Jersey Royals, courgette & goat’s cheese tart

1 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp fennel seeds 1 garlic clove finely chopped 2 courgettes halved lengthways then sliced on the diagonal 3 spring onions chopped into matchsticks ¼ fennel bulb thinly sliced, fronds reserved 1 lemon zested and juiced handful watercress 1 tbsp each chopped basil parsley, tarragon and mint, plus extra to serve …

Medal cookies

Ingredients 140g butter 100g light soft brown sugar 3 tbsp golden syrup ½ tsp vanilla extract 350g plain flour plus extra for dusting 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 large egg To decorate 1kg pack ready-to-roll icing icing sugar food colouring paste, edible glitter and icing pens (optional) 15 long colourful ribbons Method step 1 …

Tiropita

Tiropita is a popular Greek snack consisting of sheets of phyllo dough that are filled with a combination of cheese (usually feta) and eggs. The dish is typically wrapped in triangular pieces and brushed with melted butter before baking. This tasty pastry is found in almost every Greek bakery, although it is commonly served as …

Païdakia

Grilled lamb chops are a traditional Greek dish that is popular throughout the country and usually enjoyed as the main course. Lamb chops are usually marinated in various combinations of olive oil, lemon juice, and a variety of fresh herbs before they are grilled on traditional charcoal barbecues. They are commonly paired with potatoes, salads, …

Fakes

This traditional Greek lentil soup is simple in ingredients and preparation, but results in a dish that is packed with flavors. Characterized by its dense texture, next to brown or green lentils, the soup often incorporates onions, garlic, carrots, and occasionally puréed tomatoes. Always served warm and sometimes topped with olive oil and vinegar, fakes …

Keftedakia

Flavorful, fluffy, and tender, keftedakia are Greek meatballs made from a combination of ground pork and beef, eggs, stale bread or breadcrumbs, and seasonings such as dill, pepper, parsley, and oregano. The mixture is shaped into small balls which are then fried in olive oil. Their round shape makes them ideal for popular Greek picnics …

Apáki

Apáki is a Cretan delicacy that is typically prepared with cured pork loin which is smoked using a combination of wood and various herbs such as oregano, marjoram, thyme, or sage. It is believed that this way of preparation hails from Byzantine times, when people used it in order to preserve meat for longer periods. …

Tsoureki

Tsoureki is a traditional Easter bread characterized by its braided shape, which can be either circular or elongated like a loaf. Tradition says that tsoureki should be braided in three strands – one for each aspect of the Trinity. The bread is usually made with milk, eggs, butter, and flavorings such as mahleb, orange zest, …

Taramasalata

Taramasalata is a Greek and Turkish specialty dish consisting of mashed potatoes or bread (or sometimes breadcrumbs) combined with lemon juice, olive oil, and fish roe, usually from cod, carp, or mullet. The dip is usually served as an appetizer or a meze dish.   In Greece, taramasalata is traditionally consumed on Clean Monday, which is the …

Cinnamon crêpes with nut butter, sliced banana & raspberries

Ingredients 75g gluten-free brown bread flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 medium egg 225ml semi-skimmed milk 1 tsp rapeseed oil for frying 2 tbsp almond nut butter (make your own with recipe in ‘goes well with’, right) 1 banana sliced 140g raspberries lemon wedges Method step 1 Tip the flour into a large mixing bowl …

Eton mess cheesecake

Ingredients 100g butter plus extra for the tin 200g digestive biscuits 375g mascarpone 420g full-fat cream cheese 150g icing sugar plus 2 tbsp for the strawberries 1 vanilla pod seeds scraped, pod reserved 225ml double cream 600g strawberries hulled, larger ones cut in half 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 10 shop-bought mini meringues edible flowers to …

Rosemary roast chicken thighs, new potatoes, asparagus & garlic

Ingredients 750g new potato (preferably Jersey Royals), halved 2 large bunches asparagus woody ends discarded 1 whole garlic bulb, cloves separated 1 tbsp olive oil 1 lemon halved small handful rosemary sprigs 8 chicken thighs Method step 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the potatoes, asparagus, garlic cloves, oil and lots of seasoning …

Pink lemonade

Ingredients 300g caster sugar 1½ lemons sliced 1 orange sliced 3 x 170g/6oz punnets raspberries ice and fresh mint to serve (optional) Method step 1 Place all the ingredients in a large saucepan and pour over 350ml cold water. Bring to the boil, stirring often, then leave to cool. Pour through a sieve, pressing down …

Koulourakia

Koulourakia is a Greek pastry that is traditionally prepared during the Easter festivities and consumed after the Holy Saturday. It is based on vanilla, butter, and sugar, and are traditionally braided, although they may be shaped into numerous other forms. Typically, koulourakia pastry is served with coffee or tea as a dessert or a snack. …

Mydia

Mydia or dagnje na crvenu buzaru is a popular Greek and Croatian appetizer consisting of fresh mussels that are steamed in red wine along with fresh herbs, garlic, and a variety of garden vegetables. The dish is usually doused in a Mediterranean red sauce. It is served in most fish taverns (called psarotaverna) in Greece and in most coastal …