Simple Taste of Greece

Cooking is a huge part of the Greek culture, and for me there is no reason why the younger generation of Greek-Americans should not keep it up. Here are a couple recipes I recently tried. Both versions of the classic dishes are simplified down from how Yia Yia would have made them but a great way to get a taste of home and keep up your cooking skills when you’re tight on time and money.

Soupa Avgolemono

Ingredients:

One can of chicken broth
½ can of water (using chicken broth can)
½ cup orzo
1 egg
Lemon juice as preferred
Pepper

Bring chicken broth and water to a boil. Add orzo. Continue to boil until orzo is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Turn off burner.
In a separate bowl whip egg white until it peaks. Add egg yolk and lemon juice beating continuously until combined. So you do not curdle the egg, temper it with one cup broth adding the broth in a slow constant stream into the egg mixture while whisking. Return entire mixture into broth. Add pepper to taste. Makes 2 servings and great with fresh bread.

Calamaria

Ingriedients:

1 package frozen squid
1 8 once can tomato sauce
1 can water (use sauce can)
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp parsley
1 onion
2 tbsp. virgin olive oil
Garlic powder, pepper and salt to taste

Thaw and rinse off squid. Cut squid into rounds of about a half inch wide. Add the virgin olive oil and onions to pan on medium heat. Cook until onions are browned.
While onions are browning mix tomato sauce, water, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a separate pot. Bring to a boil and cover.
Add onions once browned and squid. Cover again and let boil for another 20-25 minutes until squid is tender. Great just with bread but can be served over rice pilaf for a traditional presentation, or orzo or pasta. Makes 2 servings.

Enjoy!