Regardless of where you choose to celebrate them, the holidays are bound to leave you feeling happy, grateful, and most of all: full of great food! For the cooks among us, this is also an opportunity to serve up some culinary treats that will have our family and friends talking until next year. If that’s the case for you, then prepare bring that extra ‘WOW factor’ by setting the table with a selection of delicious, traditional Greek holiday recipes, courtesy of Ettore Botrini, Group Executive Chef of Katikies Hotels. So, grab that apron and let’s get cooking!
Kourabiedes — Traditional Greek Almond Cookies
Commonly enjoyed during the festive season, Kourabiedes are delicate, buttery almond cookies that are dusted generously with powdered sugar. A beloved staple in Greek households, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for creating the sweetest of memories.
Ingredients
- 2 cups seed oil
- 1 1/3 cups almonds blanched and roasted
- 3 tablespoons icing sugar
- 6 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- rose water
- powdered sugar
Preparation Method
To make Kourabiedes, begin by beating the oil and sugar together until well combined. Next, add the vanilla extract, followed by gradually incorporating the flour. Finally, fold in the crushed almonds. Shape the dough into small balls and bake in a medium-heat oven until they become beige in color. Once baked, remove them from the oven, sprinkle with rose water, and generously dust with icing sugar for a festive, sweet finish.
Melomakarona — Traditional Greek Honey Cookies
Soaked in honey, infused with cinnamon, orange zest, and topped with crushed walnuts, Melomakarona are a delicious embodiment of Greek holiday traditions. Share these tasty treats with your loved ones and watch their eyes light up with joy at their delightful sweetness and merry essence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sunflower oil
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cognac
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 8 cups (approximately) all-purpose flour
For the Syrup
- 2 cups honey
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon wedge
- Honey and chopped walnuts, for garnishing
Preparation Method
Combine all liquid ingredients and baking soda (pre-mixed with orange juice) in a large basin and whisk well. Add cinnamon, sugar, and gradually incorporate the flour, mixing by hand just enough so the dough doesn’t become stiff. Shape the dough into oval balls, gently pressing each on top with a fork. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes.
For the syrup, add the water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and lemon wedge to a cooking pot and boil for 4-5 minutes. Once the Melomakarona cool, dip them in warm syrup for 2 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a serving dish. Garnish with a little honey and crushed walnuts.
Smoked Salmon Tart
Add a modern twist to your holiday menu with this scrumptious savory offering. The Smoked Salmon Tart will bring an exquisite touch to your table and infuse any festive gathering with a new level of sophistication and flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces savory tart dough
- 4.4 ounces (about 1 cup) tender spinach leaves
- 7 ounces smoked salmon
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
Preparation Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the dough into a 9-inch tart tray and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Cover the dough with baking paper, add dry beans to weigh it down, and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown. Remove the paper and beans, then let it cool. Blanch 3.5 ounces of spinach in boiling water until soft, drain, and squeeze out excess water. Layer the smoked salmon pieces and blanched spinach onto the tart base, then cover with the remaining fresh spinach. Beat eggs, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, then pour over the tart filling. Bake for 25-30 minutes, remove, cool, slice, and serve with green salad.
Pork with Chestnuts
Stay warm during the festive season with this cherished Greek holiday dish. A hearty stew that blends tender pork with sweet, earthy chestnuts, this soulful platter is guaranteed to bring your guests together in celebration of tradition and taste.
Ingredients
(Serves 4 People)
- 2.2 pounds pork
- 1 leek, sliced into rings
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound chestnuts
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 bay leaf
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Preparation Method
Start by washing the meat and chestnuts. Boil the chestnuts in a cooking pot with plenty of water, then peel and set them aside. Cut the meat into pieces and sauté in olive oil on all sides. Remove the meat and set aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion and leek for 5 minutes, then add flour and salt. Return the meat to the pot and pour lemon juice over it. Wait for 1 minute before adding the bay leaf, pepper, and a little water, then simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add the peeled chestnuts and cook for another 10-15 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Enjoy!
Rooted in Greek tradition and full of heart-warming flavor, each of these appetizing recipes is guaranteed to delight your loved ones and fill you home with festive cheer and holiday spirit. Enjoy making them, tasting them, and above all: sharing them!