Greek food has undeniably enchanted palates worldwide as it is known for its bright flavors and rich culinary traditions. Every dish is a beautiful blend of fresh ingredients, fragrant herbs, and a harmonious balance of flavors, making it one of the most well-known Mediterranean cuisines. It features a wide variety of meals that reflect the nation’s cultural past and has earned a particular place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many Americans across the country.
As the availability of Greek cuisine in America has grown throughout the years, ranging from lively Greek restaurants in the cities to tiny family-owned eateries buried in suburban areas, this article uncovers ten popular Greek dishes that have become incredibly popular across America.
Pastitsio
Pastitsio is a comfort food made of spaghetti. It includes pasta, beef mince, and bechamel sauce, typically sandwiched between layers. It is also known as pasticcio or something because of the similarities. Pastitsio sauce resembles Italian Bolognese because it is silky and creamy.
Tirokafteri
Tirokafteri, sometimes called utility, is a hot cheese spread or dip that includes feta cheese and one or more additional white cheeses. It also contains roasted peppers, yogurt, olive oil, oregano, garlic, and lemon juice and is served on an appetizer tray. It can be enjoyed alone or with warm bread.
Dakos
This sandwich-like dish is called takes and koukouvagia and is made with dried bread, oregano, feta or mizithra cheese, tomatoes, olives, and occasionally pepper. It is similar to an Italian bruschetta. However, it is a typical Greek starter that is simple to make.
Kotopita
This is a Greek-style chicken pot pie with crusts made with filo dough and a thin pastry sheet topped with butter. It is then combined with shredded chicken, feta cheese, and bechamel sauce for the filling. In addition, egg, flour, milk, nutmeg, pepper, salt, dill, garlic, and onions are added to improve the taste.
Kolokithokeftedes (courgette balls)
Kolokithokeftedes are scoops of zucchini that have been deep-fried to create a tasty texture. It can be thought of as “vegetarian meatballs,” as feta, egg, and zucchini combine to create a protein ball that is fried to make them crunchy enough to bite through.
Spanakopita
Unlike other familiar and beloved dessert options, spanakopita is one of the most popular dishes wrapped in filo that is activated with butter. In addition, spinach and cheese are mixed with seasoning before being wrapped in filo.
Fasolada (Greek Bean Soup)
Since beans are a common ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, they combine nicely with tomatoes and aromatics in this straightforward yet potent soup. When made traditionally, Fasolada is typically vegetarian, but optional additions, such as meat stocks, are frequently used to enhance the taste.
Gemista
Gemista consists of white rice, tomato sauce, meat, veggies, and spices (to stuff the tomatoes or peppers.) It is frequently served with baked potatoes and garnished with shredded bread crumbs and Parmesan on top.