Tag Archives: greek

My Big Fat Greek Burger

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greekburger

Tzatziki

  • 1 6 oz. container of plain, non-fat yogurt
  • zest of 1/2 lemon
  • 3/4 cup seedless cucumber, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 2 tbs low fat sour cream
  • 1 tsp fresh oregano
  • 1 tbs fresh mint
  • 1/4 tsp dried dill
  • salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients and set aside.

Burger

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • zest of 1/2 lemon
  • salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup seedless cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 10 kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • handful of fresh mint, chopped
  • tbs of fresh oregano, chopped
  • prepared hummus
  • crumbled feta
  • pita bread

Combine first four ingredients in a bowl and form into 4 patties.  Cook patties on medium heat for 4-5 minutes each side.  Drain on paper towels.  To assemble your burger, split the pita so that it is almost in two but leave it attached at one end.  Spread one side with hummus and the other with tzatziki.  Top with cucumber, feta, red onion, kalamatas and herbs.  Fold and enjoy!

Tips:

To up the Greek factor, feel free to substitute ground lamb!

Greek Guac

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greekguac

I was craving some guac but we didn’t have all the ingredients on hand to make it.  So, I decided to improvise a bit and it ended up becoming a nod to Greece with the addition of the lemon and oregano.

  • 1 ripe haas avocado
  • 4 vine ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • juice and zest of one lemon
  • 1 scallion, chopped
  • pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbs red wine vinegar
  • 1/8 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • salt and pepper

To prep your avocado, hold it in one hand and with the other carefully run a sharp knife around it lengthwise until it reaches it’s initial incision point on the other side.  Twist sides to pull apart.  Take your knife, hit the pit with the blade and twist to remove it. 

Run the knife lengthwise and crosswise along the avocado to create little squares then use a spoon to scoop them out into a bowl.

Immediately squeeze the lemon juice over the avocado to prevent it from oxidizing which causes it to brown.

Mash the chunks up with the back of a fork and add the rest of your ingredients.  Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

Greek Falafel Fusion Salad

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filafelsalad

Falafel is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made up of ground chickpeas and spices and Tzatziki is a Greek sauce made from yogurt and fresh herbs.  The combination of falafel patties fried up over greens and topped with the yummy tzatziki sauce makes for one hearty meal.  Best of all?  With this dish you get to travel to two exotic countries without ever leaving your kitchen!

 

Ingredients for Salad:

  • 1 package of falafel mix (we like Telma brand)  
  • water for mix (see instructions on box)
  • 1/4 slivered almonds, toasted
  • 1 bag of baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
  • olive oil for drizzling
  • salt and pepper
  • goat cheese crumbles

Ingredients for Tzatziki:

  • 1 seedless cucumber, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup plain, non-fat yogurt
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • handful of fresh mint
  • handful of fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
  • juice of half a lemon

Ingredients for Dressing:

  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbs red wine vinegar
  • pinch of red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper
  • juice of 1/2 lemon
  • pinch of coriander
  • pinch of cumin

Directions:

  1. For tzatziki, simply combine all ingredients in a bowl and set aside.  Letting the mixture sit, allows the flavors to marry.  This can be made up to a day in advance, just make sure and stir before serving.
  2. Prepare your falafel mix according to package instructions.  (Super easy!)
  3. Fry up your falafel patties according to package directions and set aside on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
  4. To assemble your salad, place your spinach in a bowl with your kalamatas, falafel patties and top with your tzatziki mixture.  Drizzle you dressing over it and top with toasted almonds.

 Tips:

  • Falafel mix can be found in your International foods aisle.
  • To toast your almonds, place in a small pan over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until they begin to brown slightly.  Keep and eye on them, they burn easily.