Rich bundt cake with walnuts, spices and ouzo

This is a healthy and nutritious cake with low calories at the same time. The wholemeal flour used in this recipe turns this cake into a source of fibres and as a result satisfies our need for something sweet and limits our appetite. Ideal too for those who fast

Lenten tahini pie

We call it a "pie" but it looks like and it has the texture of a cake. Still, it is a very delicious dessert which can be found in various areas of Greece with minor differences depending on the region. It is a traditional Lenten cake full of taste thanks to the tahini paste and full of aroma thanks to the rich spices. No need to be one of those who fast to try this recipe out. It is for everybody and for all seasons because it goes perfectly well with coffee or/and tea and it is ideal as a sweet snack

Greek grape-vine leaf dolmathakia with ground meat

"Dolmathes" is a classic and very popular dish in the Greek cuisine which, of course, can be found in other countries like Turkey, Lebanon etc. In Greece, we have mainly two types of "grape vine leaf dolmathes", the one with ground meat which usually are served with egg/lemon sauce (or a lemony light béchamel sauce) and the Lenten dolmathes which don't include any meat and those are called "yalanci" dolmathes (meaning false ones). The recipe doesn't change much from region to region with the exception of those which came to us from the Greeks of Asia Minor and include pine nuts, raisins and aromatic spices. The Cypriots, also, have their own version of dolmathes (called "Koupepia") and finely chopped tomato is including in the filling. In Greece the meat dolmathes are served as a main meal, usually accompanied by feta cheese and crusty bread but also as a side dish. The Lenten dolmathes, though, are served cold or at room temperature as a meze dish

Warm potato salad with sausages

We call it a salad but it really is a hearty and filling dish which can be served as a light main meal. Take advantage of yesterday's boiled or baked potatoes to create a new dish full of taste

Pork marinated in wine and coriander

A delicious recipe with pork, inspired by the traditional Cypriot recipe "Afelia". A dish full of aroma with mild spices giving a special taste. A recipe which you can also cook with rabbit, chicken or beef and which can be also served as a meze

Octopus in vinegar sauce

"Sarakosti" (the 40 day Lent before Easter) is not so difficult to follow after all. As long as you know what the family likes regarding vegetables and seafood, then it is easy to organize things accordingly. One popular and versatile ingredient is the octopus. There are so many different ways to cook it and enjoy it as a main meal or as a meze. There is only a rule regarding octopus, regardless the recipe. Don't add any water in the pot while boiling, leave it to cook in its own juices otherwise it can become rather hard. Great also as a meze dish to accompany your ouzo in the Summer time