How to Make a Delicious Greek Dinner – Orektiko

Introduction

Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, with its emphasis on fresh produce, olive oil, and seafood. In this recipe, we will show you how to make a delicious Greek dinner that will make you feel like a god (or goddess) at the table. With its bold flavors and rich textures, this meal is perfect for any occasion. So let’s get started!

Main Course: Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce

The gyro is a staple of Greek cuisine. The juicy meat, wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with cool tzatziki sauce, makes for a perfect main course. Here’s how to make it:

• 1 lb lamb or beef, ground
• 1 onion, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce (recipe below)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground lamb/beef, onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Form the meat mixture into oblong patty shapes, about 1/2 inch in thickness.
3. Cook the patties over medium-high heat until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
4. Wrap the patties in warm pita bread and top with tzatziki sauce.

Side Dish: Greek Salad

A Greek dinner wouldn’t be complete without a refreshing salad. This recipe is simple but delicious.

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion, olives, and feta cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

Dessert: Baklava

No Greek dinner is complete without baklava, a sweet and flaky pastry made with honey and nuts.

• 1 lb phyllo dough
• 1 lb chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pistachios)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 lb butter, melted
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Place a sheet of phyllo dough on a flat surface. Brush with melted butter. Repeat with 5 more sheets of phyllo.
4. Sprinkle a layer of nut mixture over the phyllo. Repeat with 5 more sheets of phyllo and another layer of nut mixture. Continue until all the nut mixture is used, ending with a layer of phyllo.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
8. When the baklava is done, pour the syrup over the hot pastry. Let cool before serving.

Tzatziki Sauce

This cool and creamy sauce is perfect for any Greek dish.

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.