7 Easy Greek Party Recipes for a Delicious Mediterranean Feast

Overview

Greek cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, making it perfect for any gathering. This article presents seven easy Greek party recipes that are ideal for entertaining family and friends. These dishes are designed to be simple yet impressive, serving as delightful starters at any occasion. The recipes incorporate regional influences from various parts of Greece, showcasing its culinary diversity. The estimated prep and cook time for these appetizers is around 30-45 minutes, with a difficulty level of easy, suitable for cooks of all skills.

Ingredients

– **Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)**
– 450g (16 oz) fresh spinach, chopped
– 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 package phyllo pastry (about 500g/1 lb)
– 100ml (3.4 oz) olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

• Tzatziki Dip

  • 1 medium cucumber, grated
  • 500g (18 oz) Greek yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
  • 10ml (2 tsp) white vinegar
  • Salt to taste

• Keftedes (Meatballs)

  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb
  • 100g (3.5 oz) breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Olive oil for frying

• Feta and Olive Platter

  • 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, cubed
  • Assorted olives (200g/7 oz)
  • 50ml (1.7 oz) olive oil
  • Fresh herbs (oregano, thyme) for garnish

• Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

  • 400g (14 oz) grape leaves, canned or jarred
  • 200g (7 oz) rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 30ml (2 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
  • 50ml (1.7 oz) olive oil

• Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)

  • 400g (14 oz) gigante beans, canned or dried
  • 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 50ml (1.7 oz) olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

• Lemon and Herb Quinoa Salad

  • 200g (7 oz) quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 50g (1.7 oz) parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Olive oil to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Spanakopita

   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Sauté the onion in olive oil until translucent. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
   • Mix the spinach mixture with feta, salt, and pepper.
   • Layer 2 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with olive oil. Place 2 tablespoons of the filling on one end, fold, and roll into a triangle.
   • Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

2. Tzatziki Dip

   • Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture.
   • Mix cucumber with yogurt, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt in a bowl.
   • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

3. Keftedes (Meatballs)

   • Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
   • Form small balls and set aside.
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.

4. Feta and Olive Platter

   • Arrange feta cubes and assorted olives on a platter.
   • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle herbs on top for garnish.

5. Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

   • Rinse the grape leaves and set aside.
   • Cook rice according to package instructions. Mix with onion, lemon juice, and olive oil.
   • Stuff grape leaves with the mixture and place in a pot with water. Simmer for 1 hour.

6. Gigantes Plaki

   • If using dried beans, soak them overnight, then cook until tender.
   • Sauté onion and garlic, then add tomatoes, beans, and olive oil. Stir and simmer for 20-25 minutes until thickened.
   • Garnish with parsley before serving.

7. Lemon and Herb Quinoa Salad

   • Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let cool.
   • Toss with diced bell pepper, cucumber, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl.

Variations & Substitutions

– For a vegan option, substitute feta with vegan cheese in Spanakopita.
– Use lentils instead of meat in Keftedes for a vegetarian version.
– For gluten-free adaptations, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in Keftedes and quinoa instead of rice in Dolmadakia.
– Experiment with different herbs or spices according to regional influences, like adding capers to the Gigantes Plaki for a Sicilian twist.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

– Spanakopita can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
– Tzatziki can be prepared 1-2 days in advance.
– Keftedes freeze well, making them perfect for batch cooking; just reheat in the oven.
– Store leftover Dolmadakia in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition (Approx.)

– Spanakopita: 200 calories, 12g fat, 16g carbs, 5g protein.
– Tzatziki: 80 calories, 5g fat, 5g carbs, 6g protein.
– Keftedes: 250 calories, 15g fat, 10g carbs, 20g protein.
– Feta and Olive Platter: 150 calories, 12g fat, 4g carbs, 6g protein.
– Dolmadakia: 120 calories, 4g fat, 20g carbs, 3g protein.
– Gigantes Plaki: 220 calories, 5g fat, 35g carbs, 10g protein.
– Quinoa Salad: 180 calories, 6g fat, 30g carbs, 8g protein.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these delightful appetizers with glasses of chilled ouzo or a refreshing spritz cocktail. Present the dishes in rustic platters for an authentic touch. For kids, consider bite-sized versions of Keftedes, or mini Spanakopita folded like hand pies for easy eating.

FAQs

– **How do I keep Spanakopita crispy?**
Ensure you bake it until golden brown and serve immediately for the best texture.

• Can I prepare Tzatziki ahead of time?

  Yes, it can be made 1-2 days in advance to allow flavors to meld.

• Can I prepare Keftedes in advance?

  Yes, they can be frozen before frying, then cooked directly from frozen.

• How do I store leftover Dolmadakia?

  Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

These seven easy Greek party recipes are sure to elevate your gatherings, showcasing the flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether it’s the crispy Spanakopita or refreshing Tzatziki, each dish offers a taste of Greece that friends and family will cherish. Experiment with regional variations and invite others to share in this beautiful culinary tradition. Try combining multiple appetizers to create a stunning Greek-inspired spread. Share your favorite Greek starter recipes, and embrace the joy of eating together!