly kourabiedes recipe. —Rebecca Sprague, St. Louis, MissouriGreek-Style Lemon-Garlic Chicken
I love celebrating my Greek heritage with this super simple and scrumptious Sunday dinner idea. Prep time is a breeze and the ingredient list is relatively short for such a flavorful one-dish meal. Each time I make this I'm transported back to my ya-ya, who gave me the special honor of squeezing the lemons! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, MissouriSpinach & Chicken Phyllo Pie
For a brunch showstopper, we make chicken pie with phyllo and spinach. Our kids go for it, too, especially when we serve it with a minty fruit salad. —Katie Ferrier Gage, Houston, TexasGround Beef Gyros
If your family likes gyros as much as mine, they’ll love this easy version that’s made with ground beef instead of lamb. I found the recipe in a newspaper and adapted it to fit our tastes. They’re very much like the ones served at a local restaurant. A cucumber yogurt sauce adds an authentic finishing touch. —Ruth Stahl, Shepherd, MontanaFeta Chicken Burgers
My friends always request these tasty chicken burgers. I sometimes add olives to punch up the flavor! The burgers are exceptional with the mayonnaise-cucumber topping. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, OhioMarinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, TennesseeAlso, check here the types of olives all devotees must try in their lives.