Which Greek Recipes Should You Try First from My Cookbook?

If you just got my Greek recipe cookbook (Vivian is Cooking GREEK), you might be wondering: “Where should I start?” Don’t worry! I’ve selected a few recipes that are easy, delicious, and will give you a true taste of Greek home cooking.

Cooking in Winter: Seasonal Vegetables & Cozy Dishes

Winter is the heart of the season (at least in central Europe where I live 😉), and it’s the perfect time to focus on nourishing, comforting meals using fresh seasonal produce. In France, winter vegetables are abundant, flavorful, and full of nutrients — ideal for warming soups, stews, roasts, and cozy home cooking.

Roasted Chestnuts in the Ninja Crispi (Easy & Foolproof)

For this Ninja Crispi recipe, I went for a seasonal classic: roasted chestnuts. I usually enjoy them during Christmas vacations, bought hot from open markets, their warm paper cones and that unmistakable winter smell in the air. I don’t normally make chestnuts at home, but I was curious to try them in the Ninja Crispi.

And it felt a little magical. The chestnuts come out tender and perfectly roasted — no ashes, no smoke, just clean, comforting warmth. A small winter pleasure you can now enjoy anytime, not only during the holidays.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out for you! (click on Read more for the details)

Menu #5 (Greek again :)

 Menu of 12/02/2025 (Click to find all my Menu ideas so far. )

A Taste of Greece: Healthy and comforting

Here’s another Greek-inspired menu featuring Keftedakia (Greek meatballs) as the starter and Fakes Soupa (lentil soup) as the main course:

🥗 The Starter: Keftedakia (Greek Meatballs)

Flavorful meatballs made with ground beef, onions, garlic and herbs. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce and pita bread.

🥘 The Main Dish: Fakes Soupa (Greek Lentil Soup)

A hearty, comforting soup made with lentils, carrots, onions, garlic, and tomatoes, seasoned with olive oil and vinegar, and topped with crumbled feta and Kalamata olives.

Crusty Bread (for dipping in the soup)

Steamed Broccoli with Olive oil and Lemon (light and fresh)

🍫 The Sweet Finale:

• Baklava (flaky pastry filled with nuts and soaked in honey syrup)
• Greek Yogurt with Honey & Walnuts (simple and satisfying)

Drinks

• Assyrtiko Wine (a crisp white wine from Greece, great with Mediterranean flavors)
• Ouzo (a traditional Greek aperitif, served chilled)
• Sparkling Water (with lemon slices)

✨ Are you tempted? Let me know in the comments! ✨

Kali orexi! 🍽️

Want more authentic Greek recipes? 📘 Discover my eBook here!

Greek Sausage and Pepper Stew (Spetzofai)

[Updated 26/02/2025]

Spetzofai is a rustic Greek dish made with country-style sausage, peppers, eggplants and tomatoes, simmered together in olive oil. 

This one-pot meal is perfect for cooler weather, offering a balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. 

A recipe coming from the mountain of the Centaurus, Mt. Pelion (famous in Greek mythology for its half-men, half-horses), it can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a starter.

Greek Lentil Soup (Fakes Soupa)

[Updated 20/03/2025]

A hearty, protein-packed, and comforting Greek classic—this lentil soup is simple, nourishing, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

Greek Baked layered Pasta (Pastitsio or the alter ego of Moussaka ! )

>>>>This recipe is part of my ebook « Vivian Is Cooking Greek – 44 Authentic Recipes to Try at Home » <<<<

Pastitsio, the alter ego of Moussaka, is a comforting Greek pasta dish, often compared to lasagna. Exactly like Moussaka, it consists of layers of pasta (instead of vegetables), rich meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping..

Greek Reversed Apple Pie

🌟 Difficulty	⏱️ Time	🍽️ Serves	🔪 Skill level
★★ Easy	1 hr	8–10	Beginner

What do apples when they want to be left alone with cinnamon? 

They hide inside a cake !
So, here it is the recipe with photos of my apple pie (it's the most common apple pie in Greece actually :) done with the precious help of my dear daughter who has done also the design (her specialty :)
Special tributes to my mother that was doing this cake since I can remember myself and my friend Ria that reminded it to me.

Apples, cinnamon, and a soft, golden cake come together in this classic Greek reversed apple pie. A simple, cozy dessert that’s a family favorite, perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.