Chef Mitsos recommends...

Marinated pork kebabs and roast potatoes with oregano

2012-09-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Beloved pork kebabs alias souvlaki! They taste even better when you prepare them yourself, using top quality ingredients you keep in your fridge! Perfect choice for a Sunday gathering or any time.

Ingredients

700g pork leg, in bite-sized portions
1 teacup of home or ready-made mayonnaise
2 red onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon of freshly ground pepper
some parsley, finely chopped
8 wooden skewers
1 large dried onion
2 coloured bell-peppers
8 cherry tomatoes
salt
freshly ground pepper

For the roast potatoes

6 large yellow potatoes
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

Place the mayonnaise, onion slices, parsley and freshly ground pepper in a bowl. Combine them with a spoon, add the meat and give it a good toss. Cover with cling foil, put in the fridge and leave to marinate for 2h or, better still, for a whole day, turning everything a few times during that period. Then peel the onion, cut it into 4 and then halve each to end up with 8 pieces. Halve and deseed the peppers, halve them again and then cut each half into 4. Finally halve the cherry tomatoes. Now assemble the kebabs by sliding an onion on to a skewer, followed by some meat, a tomato, pepper and onion. Keep alternating the ingredients finishing off with a vegetable. When ready place all kebabs on a large serving plate and season with salt and pepper. Grill them for 3-4 minutes on each side. They usually take 12-15 minutes to cook through. For the roast potatoes: Peel, rinse and cut each potato into 6. Place them in a casserole, cover them with water, bring to the boil and cook them for 15 minutes. Poke them with a fork to check if they are ready. In the meantime preheat the oven to 250ºC. Empty the water from the casserole and give it a good shake so that the potatoes break into irregular pieces. Array them on a baking tray, drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, sprinkle them with oregano and give them a good toss. Roast them for 30-35 minutes until golden brown, crispy on the outside and mellow on the inside.

portions 8

Preparation Time 150 minutes

Baking time 12 minutes

Source: www.argiro.com.gr

Meatloaf in puff pastry lid

2012-09-19T12:23:00.001-07:00

A different approach to meatloaf or a scrumptious pie? Call it anyway you like but one thing is for certain: once you put it on the table none will be left to tell its story! You can use meatloaf leftovers, however if you make it from the beginning the puff pastry will suck up all the delicious meat juices!

Ingredients

600g minced beef
400g minced pork
1 teacup of dried bread crumbs
2 large onions, grated
2 carrots, grated
2 eggs
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons of parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teacup of grated tomatoes or tomato juice
salt
freshly ground pepper
2 sheets of ready made puff pastry
1 beaten egg to brush the pastry

Method

Mix the two kinds of minced meat and the dried bread crumbs in a bowl. Grate the onion over the minced meat so that its juices infuse it and then add it in. Add the eggs, garlic, parsley, thyme, carrots, tomato, salt and pepper. Mix everything very well until fluffy. Divide the mixture in 2 equal parts and shape each into a loaf. Wrap the loaves separately in greaseproof paper and roast them for 1h at 190ºC. Leave to cool completely. Roll the puff pastry sheets out. Place each loaf on a sheet and carefully roll the pastry over to cover the loaf completely. Brush the seams with the beaten egg mix to seal them and then brush the rest of the pastry. Bake at 220ºC for 35-40 minutes until the pastry rises and turns golden brown. Cut it in slices and serve it garnished with a green salad or serve it cold as a snack.

portions 6

Preparation Time 70 minutes

Baking time 40 minutes

Source: www.argiro.com.gr

Wild Boar Stew with Wine, Honey and Orange

2012-09-19T12:17:00.000-07:00

This is a sublime winter dish designed for the most demanding guests. Melt in the mouth wild boar, wonderfully marinated, so it can take on great flavours! Remember to check the liquid throughout the cooking time.

Ingredients

2kg wild boar
2 tablespoons flour
5 onions
1 clove of garlic
1/2 tea cup of olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tomatoes
1½ tea cup of dry red wine
1/2 tea cup of brandy
1/4 tea cup of balsamic vinegar
a piece of orange zest
2 tablespoons honey
2 bay leaves
5 pimento grains
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

Cut the meat in serving portions. Place it in a bowl, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sea salt, pour over ⅓tea cup of vinegar and cover it with cold water. Put it in the fridge for at least 5h, better still, overnight. This is the way to remove most of its blood along with the stench. Remove from the water and pat it dry with a piece of kitchen paper. Cut each onion in four pieces. Use a shallow, wide casserole-type pan and half the olive oil, to wilt the onions for 10 minutes, then sprinkle them with the sugar. Add the garlic. Put the meat in a bowl and sprinkle with the flour. Stir well for the meet to suck up the flour. Warm the remaining olive oil in a frying pan and brown the meat on all sides, a few portions at a time. Put the portions you have already browned in the casserole with the onions. When you are browning the last add the brandy, wine and balsamic vinegar and let them simmer over high heat for 4-5 minutes. Empty the lot in the casserole. Score a cross along the tomatoes stem and add them in. Add the bay leaves, pimento grains and orange zest. Put the lid on and simmer over medium heat for approximately 2h and 30 minutes, until the meat melts in mouth and the sauce thickens and mellows. Season with salt and pepper and add the honey towards the end of cooking time. Check the liquid from time to time and add water if necessary. Serve with potato mash or rice.

portions 6

Preparation Time 10 minutes

Baking time 150 minutes

Source: www.argiro.com.gr

Minced meat and white sauce cannelloni

2012-09-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

A truly delicious recipe and an absolute crowd pleaser. Even if it is considered quite elaborate it is worth giving it a try.

Ingredients

24 cannelloni tubes
2 tea cups of plain tomato sauce
For the filling
1kg beef minced meat, thinly ground
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 tea cup of grated tomato
half a cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 tea cup of brandy
salt
freshly ground pepper
1 tea cup of grated Parmesan cheese
2 beaten eggs
For the white sauce
1litre warm milk
100g butter
100g flour
a pinch of grated nutmeg
salt

Method

Brown the minced meat in the olive oil for 7-8 minutes until it changes colour. Add the garlic, onion and herbs and cook for a couple of minutes. Pour the brandy in, add the tomatoes, sugar and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes until all the liquids are completely reduced. Remove from heat and let the minced meat sauce cool off. Then add the beaten eggs and Parmesan cheese and give everything a good toss. In the meantime prepare the white sauce. In a casserole-type pan melt the butter and brown the flour for 1 minute. Remove from heat, add half of the milk whisking and put the pan back on the stove. Pour the rest of the milk in, add the nutmeg and season with salt. Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens. Drop 2 tablespoons of the white sauce in a baking tray. Use a spoon to fill the cannelloni tubes and lay them over the sauce. When finished pour the grated tomato and the rest of the white sauce over. Bake at 180ºC for 25 minutes covered with tinfoil. Towards the end of cooking time remove the tinfoil and bake until golden and bubbling.

portions 6

Preparation Time 30 minutes

Baking time 25 minutes

Source: www.argiro.com.gr

Lamb stew with chickpeas

2012-09-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Lamb and chickpeas is the perfect winter match. Besides it is such a simple dish to cook and yet incredibly delicious!

Ingredients

1kg lamb, cut in bite-sized pieces
1/4 tea cup of extra virgin olive oil
2 large onions, cut in slices
4 cloves of garlic
500g chickpeas, soaked and boiled
1/2kg tomatoes, finely sliced
1sprig of thyme
1 bay leave
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

Put some bicarbonate of soda in a bowl with water and soak the chickpeas overnight to expand. Rinse them well and put them in a casserole with cold water. Boil the chickpeas for 30 minutes and drain them. In another pan warm the olive oil and brown the meat. Add the garlic and the onion and wait until they get translucent. Then add the chickpeas, thyme, bay leave, tomatoes and a bit of water. Cover with a lid and simmer for 1 h until the meat gets tender and the chickpeas mellow. Season with salt towards the end of cooking time. My tip: since you use a fork to eat this dish make sure the sauce is thick.

portions 6

Preparation Time 30 minutes

Baking time 60 minutes

Source: www.argiro.com.gr

Charcoaled Frigadelia (Grilled Liver Chunks)

2012-09-19T11:52:00.001-07:00

Ingredients

liver of 2 lambs
caul fat of 1 lamb
salt
pepper
cinnamon powder

Method

1. Rinse the liver and cut into chunks. Add the cinnamon powder and season with salt and pepper. Combine everything well so that the spices infuse the liver.

2. Dip the caul fat into warm water, spread it and cut it into large pieces. Wrap each liver chunk with a piece of caul fat and secure with a cocktail stick. Alternatively, you can thread the wrapped chunks onto metal skewers.

3. Chargrill the frigadelia until they turn brown on all sides.

portions 12

Preparation Time 15 minutes

Baking time 20 minutes

Source: www.argiro.com.gr

Sheftalies

2012-09-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

These meatballs are so scrumptious you can’t afford to miss!

Ingredients

1 k (500g pork, 500g lamb) minced meat
1 teacup of baked bread crumbs
2 large red onions, grated
½ teacup of parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
salt
pepper
4 pieces of caul fat

Method

1. Soak the caul fat in a bowl filled with water, salt and vinegar. Drain in a colander.

2. Mix all of the ingredients together. Take one tablespoon of the mixture and mould it into a sausage. Repeat until all the mixture ends.

3. Wrap each sausage in the caul fat and chargrill the sheftalies evenly all around.

portions 25

Preparation Time 20 minutes

Baking time 15 minutes

Source: www.argiro.com.gr

Boureki with Minced Meat (Rolls with Minced Meat)

2012-07-06T04:32:00.002-07:00

Delicious, crunchy rolls, with onions, leek and spicy cheese. Serve them when you throw a party and they will steel the show!

Ingredients

a pack of filo pastry
750g minced beef
1 leek, finely chopped
2 red onions, thinly sliced
⅓ teacup of extra virgin olive oil
⅓ teacup of white dry wine
2 teacups of grated, spicy gruyere cheese
½ bunch of parsley, finely chopped
½ bunch of mint, finely chopped
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

Put the olive oil in a wide, shallow casserole and stir fry the minced meat for 6-7 minutes, until it changes colour. Add the onions and leek and stir fry for another 6-7 minutes, until they wilt. Pour the wine in and wait for the alcohol to evaporate. Reduce heat, season with salt and pepper and put the lid on. Simmer for 20 minutes over low heat until the liquids reduce. Then add the herbs and the gruyere. Combine everything well and leave to cool completely. Cut each filo sheet into 4. Brush with oil. Spoon some of the filling on each quarter and roll it over. Pop them in a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper. Brush with olive oil and bake at 180ºC for 30 minutes until golden and crispy.
Alternatively: You can fry them if you wish.

portions 32

Preparation Time 30 minutes

Baking time 30 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Papardelle with sirloin steak and vegetables

2012-07-06T04:27:00.003-07:00

A remarkably easy to prepare dish which gives a gourmet touch to our everyday dinners.

Ingredients

500g papardelle
500g sirloin steak in strips
1/3 tea cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
3 spring onions with their leaves, finely chopped
4 large Portobello mushrooms, finely cut
1/3 tea cup of dry white wine
6 tomatoes, cut in cubes
1 sprig of fresh thyme, leaves picked
salt
freshly ground pepper
grated Parmesan

Method

1. In a deep frying pan warm the oil and stir the sirloin steak strips for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, spring onions and mushrooms and wilt them for 3 minutes. Pour the wine in and wait until it evaporates. Add the tomatoes and thyme and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes over very low heat.

2. In the meantime bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the papardelle 2 minutes short of the timing on the packet instructions. Toss the papardelle (without draining) in the sauce with droplets of their cooking water to get an absolutely silky consistency.

3. Bring the food to a boil for 2 minutes and serve immediately sprinkled with grated Parmesan.

portions 4

Preparation Time 20 minutes
Source: argiro.com.gr

Beef Rolls with Beer Sauce

2012-07-06T04:23:00.004-07:00

Smashing beef rolls that your friends and family will love!

Ingredients

8 thin-cut beef or pork frying steaks
250g white mushrooms, sliced
100g gruyere
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 l beer
1 medium red onion
1/2 glass of cream
flour
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

1. Melt a teaspoon of butter in a frying pan and stir fry the mushrooms for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and a tablespoon of finely chopped parsley and remove from heat. Add the gruyere, diced in cubes, and combine everything well.

2. Lay the steaks on a board and spread each with a tablespoon of the stuffing. Roll up and secure in place with a cocktail stick. Then dip them into the flour.

3. Melt the remaining butter in a shallow casserole, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Pop the stuffed beef rolls in and brown each all over for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper and add the beer. Wait for the alcohol to evaporate, then, put the lid on and simmer over a low heat for 30-40 minutes.

4. Uncover the casserole and add the cream at the last moment. Give the casserole a gentle shake and simmer for another 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes or boiled vegetables.

portions 8

Preparation Time 20 minutes

Baking time 45 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Pork Fillet with Prunes and Wine

2012-07-06T04:17:00.002-07:00

A special, beloved recipe, full of flavours and aromas, ideal for a festive occasion!

Ingredients

1k pork fillet in medallions
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
12 prunes, pitted
1 clove of garlic
1 onion, finely chopped
1/4 teacup of brandy
3/4 teacup of red wine
1 sprig of thyme
1 bay leaf
2-3 allspice berries
3/4 teacup of crème fraîche
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

1. Warm the olive oil in a wide, shallow casserole-type pan or a deep frying pan. Brown the meat for 2 minutes each side. Add the onion and the clove of garlic and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

2. Add the prunes and stir. Pour in the wine and brandy, wait for the alcohol to evaporate, then, add the thyme, bay leaf and allspice. Put the lid on and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes approximately.

3. Add the crème fraîche, season with salt and pepper and boil briskly over high heat for a few more minutes.

4. Serve with velvety potato mash: place the mash on the serving plate and top it with the meat and its rich sauce.

portions 5

Preparation Time 10 minutes

Cooking Time 25 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Pot- Roasted Beef with Vegetables

2012-07-06T04:16:00.003-07:00

This is a real treat for those of you who watch your calories and don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen! I prefer to accompany it with yoghurt.

Ingredients

1½ k beef (brisket), diced in bite-sized portions
2 carrots, finely chopped
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, cut into 4
2 red bell-peppers, cut into 4
2 green bell-peppers, cut into 4
2 aubergines, diced in bite-sized pieces
250g white mushrooms, whole
2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teacup of red wine
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon mint
half a bunch of parsley, finely chopped
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

It is best to use an earthenware, ovenproof pot because it keeps the liquids in and so the meat is cooked better. Put the meat in the pot. Add the finely chopped carrots, onions and celery. Then add the tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and mushrooms. Pour over the olive oil and the wine. Season with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the herbs. Cover and bake, in a well preheated oven, at 200ºC, for 1h and 30 minutes. Check to make sure the meat is cooked through. Do not add any water because the vegetables have a high water content of their own. When ready place the meat in the centre of a serving plate and arrange the veggies around.

portions 6

Preparation Time 15 minutes

Baking time 90 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Pot-Roasted Beef in Red Wine with Vegetables and Prunes

2012-07-05T16:31:00.001-07:00

This amazing dish takes only 10 minutes to prepare! Pop it inside the oven, then just put your feet up while it is slowly roasting for a couple of hours. Rich taste, truly awesome!

Ingredients

1k beef (brisket or silverside), diced in bite-sized portions
2 tablespoons flour
8 small onions
2 large carrots, thickly sliced
2 stalks of celery, sliced
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons white mushrooms, halved
1 sprig of thyme
1 bay leaf
1 water glass of red wine
1 water glass of meat stock of water
12 prunes, pitted
some finely chopped parsley for garnish
salt
freshly ground pepper
potato mash (to accompany the meat)

Method

Dice the meat into bite-sized portions and flour it. Season with salt and pepper and mix everything well. In a small, ovenproof, earthenware pot put the onions (whole), carrots, celery, mushrooms and garlic and combine them well. Put the meat portions on top and stick the bay leaf and thyme sprig in. Add the prunes and pour the wine and meat stock over. Stir well. Put the lid on and bake at 200ºC for 1h and 45 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 15 minutes. Serve with potato mash and sprinkle with the finely chopped parsley. If you wish you may reduce the sauce before you serve. Put it in a saucepan and boil briskly over a high heat for 6-7 minutes until bubbling and thick. (you do that whenever you need to end up with a thick sauce).

portions 5

Preparation Time 10 minutes

Baking time 120 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Fresh Salad with Rocket and Beef Steak

2012-07-05T16:26:00.001-07:00

A lovely salad, that, you may serve as a light meal. The dressing is suitable foe all kinds of green salads.

Ingredients

a bunch of rocket leaves
200g sirloin steak, cut in stripes
1 lettuce
1 lollo lettuce
8 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 teacup of parmesan shavings
2 tablespoons pine nuts
salt
freshly ground pepper

For the dressing

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 clove of garlic, crushed
a pinch of dried thyme leaves
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

1. Warm the olive oil in a deep frying pan and brown the beef stripes all over for 5-6 minutes until the meat is cooked through. Pour the balsamic vinegar in, wait for the alcohol to evaporate, then, add the mustard, honey and garlic and stir everything well. Sprinkle with the thyme and season to taste.

2. Chop the leafy vegetables finely and place them in a salad bowl. Add the beef with its sauce and scatter the pine seeds over. Combine everything well and serve.

portions 4

Preparation Time 10 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Christmas Meat Pie with Baked Pastry Chips

2012-07-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

Give your Christmas diner a sense of opulence by offering this exquisite pie as first course.

Ingredients

1 egg, preferably organic
1/2 teacup of extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teacup of lukewarm water
(quantity depends on the consistency of the mixture) plain flour
1 teaspoon salt
For the filling
1½k lamb
4 red onions, whole
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

Rinse the meat well. Boil the meat along with the onions until it becomes tender. Remove the onions with the help of a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl (they must be really well cooked). Drain the meat and dice it into bite-sized portions. Set aside to cool.
For the pastry: Place all the ingredients in a large bowl, knead until you have a smooth dough and leave it aside to rest for a while. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll each out to a sheet. Bake the 4 pastry sheets for 10 minutes, at 200ºC. When they are cool, break them into large chips inside a large, oil coated baking pan. Scatter the meat and the onions over the baked chips. Whisk the egg with some of the meat stock, season with salt and pepper and pour it over the pie.
Add as much meat stock as you need to cover the pastry chips (add some kefalotiri cheese, if you like) and bake the pie at 180ºC, for approximately 1h.

Courtesy of Mrs Anghela Vassiliou from Arta

Source: argiro.com.gr

Glazed Pork Loin with Sweet Potato Mash

2012-07-05T16:17:00.004-07:00

Five minutes preparation time will be enough for this beautifully glazed pork. An ideal choice for those of you who do not wish to spend a lifetime in the kitchen! Serve it with yummy sweet potato mash!

Ingredients

1 (appr 3k) pork loin with the skin
5-6 cloves of garlic, sliced
½ tea cup of thyme honey
2 oranges (juice)
2 lemons (juice)
1 sprig of fresh rosemary
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method
Use a sharp knife to make tiny incisions in the meat flesh, here and there and tuck in the garlic slices. Season well with salt and pepper and place the meat in a baking tray. Place it on the bottom shelf of a preheated oven and roast at 220ºC until golden brown. Then turn the oven temperature down to 180ºC cover it well with baking paper or tin-foil and continue roasting for 1h and 30 minutes. Then coat the pork with the honey, baste it with its juices, add the rosemary and roast again for 1h and 30 minutes. Make sure to baste the meat often during roasting. When ready, leave covered for 20 minutes, so that the flesh can re-absorb the juices that have bubbled to the surface. Place it on a large plate and slice it when served.

Remember that total cooking time equals the weight of the meat plus 30 minutes.

portions 8

Preparation Time 5 minutes

Baking time 210 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Marinated Pork with Melt-in-the-mouth Potatoes and Quinces

2012-07-05T16:12:00.003-07:00

A very easy recipe that will not take you long to prepare. You can easily replace the traditional roast turkey with this excellent dish.

Ingredients

2½k pork pork loin, diced in large portions
10 large potatoes
2 oranges (juice)
a piece of orange zest
2 lemons (juice)
a piece of lemon zest
2 quinces
¾ teacup of extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves of garlic
a sprig of rosemary
a sprig of thyme
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

The night before: rinse the meat well, pat it dry, season with salt and pepper and place it in a bowl. Stick the garlic cloves here and there, pour over the olive oil and then stick in the orange and lemon zest. Combine everything well, cover and place it in the fridge. The next day: peel the potatoes, cut them in large chunks and place them into an earthenware, ovenproof pot. Rinse the quinces (unpeeled and unseeded), cut them in large chunks and place them among the potatoes. Put the meat on top and empty the marinade in. Add the rosemary and thyme and pour over the lemon and orange juices. Bake at 200ºC, in a preheated oven, without the lid, for 45 minutes. Then, stir everything well, check the seasoning, cover and bake for another 2h.

portions 10

Preparation Time 10 minutes

Baking time 165 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Beef Stew with Aubergines Purée

2012-07-05T16:08:00.003-07:00

In Istanbul they call this dish “hounkiar beyienti” that means “the Royal court’s choice”! In case you wonder why, just try it!

Ingredients

1k beef (topside or brisket) cut in portions
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 red onions, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic
1 tablespoon tomato purée
1 can (400g) tomatoes, finely chopped
½ teacup of dry white wine
1 bay leaf
2-3 allspice berries
1 teaspoon sugar
2-3 sprigs of parsley
salt
freshly ground pepper

For the aubergines puree

5-6 medium sized plum aubergines, roasted
500ml fresh milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
½ small onion
1 clove
a pinch of freshly ground nutmeg
salt

Method

Warm the olive oil in a casserole-type pan and brown the meat on all sides for 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and the finely chopped onion and stir fry them until they become translucent. Then smear the tomato purée on the bottom of the casserole. Pour in the wine and wait for the alcohol to evaporate, then, add the parsley, allspice, bay leaf and finely chopped tomatoes. Sprinkle with the sugar, drizzle with very little water and season to taste. Add as little water as possible, during cooking, to help condense the flavours, so as to end up with a much tastier food. Put the lid on and simmer over a low heat until the meat melts in the mouth and the sauce thickens, that is for approximately 1h and 30 minutes.

For the aubergines purée: Pin the clove in the halved onion and place it in a casserole along with the milk. Warm it up.Melt the butter gently in a saucepan and sprinkle with the flour. Stir with a whisker for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat, discard the onion, then, add the milk, a little at a time, constantly stirring. Put back on heat and simmer gently until the sauce thickens. When ready remove from heat and add the salt and the nutmeg. In the meantime peel the roasted aubergines and mash their flesh in the food processor. Add them in and combine everything well. To serve, place the purée on a plate, top it with the meat and pour the rich sauce over.

portions 4

Preparation Time 20 minutes

Cooking Time 105 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Beef liver stew with bell peppers and feta cheese

2012-07-05T16:03:00.001-07:00

At last I 've created a liver dish which is neither baked or fried. So here is my twist with coloured bell peppers and feta cheese, served with pilaff. When you buy liver remember to check if it is spotless and consume it within the same day.

Ingredients

1/3 tea cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 kg beef liver
1 dried onion, finely chopped
2 green bell peppers, cut in strips
2 red bell peppers, cut in strips
1 kg fresh tomatoes, grated
1/2 tea cup of dry white wine
1/2 tea spoon dried oregano
1 tea cup feta of cheese, crumbled
salt
freshly ground pepper
a little parsley for garnishing
pilaff for serving

Method

Cut the liver in thick strips. Warm the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the liver in for 3-4 minutes until it changes colour. Then transfer it to a platter. Wilt the onion and peppers for 2 minutes in the same oil. Pour the wine in, wait until it evaporates and add the tomatoes.

Put the liver back to the pan along with its juices and cook it for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking time. Then sprinkle with the oregano, parsley and crumbled feta cheese. Remove from the heat and wait for 2 minutes to allow cheese to melt. The sauce must be completely reduced. Serve with pilaff.

portions 5

Source: argiro.com.gr

Lamb with curry and almonds

2012-07-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

This is a dish with intense flavours! Βasmati rice along with a green salad will be its perfect accompaniment.

Ingredients

1kg lamb leg cut in bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 large onions cut in thin slices
1 clove of garlic
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1/2 tea cup of blanched almonds, coarsely chopped
400g tomatoes, finely chopped
500g basmati rice

Method

In a deep pan warm the olive oil and brown the lamb bites on all sides for a minute or two. Then transfer them to a small ovenproof baking dish. Add the onions and the whole garlic back to the pan and cook them until they get translucent over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Then add the almonds, sprinkle the curry and cumin powder in and finally add the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes and pour the onions sauce over the lamb pieces. Cover the baking dish with greaseproof paper and tin foil and bake in a preheated oven at 200ºC for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then remove the cover and continue baking for further 25 minutes until all liquids are reduced and the meat becomes meltingly tender.

Source: argiro.com.gr

Thick spaghetti with sauce, sausage and vegetables

2012-07-05T15:55:00.002-07:00

A robust traditional dish with thick spaghetti full of flavours and aromas. You will love its gorgeous taste for sure!

Ingredients

500g thick spaghetti
1/3 tea cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 dried onion, cut in thin slices
1 clove of garlic, crushed
2 country sausages, casing removed
1/2 tea cup of dry red wine
1 green bell pepper, cut in cubes
1 red bell pepper, cut in cubes
1 large aubergine, cut in cubes
800g fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
1/2 tea cup of olives, finely chopped
1 sprig of fresh thyme, leaves picked
1 sprig of fresh oregano, leaves picked
grated kefalotiri cheese for serving
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

Line a baking dish with greaseproof paper. Put the bell peppers and aubergine in a bowl, coat them well with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and then transfer them to the baking dish. Bake them at 200ºC for 10 minutes until they wilt. Cut the sausages in thin slices. In a casserole type pan warm the remaining olive oil and cook the onion and garlic for a couple of minutes until they get translucent but not brown. Add the sausage and stir it in for 2-3 minutes. Add the vegetables, pour the wine in and wait until all liquids evaporate. Then add the tomatoes, herbs and olives. Season with salt and pepper and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes. In the meantime boil the spaghetti and drain them in a colander. Combine them with the sauce, sprinkle with the grated kefalotiri cheese, mix everything well and serve immediately.

portions 5

Preparation Time 10 minutes

Cooking Time 20 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Tagliatelle with mushrooms and pancetta (Italian bacon)

2012-07-05T15:51:00.002-07:00

When you get home starving to death and you have no food planned, this is a dish you can prepare in ten minutes. Remember my tip: toss pasta in the sauce with its cooking water in order to get an absolutely silky consistency.

Ingredients

1/4 tea cup of olive oil
250g pancetta
1 onion, finely chopped
1 clove of garlic
250g white mushrooms
2 X 400g tinned tomatoes, finely chopped
2 tablespoons thyme
1/4 tea cup of dry white wine
100g strained yoghurt
salt
freshly ground pepper
1 tea cup of grated kefalotiri cheese
500g tagliatelle or traditional long noodles from Crete island

Method

In a casserole type pan stir the pancetta for 3-4 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and stir for 2-3 minutes until they get translucent. Put the mushrooms and leave the food liquid reduce. Pour the wine and wait until the alcohol evaporates. Add the tomatoes and herbs, season with salt and pepper and boil for 15-20 minutes until the sauce becomes thick. Bring a large casserole of salted water to the boil, cook the tagliatelle for 5 minutes and transfer them immediately to the pan with the mushrooms and pancetta sauce. In this way their cooking water will loosen the sauce to a nice silky consistency. Remove from heat and add the yoghurt and cheese. Mix everything well and serve straight away.

portions 4

Source: argiro.com.gr

Traditional spaghetti with lamb minced meat and feta cheese

2012-07-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

That is again comfort food. For a different texture simply cut the lamb meat using two knives.

Ingredients

500g thin spaghetti
600g lamb minced meat, coarsely cut
1/3 tea cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 dried onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
6 white mushrooms, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 sprig of fresh thyme, leaves picked
1 bay leaf
1 tea cup of dry red wine
800g fresh or canned tomatoes, finely chopped
a pinch of sugar
1/2 tea cup of milk
11/2 tea cup of feta cheese, crumbled
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

Warm the olive oil in a casserole type pan and wilt the onion, cloves and mushrooms for 6-7 minutes. Make a well in the cooked mixture and place the minced meat in. Turn the heat up and add the thyme and bay leaf. Stir occasionally and wait until the meat changes colour. A soon as its liquids are reduced, drizzle the wine in. Wait until the alcohol evaporates, add the rest of the ingredients (tomatoes, milk, sugar, salt and pepper) and give everything a gentle mix. Turn the heat down and simmer for 30 minutes. In the meantime boil the spaghetti, drain them in a colander and put them back in the casserole. Add 2 full spoons of the meat sauce and the 1 tea cup of the crumbled feta cheese. Mix well and serve the spaghetti in a platter topped with the rest of the meat sauce and crumbled feta cheese.

portions 10

Preparation Time 10 minutes

Cooking Time 40 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Frigadelia

2012-07-05T14:41:00.001-07:00

A delicacy that comes from Central Greece. Every year we gather in Paros, friends and family together, about 30 of us, from all over Greece and we celebrate Easter, each making his own traditional culinary contribution! Now this is a very tasty one, indeed!

Ingredients

caul fat of 1 lamb (large)
1 lamb liver
4 cloves of garlic, grated
½ tea cup of parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon oregano
salt
freshly ground pepper

Method

Rinse the liver and cut into small pieces. Place it in a bowl, add the garlic, parsley and oregano and season with salt and pepper. Dip the caul fat into warm water, spread it onto your working surface and remove the thick, hard parts.

Then, cut the caul fat into oblong pieces. Place 1 teaspoon of the filling on each piece and then roll it over to give it a sausage shape. When you have made them all, fry them in hot olive oil for 2-3 minutes each side. Drizzle with lemon juice.

Alternatively: You can, if you wish, bake the frigadellia. Place them in a baking pan, seam down and bake at 200ºC for 35-40 minutes. Make sure to turn them over, so that they become golden brown on all sides. When you serve, drizzle with lemon juice.

portions 12

Preparation Time 15 minutes

Baking time 6 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr

Country lamb in the bag

2012-07-05T14:36:00.000-07:00

In case of lack of inspiration this is splendid idea for a formal gathering.

Ingredients

11/2 kg leg of lamb, boned and cut in portions
1/2 tea cup of extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon oregano
2 tablespoons fresh mint, leaves picked and finely chopped
6 potatoes
2 bay leaves
6 slices of kefalotiri cheese
salt
freshly ground pepper
6 X A5 sheets of greaseproof paper

Method

Place the meat portions in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with the olive oil and lemon juice and add the oregano, fresh mint and garlic cloves, cut in thin slices. Give everything a good toss and add the bay leaves. Cover and leave in the fridge for 2-3 hours, tossing occasionally. Cut the potatoes in round slices. Sir fry them in a pan with olive oil, over low heat, for 10 minutes until they soften. Transfer in a platter.Spread all six greaseproof paper sheets on a working surface. Place in the centre of each 3-4 potato slices, put a meat portion on top and finish with a slice of kefalotiri cheese. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the marinade and fold the greaseproof paper over the meat (seam side down). Place all six bags on a flat metal baking tray and bake them in a preheated oven at 180º C for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

portions 6

Preparation Time 20 minutes

Cooking Time 75 minutes

Source: argiro.com.gr