If you are on a gluten-free diet or want to reduce your gluten intake but are unsure of which Greek dishes you can eat, then this is the article for you to read.
I used to think that eating less gluten meant that I could not enjoy the beautiful Greek dishes anymore; but I was so happy when that proved to be wrong. There are so many gluten-free Greek dishes you can still enjoy.
The dishes listed below are available at any Greek restaurant if you are eating out, or you can make them in the comfort of your own home. You can find the recipes in cookbooks or even just via a simple internet search.
Souvlaki (plural souvlakia)
Also known as a kalamaki, this is one dish that does not need an introduction. It is simple, yet so tasty as it is just grilled meat (and sometimes vegetables) pieces on a skewer. This always reminds of summer in Greece and having souvlakia at a nice taverna or grabbing one from a souvlatzidiko as a quick snack.
Kleftiko
Kleftiko is a lamb leg or shoulder which is roasted in a parcel with potatoes, lemon, and herbs. Perfect for a Sunday night roast.
Kokoretsi
Whether you love it or hate it, the crunchy and juicy kokoretsi always reminds me of Easter. Of course, it is made during other times of the year too. It consists mainly of seasoned pieces of lamb or goat offal (sweetbread, hearts, lungs, or kidneys), skewered on a spit and wrapped with lamb or goat caul fat.
Tzatziki
Get a taste of the Mediterranean with a cool, creamy Greek tzatziki! It’s perfect when served with grilled meats or veggies, and it comes together in just 10 minutes!
Xtapodaki
Xtapodaki (octopus) makes for the perfect meze and there are so many different ways you can cook it. Xtapodaki (especially when it is grilled) reminds me of summertime on the Greek islands.
Horta
Horta (boiled greens) are a staple in any Greek household. They are easy to prepare and when dressed with a bit of olive oil and lemon, you will really enjoy the clean, pure taste.
Fasolakia
This particular dish is a classic. Green beans stewed in olive oil and tomato. Some people make them plain, others add potato and carrots as well. It is very easy, but the secret to making it delicious, is the olive oil.
Gemista
Juicy, healthy and bursting with fresh and vibrant colours and flavours! Gemista (meaning ‘filled with’) is a traditional dish for Greek stuffed tomatoes and/or other vegetables that are baked, until soft and nicely browned. The traditional Greek recipe for gemista can be either vegetarian, where the gemista are filled with rice, chopped vegetables and baked in a tomato-based sauce, or they may contain minced beef or pork.
Horiatiki: Greek Village Salad
Simple traditional Greek salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, olives, and creamy feta cheese. You only need some olive oil and vinegar for the dressing, and you are done. So simple and easy to make, yet so full of flavour. The best salad to accompany any dish.
Spanakorizo
Spanakorizo (spinach and rice) is such a simple dish, but yet delicious. It also has great nutritional value. Spinach full of antioxidants and fibre, the lemon helps with some absorption of the iron in the spinach and the rice is a source of carbohydrates to provide sustenance.
Rizogalo
Rizogalo (Greek rice pudding) is simple, comforting, and delicious. It is a thick and creamy treat best enjoyed cold – if you can wait that long! Rizogalo shows its Greek roots with a hint of citrus thanks to the piece of lemon rind added when cooking the rice. And although it takes quite a bit of stirring action to thicken properly, the end result is really worth the effort.
Kali Oreksi!!
