Tag Archives: Greece

  • Home   /  
  • Posts tagged "Greece"
2
May, 2023
Greek Spanakopita

Greek Spanakopita

Greek
Spanakopita

A Trio of Cheese, Greens, and Dough

Greek spanakopita is a delectable savory pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese, enveloped in delicate layers of phyllo dough. It is a beloved dish in Greece, commonly enjoyed as both an appetizer and a main course.

Our recipe provides versatile options, allowing for variations that cater to vegan, lactose-free, or gluten-free preferences.

Spanakopita Spice Blend

Oregano, dill weed, garlic, black pepper, cinnamon, dill seed, mint, chilies, nutmeg

Discover New Flavors
Greek Spanakopita

Share

Ingredient Mix & Match Cheat Sheet

Greek Spanakopita - Mix & Match
For your convenience, we have prepared a cheat sheet to assist you in selecting your desired ingredients for the recipe. Take a look below to discover how you can effortlessly combine and customize the components to craft your own personalized meal. To have a handy reference readily available, feel free to download the accompanying image.

Part 1 - The Cheese

Key Ingredient: Feta

Feta cheese is the key ingredient in Greek spanakopita, providing its distinctive texture. The best substitute are cotija or queso fresco.

Cottage cheese is an excellent alternative. However, bear in mind its higher moisture content compared to feta; avoid adding any cream. For added texture, try incorporating grated hard cheese.

For those seeking a vegan and non-dairy substitute, options like vegan feta or firm tofu can offer a similar texture.

Alternatively, if you have a preference for a different type of cheese, we offer a pasta variation for you to try. Kindly note, this version presents a significant departure from the original. Nevertheless, it offers a delightful twist to your dinner repertoire.

Feta
whipped cream

A Little Secret

If you’re looking to make a delicious spanakopita, the feta cheese you find at your local grocery store may be too dry, especially if you opt for crumbled feta instead of a block. But fear not! We have a tip that will ensure your dish is anything but dry.

Simply add a small amount of a different type of cheese, such as whipped cream cheese or cream cheese with whipped heavy cream. Another great option is ricotta. These additions will make a world of difference and take your spanakopita to the next level.

Part 2 - The Greens

Key Ingredient: Spinach

Spinach is the ideal choice for an authentic spanakopita. Excellent substitutes can be found in the leaves of any type of chard or kale. If you wish to include the stalks as well, an extra step is needed to soften them. Another delightful variation is to incorporate green asparagus or zucchini, if you have the time and desire to experiment further.

baby spinach
Greek Ikaria Island

Ikaria - A Greek Island of Longevity and Vibrant Culture

Discover the enchanting Greek island of Ikaria in the Aegean Sea, renowned for its exceptional culture and remarkable population of centenarians. Learn about their healthy lifestyle choices and close-knit community that contribute to their longevity. What can we learn from them? Would you abandon your current lifestyle for a potentially longer life on Ikaria?

The island is also famous for its festivals and celebrations. One of the most popular is the Panigiri, which takes place in different villages throughout the summer months. These festivals are a great opportunity to experience traditional Greek music, dance, and food.

See more on our YouTube channel. Carefully selected for you! Plus, on our ‘World Music’ playlist: Greek music & dance live from the Panigiri festivals.

Part 3 - The Dough

Phyllo Substitutes - Up to a Change?

Authentic spanakopita is traditionally made using phyllo dough. As a gluten-free alternative, we highly recommend our almond pie crust. However, if you’re looking to reduce preparation time significantly, you can opt to bake the spanakopita filling on a pizza crust or serve it on a bed of wide egg noodles. These shortcuts can help expedite the process while still providing a delicious result.

Greek Spanakopita with phyllo
pie crust
pizza crust
wide noodles

Enjoy!

Give Greek spanakopita a try and savor its delightful flavors. Once you’re hooked, consider adding it to your regular dinner rotation, experimenting with a unique twist each time. For your convenience, our shop offers a specialized spanakopita spice blend, ensuring you have everything you need to enhance its taste. Stock up now and elevate your spanakopita experience.

Shop Now
Greek Spanakopita

Greek Spanakopita

SpiceBreeze
Greek spanakopita is a savory pastry made with spinach and feta cheese, wrapped in layers of phyllo dough. It is a popular dish in Greece and can be served as an appetizer or main course. Our recipe offers variations to substitute spinach and phyllo dough or make the dish vegan, lactose-free, or gluten-free.
Share Pin Print
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Protein/Dairy

  • 10 oz feta cheese [1] crumbled
  • 6 tbsp whipped cream cheese [2]

Fresh Produce

  • 10 oz spinach [3] roughly chopped
  • 4 green onions sliced

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 20 sheets phyllo dough [4] (9 x 14 inches)
  • olive oil [5]
  • salt [6]

Culinary Spice Kit

  • Oregano, dill weed, garlic, black pepper, cinnamon, dill seed, mint, chilies, nutmeg

Suggested Sides

  • ▪ mixed salad with lettuce or cucumber
  • ▪ grilled rosemary lamb chops
  • ▪ grilled or fried chicken pieces

Instructions
 

Option 1: Prepare Spinach, Chard, or Kale Leaves [3]

  • Cook the spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds.
  • Scoop the spinach out and transfer it to a strainer.
  • Let it drain while preparing the next step.

Option 2: Prepare Leaves and Asparagus, Zucchini, or Chard or Kale Stalks [3]

  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Fry the vegetables until tender.
  • Start with the asparagus, zucchini, or chard or kale stalks.
  • Add the leaves when the other vegetables are almost tender.

Prepare Filling

  • In a BOWL, mix all the cheese and vegetables with Spanakopita spices and salt to taste [6].

Prepare Phyllo Dough Version (Authentic) [4]

  • Place 10 sheets of phyllo dough into a 9 x 12 BAKING DISH, brushing oil between each layer.
  • Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the phyllo dough.
  • Place 10 more sheets of phyllo dough on top, brushing oil between each layer.
  • Brush the top layer with oil.
  • Cut the pie into 12 pieces.

Bake & Serve

  • Preheat OVEN to 350° F.
  • Bake until golden brown, 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving with your preferred sides.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1]
  • We recommend to buy feta cheese in a block and chop it into small crumble size pieces. The readily-crumbled feta cheese is often very dry.
  • Substitute feta cheese with chopped firm tofu (drain it 30 minutes before using it) or vegan feta.
[2]
  • If only not-whipped cream cheese is available, substitute 2 tbsp cream cheese with 2 tbsp whipped heavy cream.
  • Substitute whipped cream cheese with ricotta or vegan cream cheese.
[3]
  • Optionally, add 5 to 10 oz more spinach.
  • If the stalks of the spinach are not soft, remove them and follow the cooking step option 2. 
  • Cooking Step Option 1 (leaves only): Substitute all or half of the spinach with baby kale, or with the chopped leaves of kale or chard. Remove the stalks before weighing.
  • Cooking Step Option 2: Substitute or mix the spinach with green asparagus, zucchini, or the stalks of chard or kale. Chopped them in bite-size pieces. Recommended amounts:
    • 5 oz leaves + 10 oz asparagus or zucchini or stalks
    • 10 oz leaves + 5 oz asparagus or zucchini or stalks
[4] Options to substitute the phyllo dough:
  • Pour the filling into a pie crust. (gluten-free recipe)
  • Spread the filling on a pizza crust.
  • Cook 12 oz wide egg noodles. Drain. Place them into the baking dish. Spread the filling on top. Bake as directed for the phyllo dough.
[5] Substitute olive oil with melted butter or any vegetable oil.
[6] Be careful with the salt. Check the mixture first.
4
Apr, 2023
Chios Mastic Tears

Greek Mastic Tears

Mastic tears of Chios in a Greek bowl
No Tears Left?

Unique Mastic Tears

If a spice deserves to be labeled “unique” it is mastic, also called mastiha. There is only one place in the world where it is produced, on Chios, a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. The rarity and complex production are reflected in a price much higher than most spices.

The Mastic Tears Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

  • Small Mastic Tears
  • Green cardamom pods (organic)
Discover New Flavors Every Month

In case you get hooked on this distinctive spice, your “PEPPER” rewards secure you an attractive offer in our online store.

Share this post:
Share on Pinterest
The Tears of Chios

The Mastiha tree grows in other parts of Greece and the Mediterranean, but it only “cries” in Chios, as the locals sometimes call the slitting-tearing process the tree must undergo in order to produce its resinous spice.

natural mastic drop on the tree close up
Natural Mastic Drop on the Tree

Mastiha is produced in 24 specific Mastiha Villages, Mastihohoria, in the southern, coastal area of Chios, Greece.

Greek Islands
Greek Islands
Cooking With Mastic Tears

Cooking with mastic tears is very special. Before you start, smell the flavor. How do you like it?

Mastic is a precious, extremely versatile spice that enhances just about every dish. It has a distinctive flavor, fresh and slightly pine-like. A small amount goes a long way. Too much can leave a bitter aftertaste.

Give your favorite dinner dish a new flavor, follow one of our starter recipes, or find your favorite recipe on our website. Important! Decide first how you prefer to use the included Mastic Tears pouch, as a flavored oil or ground powder. Both ways need different preparations.

Choose one of these two preparations for your Mastic Tears and find recipes below:
  • Mastic infused olive oil (see recipe below)
  • Grind Mastic Tears (see recipe below)
Olive Oil

Mastic Infused Olive Oil

SpiceBreeze
Share Pin Print
Cuisine Greek

Ingredients
  

  • 5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp small mastic tears

Instructions
 

  • In a small POT, heat olive oil over low heat.
  • Add all mastic tears and stir over low heat until they are dissolved.
  • Pour oil into a glass container and let cool.
  • It keeps fresh in a cool, dark place.
  • Always stir or shake oil before using it.
Mastic Recipe Inspirations for Mastic Infused Olive Oil:
  • Drizzle 1-2 tbsp mastic oil over salads, vegetables, or feta. Find the recipe for Halloumi Salad below.
  • Reheat cooked broccoli or another firm vegetable in 1 tbsp mastic oil and garlic. Serve as a side.
  • Roasted Pepper, Mastiha and Goat Cheese Spread – recipe
  • Warm Spinach-Orange Salad with Mastiha Scented Olive Oil – recipe (the recipe refers to 1/3 tbsp mastic infused olive oil)
  • Warm Vegetable Taboule Seasoned with Chios Mastiha – recipe
Chios Mastic Tears In A Mortar

Grind Mastic Tears

SpiceBreeze
Share Print
Cuisine Greek

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tsp small mastic tears

Instructions
 

Freeze

  • Place pouch with mastic tears for 1 hour in the freezer.

Grind with mortar and pestle

  • Grind with a mortar and pestle half or all mastic tears with 1 tsp salt or sugar, depending on your recipe. For sweet recipes use 1 tsp sugar, for savory recipes 1 tsp salt.

Grind without mortar and pestle

  • Place mastic tears on a flat surface.
  • Cover mastic tears with a large piece of plastic wrap.
  • Roll over the plastic wrap with a baking pin until all mastic tears are pulverized.
Mastic Recipe Inspirations for Ground Mastic:
  • In a PAN, fry cardamom 1 minute in 2 tbsp oil. Add ground meat and/or small vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and ground mastic to taste. Fry until done.
  • Savory rice porridge (see recipe below).
  • Spaghetti with Fresh Mastiha-Tomato Sauce and Bocconcini – recipe
  • Greek Fries with Homemade Mastiha Scented Ketchup – recipe
  • Plum and Purslane Salad with Mastiha-Lemon Vinaigrette – recipe
  • Orange Chicken with Cinnamon, Ginger and Mastiha – recipe (make half of the recipe for 4 servings)
  • Asparagus Sautéed with Mastiha-Butter. Optional: Double all ingredients, except the asparagus, and add 1 lb shrimps. – recipe
  • Skilled-Seared Lamb Chops Rubbed with Mastiha – recipe
  • Greek cake recipes with ground mastic tears (see recipes below).
  • Orange Poached Pears Dipped in Dark Chocolate and Mastiha – recipe (make half of the recipe for 5 desserts).
  • Greek rice pudding (see recipe below).
Traditional Greek rizogalo

Rizogalo Rice Pudding

SpiceBreeze
Share Pin Print
Cuisine Greek
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Shopping list

  • 1/2 cup rice rinsed with cold water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar use less or more to taste
  • 1/2-1 tsp small mastic tears ground

Optional

  • 1 stick stick cinnamon or cinnamon powder
  • 3 pods cardamom

Instructions
 

  • 1/2 cup rice, rinsed with cold water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar (use less or more to taste)
  • 1/2-1 tsp mastic (ground)
  • Optional:
  • 1 stick cinnamon or cinnamon powder
  • 3 pods cardamom
  • In a POT, add rice and 1 cup cold water with a pinch of salt.
  • Optional: Add cinnamon and/ or cardamom.
  • Cover. Bring to boil.
  • Turn heat to low and cook for 15-30 minutes until the rice is cooked. The time depends on the type of rice.
  • Add milk and sugar. Mix well.
  • Stir in ground mastic. Start with 1/2 tsp. Add more to your taste.
  • Cover. Bring to boil.
  • Turn heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, until the rice thickens.
  • Fill rice pudding in 3-4 dessert dishes.
  • Let cool for 30 minutes.
  • Let cool in the fridge for 1 hour.
  • Enjoy!
Greek Halloumi Salad

Halloumi Salad

SpiceBreeze
Welcome to the delicious world of grilled halloumi salad! This vibrant and flavorful dish combines the smoky goodness of grilled halloumi cheese with a medley of fresh vegetables and zesty dressing. Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a vegetarian option, this salad is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Share Pin Print
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Salad Base

  • 1 Frisee lettuce or your lettuce of choice

Soft Ingredients

  • 1-2 oranges
  • 8 oz cherry tomatoes halved

Protein

  • 2 Halloumi cheese or firm mozzarella or firm tofu about 8 oz each
  • oil

Salad Dressing

  • 1 tbsp mastic olive oil [1] see notes for recipe
  • 1 orange for juice
  • salt & pepper

Suggested Side

  • 1 baguette sliced

Instructions
 

Prepare Oranges

  • Peel the oranges.
  • With a sharp knife, remove the peel and white pith from the sections.

Mix Dressing

  • In a BOWL, mix mastic olive oil [1] with 1 tbsp orange juice and salt and pepper to taste.

Fry Halloumi

  • Cut halloumi into thin slices (8 slices per package).
  • In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Fry halloumi slices for about 2 minutes until they turn golden on both sides and start slightly to melt.

Assemble

  • Distribute lettuce on plates.
  • Place cherry tomatoes and orange sections on lettuce.
  • Drizzle with vinaigrette.
  • Place halloumi slices on top.
  • Optionally, serve with warm baguette slices.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

[1] recipe for mastic infused olive oil
Rice porridge with grilled vegetables

Savory Rice Porridge

SpiceBreeze
Share Pin Print
Cuisine Greek
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb grilled meat and/or grilled vegetables
  • 2 cups rice
  • 4 cups broth
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1 lemon for juice
  • 1 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 4 tomato/es chopped
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • green cardamom pods
  • 1/2-1 tsp ground mastic
  • salt

Instructions
 

Rice

  • In a POT, add rice, broth, cardamom and salt to taste.
  • Cover. Bring to boil. Turn heat to low. Cook until rice is done.
  • Optional: Add 1/2 cup milk and cook about 5 minutes until the rice thickens
  • Take cardamom out.

Mastic Butter

  • In a small POT, melt butter with ground mastic to taste over low heat.

Serve

  • Drizzle butter over plated rice.
  • Serve with grilled meat and/or veggies.
  • Add a tomato salad seasoned with 1 tbsp lemon juice, fresh parsley, and garlic. No oil.
Orange Semolina Cake

Orange Semolina Cake

SpiceBreeze
Share Pin Print
Cuisine Greek

Ingredients
  

Shopping list for the batter

  • 1.5 cup semolina
  • 0.5 cup sugar use to taste: up to 0.25less or more
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 0.25-0.5 tsp ground small mastic tears
  • 1.5 cup yogurt
  • 0.5 c milk
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Shopping list for the syrup

  • 0.75 cup sugar use to taste: 0.25less or up to 0.75more
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 3 green cardamom pods optional
  • 1 stick cinnamon optional

Shopping list for garnish (optional)

  • 1 orange halved and sliced
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup ice cream vanilla or orange flavor

Instructions
 

Syrup

  • In a small POT, add bring 0.5 cup of water to boil.
  • Stir in sugar until dissolved.
  • Optional: Add cardamom or cinnamon.
  • Mix in orange juice. Return to a boil.
  • Turn heat to low and cook slowly for about 10 minutes. The syrup shall have thickened but still be runny.
  • Remove and let cool.

Batter

  • In a BOWL, mix semolina with sugar, baking soda, and mastic.
  • Add yogurt, milk, and lemon juice.
  • With an ELECTRIC MIXER, beat until the batter is creamy.

Bake

  • Preheat OVEN to 350°F.
  • Spread a thinly layer of butter onto a BAKING PAN.
  • Pour the batter into the BAKING PAN.
  • Bake for about 1 to 1.5 hours until its baked and lightly golden.
  • If the top turns brown before it fully baked, cover the pan with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
  • Take the BAKING PAN out.
  • Pour syrup over hot cake.
  • Let cool.

Serve

  • Sprinkle cake with powdered sugar.
  • Serve cake with orange slices and/or ice cream.

Notes

Here are some Greek cake recipes. For all you can add ground mastic tears to the batter to get this special flavor:
Mastic Tears
Mastic Tears
Mastic Tears
2
Aug, 2022
Greek Keftedes

Greek Keftedes

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
Greek Keftedes

Greek Keftedes

SpiceBreeze
These are perfect for your BBQ or just as a change for your weekday dinner. Keftedes are very juicy meatballs thanks to the added ingredients like milk. The Greek spice blend include herbs from dill to mint and warm spices from cinnamon to nutmeg with a hint of chili. Add fresh vegetables or salad, and of course, fresh bread.
 
Share Pin Print
hands-on time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef *

Fresh Produce

  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2-5 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 0.5 bunch parsley finely chopped
  • 1/2 English cucumber grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped dill optional

Dairy

  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups Greek yogurt plain **

Packaged Goods/Staples

  • 2 oz breadcrumbs ***
  • chili flakes to taste optional
  • olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Keftedes Culinary Spice Kit

  • Oregano,

Suggested Sides

  • fresh bread or cooked rice
  • fresh or grilled vegetables or mixed salad

Instructions
 

Fry

  • In a PAN, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
  • Fry onions until golden.
  • Add 2 cloves garlic for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Drain.

Mix & Form

  • In a LARGE BOWL, mix fried onions & garlic, parsley, milk, egg, breadcrumbs, and Keftedes spices.
  • Add meat.
  • Add to taste: salt (1.25 tsp recommended), pepper, and chili (opt.). Mix well.
  • Form meatballs in the shape of a golf ball.

Bake

  • Preheat OVEN to 350°F.
  • Place meatballs on a greased BAKING SHEET with some space in between.
  • Bake them for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Try one after 10 and 12 minutes to make sure that they don't bake too long.

Tzatziki

  • In a BOWL, squeeze the liquid out of the cucumber.
  • Tip: Add liquid to a juice or smoothie.
  • Add garlic to taste, yogurt, lemon juice, dill (opt.),  and 1 tbsp oil. Mix well.
  • Season with salt & pepper to taste.

Serve

  • Serve keftedes with tzatziki and your preferred sides.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

* Substitute beef with poultry or half pork.
** See online recipe to make it from common yogurt.
*** Substitute with ground nuts, e.g. almond meal.
SpiceBreeze
SpiceBreeze
4 Google reviews
Write a review
Marceline Reid-Jaques
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!

Enter the Culinary World

Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

Join Now
Explore
2
Mar, 2021
Greek Kleftiko open

Greek Kleftiko

How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
Greek Kleftiko open

Greek Kleftiko

SpiceBreeze
Greek kleftiko or klephtiko is a juicy one 'pot' meal that bursts with flavors. It's prepared the Greek way of slow cooking in little portion packages. Originally, they were cooked over hot cool in the soil. Today, the ingredients of each portion are still covered completely in one package, then baked and served as a package. Once plated, it's like digging into a gift of yumminess.
Share Pin Print
Hands-on Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Servings 3

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lamb leg steaks about 2 lbs
  • 1 lb broccoli cut into florets
  • 1 lb potatoes cut into 1/4 inch slices
  • 1/3 cup red wine
  • 2 medium tomatoes cut into 1/4 inch slices
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic sliced
  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • salt & pepper

Kleftiko Culinary Spice Kit

  • Oregano, garlic, dill weed, ground dill seeds, cinnamon, mint, chili, nutmeg

Instructions
 

Prepare

  • ▪ Season meat with salt to taste.
  • ▪ In a BOWL, mix oil, wine, and the Kleftiko spices.

Preheat OVEN to 400°F.

    Create 4 packets, each as follows:

    • On an 8-inch PLATE, place (1) ALUMINUM FOIL and (2) PARCHMENT PAPER, each sheet of about 20 inches long.
    • Staple: lamb, garlic, and tomatoes.
    • Place potatoes, broccoli, and onions around.
    • Season with salt to taste.
    • Drizzle with 4 tbsp of the oil mixture.
    • Close the PAPER, then the FOIL.
    • Place the packets on a BAKING RACK.
    • Bake about 60 minutes until cooked.
    • For the last 15 minutes, open the PARCHMENT PAPER, and move all toppings off the meat.

    Serve

    • The the complete kleftiko packets, one per PLATE. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Substitute meat or broccoli with eggplants or root vegetables.
    • Substitute lamb with sirloin steak, pork or veal cutlets, or chicken breast.
    Alternatively, use the Kleftiko spices for Moussaka or Souvlaki.
    SpiceBreeze
    SpiceBreeze
    4 Google reviews
    Write a review
    Marceline Reid-Jaques
    Marceline Reid-Jaques
    2022-12-14
    Karen Jones
    Karen Jones
    2022-12-05
    Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
    ann davis
    ann davis
    2022-11-29
    My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
    Jessica Brown
    Jessica Brown
    2022-05-22
    The best way to try new dishes!

    Enter the Culinary World

    Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

    Join Now
    Explore
    29
    Oct, 2020
    Greek Avgolemono

    Greek Avgolemono

    Avgolemono

    Greek Avgolemono

    The basic recipe for Avgolemono is a healthy chicken soup thickened with eggs and seasoned with lemon juice to taste. Perfect for the cold season. We added a modern twist with our pink pepperberry-lemon thyme blend.

    Soup, Pasta, or Else?

    Optionally, make a delicious Avgolemono pasta sauce. You can add your favorite vegetables either in the soup or pasta sauce. Or pour the sauce over cooked or fried vegetables. A good fit is green asparagus, turnip, rutabaga, pumpkin, zucchini, and/or carrot.

    Variations
    • Skip the chicken soup step and buy cooked shredded
      chicken and chicken broth instead.
    • Substitute orzo with small noodles or cooked rice.
    • Add your favorite vegetables to the Avgolemono Soup.
    • Omit the chicken in the Avgolemono Soup.
    • Add 1-2 tbsp white wine and/or olive oil to the Base.
    • For a thicker soup, dissolve 1-2 tsp cornstarch in
      2 tbsp cold water. Add it to the Avgolemono Base.
    The Avgolemono Culinary Spice Kit includes the following spices:

    Pink pepperberries, chives, lemon thyme, savory, green peppercorns, lemon crystals

    Discover New Flavors Every Month
    Lemon Thyme
    Lemon Thyme
    Greek Avgolemono

    Greek Avgolemono

    SpiceBreeze
    Greek Avgolemono is a healthy chicken soup thickened with eggs and seasoned with lemon juice to taste. Perfect for the cold season. We added a modern twist with our pink pepperberry-lemon thyme blend. Optionally, make a delicious Avgolemono pasta sauce. You can add your favorite vegetables to the soup or pasta sauce. Or pour the sauce over cooked or fried vegetables. A good fit is, for instance, asparagus, turnip, rutabaga, pumpkin, zucchini, and carrot.
     
    Share Pin Print
    Hands-on Time 30 minutes
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Greek
    Servings 3

    Ingredients
      

    Protein

    • 1 lb chicken pieces with skin*)

    Produce

    • 1 each celery, carrot, onion roughly cut
    • 2 - 4 lemons for juice

    Dairy

    • 2 eggs

    Option 1: Avgolemono Soup

    • 1/4 cup orzo or any small noodles

    Option 2: Avgolemono Pasta

    • 12-16 oz fettuccini or other pasta cooked
    • 1 onion finely chopped
    • olive oil

    Avgolemono Culinary Spice Kit

    • Pink pepperberries, chives, lemon thyme, savory, green peppercorns, lemon crystals 

    Optional

    • Add 1-2 cups of your favorite vegetables cut into bite-size pieces (see suggestions above).
    • fresh parsley chopped

    Instructions
     

    Prepare Chicken

    • In a POT, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
    • Add chicken, vegetables, and salt & pepper to taste.
    • Cook for 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken falls apart.
    • Take the chicken out and reserve the broth for later.
    • Remove the skin from the chicken and shred it with 2 forks.

    Prepare Base

    • In a BOWL, add eggs and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Whisk.
    • Slowly stir in hot broth, 1 tbsp at a time, until the mixture reaches the temperature of the broth.

    Option 1: Avgolemono Soup

    • To the POT, add orzo, 1 cup shredded chicken, additional vegetables (optional), hot Base, Avgolemono spices, and salt & lemon juice to taste.
    • Cook over medium heat for 6-10 minutes until the orzo is cooked ‘al dente’, stirring occasionally.
    • Serve with fresh parsley (optional). Enjoy!

    Option 2: Avgolemono Pasta

    • In a PAN, fry onions in 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat until translucent.
    • Optionally, fry vegetables until cooked.
    • Add 2 cups of the chicken broth, 1 cup shredded chicken, hot Base, Avgolemono spices, and salt & lemon juice to taste.
    • Cook low for 5 minutes.
    • Serve sauce with cooked pasta. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *) Optional, buy broth and use cooked chicken or substitute the chicken with 1 lb vegetables, and skip step 'prepare chicken'.
    • Substitute orzo with 1 cup of cooked rice. 
    • Substitute chicken with veal or pork and cook longer.
    • Add 1-2 tbsp white wine and/or olive oil to the eggs.
    • For a thicker soup, dissolve 1-2 tsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water. Add it to the eggs.
    4
    Jul, 2020
    Greek Souvlaki

    Greek Souvlaki

    How to cook 34 authentic global recipes without tedious planning.
    Greek Souvlaki

    Greek Souvlaki

    SpiceBreeze
    Souvlaki is one of many national Greek dishes. Marinated meat is grilled on a stick and eaten straight off the skewer. The origins of souvlaki date back to ancient Greece where pieces of meat were grilled on a spit. During the Medieval era, Greek street vendors sold souvlaki in bread. However, in Turkey, it's believed that the Turkish shish kebab found its way to Greece and became the Greek souvlaki.
    Share Pin Print
    Hands-on Time 30 minutes
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Greek
    Servings 3

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb pork tenderloin or lamb shank cut into 1/2 inch cubes
    • 2 cups Greek yogurt
    • 1/2 English cucumber grated
    • 1-2 lemon
    • 2 cloves garlic or more to taste, grated
    • olive oil
    • salt & pepper
    • 4-12 skewers

    Culinary Spice Kit

    • Oregano, garlic, dill weed, ground dill seeds, cinnamon, mint, chili, nutmeg

    Optional Vegetable Addition for Skewers

    • 1-2 zucchini or bell pepper cut into 1/2-inch pieces or slices
    • 1 medium onion quartered

    Suggested Sides

    • flatbread pita
    • French fries
    • baked potatoes wedges
    • cooked rice

    Instructions
     

    Prepare

    • In a CONTAINER, add 1/8 cup lemon juice, 1/8 cup olive oil, and Souvlaki spices. Mix well.
    • Add meat and salt to taste. Mix well.
    • Let marinate for 30 minutes.
    • Thread meat onto skewers.
    • Optionally, add vegetables in between.

    Tzatziki

    • In a BOWL, add cucumber, garlic to taste, yogurt, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix well.
    • Season with salt & pepper to taste.

    Grill

    • Grill or fry the skewers until cooked and browned on all sides.

    Serve

    • Sprinkle 1-2 tbsp lemon juice over the meat.
    • Serve Souvlaki with Tzatziki and preferred sides.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    ▪ Substitute pork with chicken breast or thighs, beef tenderloin, or 8 oz halloumi cheese.
    SpiceBreeze
    SpiceBreeze
    4 Google reviews
    Write a review
    Marceline Reid-Jaques
    Marceline Reid-Jaques
    2022-12-14
    Karen Jones
    Karen Jones
    2022-12-05
    Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
    ann davis
    ann davis
    2022-11-29
    My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
    Jessica Brown
    Jessica Brown
    2022-05-22
    The best way to try new dishes!

    Enter the Culinary World

    Be Inspired | Explore your boundaries and creativity

    Join Now
    Explore

    @ COPYRIGHT 2016-2024 SpiceBreeze - LUMIAD Inc.