Greek Food Made Easy

Host a Dinner Party with Greek Flavors

© Vicki F. Chavis

Nov 10, 2009

Greek food is well-known for its Mediterranean health benefits. With its variety of crisp vegetables, lean meats and the healthy dose of olive oil in salads and on breads, Greek food is rich and satisfying.

The three recipes in this article can be made quickly in one hour; a salad with sliced steak, a side dish of baked orzo and for dessert — Nut Triangle cookies. The cookie dough can be made in advance, stored in the freezer until the day of baking. These three recipes make for a filling and satisfying dining experience from beginning to end.

Grilled Steak Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp spicy brown mustard
• 5 Tbsp olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 lb sirloin or tenderloin steak
• 2 tsp Cavender's Greek Seasoning
• 1 lb of sliced fresh tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion, sliced thin
• 1 large cucumber, sliced thin
• 10 radishes sliced thin
• 2 ounces of feta cheese crumbles
• 1 head of romaine lettuce

Directions:

1. Whisk together olive oil and juice of one lemon. Add in mustard and salt and mix well.
2. Heat grill to medium-high heat. Coat grill with cooking spray.
3. Rub steak with Greek seasoning and grill for 5-6 minutes on each side for medium rare steak. Let steak rest for several minutes before slicing in thin strips, slicing against the grain.
4. On large serving platter place lettuce, cucumbers, onion, radishes and tomatoes. Add steak to serving platter. Add feta cheese and drizzle the dressing over all. Serves 4-6.

Greek Orzo

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup red wine
• 1 28-oz. can tomatoes, chopped
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 Tbsp capers
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup orzo
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

1. In a 2-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium heat, adding onion and garlic to saute for several minutes, till onion is tender. Add tomatoes from can with juice, half of the parsley, capers, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Add wine and simmer for ten minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 450°. Cook orzo in large pot of salted, boiling water for ten minutes. Drain orzo in colander and then transfer it to a 2-quart casserole dish that has been lightly sprayed with olive oil cooking spray. Pour tomato sauce over top of orzo. Sprinkle with feta cheese and remaining parsley over top. Bake for 20 minutes and serve warm. Serves 4-6.

Almond Phyllo Triangles (Trigona)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups crushed almonds
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 lb butter (3 sticks), unsalted and melted
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 lb phyllo pastry dough
• confectioners' sugar for topping

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Combine almonds, sugar, vanilla extract and lemon juice. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture becomes thickened.
2. Cut phyllo dough sheets into three strips. Use 1 tsp filling for each triangle. Begin by brushing strips with melted butter and drop filling onto end of strip. Begin folding into triangle shapes, like a flag, until the entire strip is folded up. Brush melted butter on outside of triangle.
3. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 30 minutes. Let cool and then sprinkle confectioners' sugar on each triangle.
4. Triangles can be frozen, unbaked. When ready to bake, place unthawed in a preheated oven at 350°. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

For more delicious Greek recipes that are quick and easy yet full of the traditional Mediterranean flavors you love, try the following recipe ideas:

Healthy Greek Recipes

Simple and Delish Greek Party Platter

Bake Mediterranean Breads

Mediterranean Cooking

Feta Cheese Recipes

Greek Easy

Easy Mediterranean-Style Cooking

Fresh Greek Foods

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