Greece (and also Crete) is known for its versatile Mediterranean cuisine. Here, many Greek herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, dill, parsley, basil, and mint are commonly used. Fresh vegetables are also often featured. We would like to share some authentic Greek vegetables and how you can prepare them with you!
Greek Vegetables and How to Prepare Them
Fasolakia (Green Beans)
These Greek green beans are always freshly picked from the field and tossed into the pan. A delicious recipe is to sauté the beans with olive oil and onions. Then, add tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. You can add some water and let it simmer until the beans are tender.
Spanakorizo (Spinach with Rice)
Spinach is super healthy and a wonderful part of Greek cuisine. We find it absolutely delicious prepared this way: first, sauté garlic and onion in a pan. Then, add the chopped spinach if you like. Add the rice with vegetable broth. Season with salt, pepper, dill, mint, and fresh lemon juice, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the spinach is soft.
Melitzanes Papoutsakia (Stuffed Eggplants)
We love eggplants, and this recipe is pure enjoyment. First, cut the eggplants lengthwise and hollow them out. Bake them in the oven until they are soft. Meanwhile, sauté garlic in olive oil and add ground meat. Add chopped tomatoes, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stuff the eggplants with the mixture, top with béchamel sauce and cheese, bake in the oven, and you’re done!
Horta (Wild Greens, such as Dandelion Leaves or Chard)
Horta is a collective term for Greek greens that grow wild in the season. You can prepare these Greek vegetables all in the same way, and believe us, they are fresh, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Wash the wild greens thoroughly and cook them in water until soft. After draining, drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Enjoy!
Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Another authentic Greek dish. For this, use pickled grape leaves or soak dried leaves in warm water. Make a filling from rice, pine nuts, raisins, chopped tomatoes, parsley, dill, mint, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Fill the grape leaves and roll them up into tight bundles. Place the dolmadakia in a pan with layers of tomatoes, potatoes, and broth. Cook until the rice is tender and the leaves are soft.
Greek Vegetables in a Nutshell
These are just a few examples of delicious Greek vegetable dishes. In their simplicity lies the beauty, in our opinion. ‘Simple’ yet powerful flavors that together make for a delightful meal. Want more recipes? We have a whole recipe section in our magazine. Additionally, you can find various authentic Greek recipes on our social media, such as the well-known Greek salad, shakshuka, tzatziki, stuffed eggplants and htipi dip. Enjoy!
