Rich in nutrients (vitamin A/beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, iron and manganese)—in both fresh and canned—the natural sweetness of pumpkin makes it a healthy and tasty choice for a number of dishes: grated to add to a salad tossed with feta, mashed with olive oil, cubed and roasted for a pumpkin soup, or shredded for a savory vegetable pie or for this week’s pumpkin fritters. A perfect way to celebrate October or to serve as a Thanksgiving vegetarian meze/appetizer!

GREEK PUMPKIN & FETA FRITTERS (Kolokithokeftedes, Κολοκυθοκεφτέδες)
Shredded pumpkin and potato are tossed with crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and seasonings, then fried to delicate crispiness on the outside, tender lusciousness inside (baking option follows)!
 
KOUZINA TIP: Potato oxidizes (turns dark) quickly once it’s peeled. To avoid this, prep the other ingredients first, then peel and shred the potatoes and immediately toss them in.
 
PREP TIME  20 minutes
COOKING TIME  about 20 minutes
SERVES  4 to 6
 
3 cups freshly grated pumpkin (about 1 pound, peeled and seeded)
2 medium Russet potatoes (about 3/4 pound), peeled and shredded
1 1/4 cups crumbled Greek feta cheese
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for frying
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint (or 2 tablespoons dried)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, plus whole for garnish
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
*
Tzatziki (your own or try ours in our Meze and Spreads & Dips cookbooks), for serving (optional)
 
1. In a large bowl, toss together the pumpkin, potato, feta, olive oil, eggs, scallion, mint, chives, salt, and pepper until combined well. Add enough of the flour so that the mixture just holds together (it should not be dry). Shape into balls and flatten into 1/2-inch-thick patties, about 2 inches in diameter.
 
2. Heat oven to 275°F and line a baking sheet with paper towels. In a skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook 2 to 3 patties at a time until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Using a slotted spatula, transfer patties to prepared baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining patties. Serve warm garnished with chives and with Tzatziki on the side, if desired.
 
OVEN METHOD
Heat oven to 425°F and arrange rack in upper third. Coat a large rimmed baking sheet with olive oil and arrange the patties, 1 inch apart, on the sheet. Lightly brush the tops of the patties with olive oil and bake 8 to 10 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown. Using a spatula, turn the patties over and bake 8 to 10 minutes more, until golden brown on other side. Transfer to a serving platter and serve warm garnished with chives and with Tzatziki on the side, if desired.
 
Recipe © copyright Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style, kuklaskouzina.com
 
I hope you enjoyed our pumpkin meze—prepare all of our pumpkin recipes for a complete October pumpkin-celebration menu. More recipes can be found in our Meze cookbook, available on Amazon!
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

​Copyright © 2021 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Rich in nutrients (vitamin A/beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, iron and manganese)—in both fresh and canned—the natural sweetness of pumpkin makes it a healthy and tasty choice for a number of dishes: cubed and roasted to add to a salad tossed with feta, mashed with olive oil, shredded for a savory vegetable pie, and grated for this week’s savory pot pie. A perfect way to celebrate October or to serve as a Thanksgiving vegetarian main dish or side!

Greek Pumpkin & Feta Pot Pie (savory Kolokithopita)
This savory pot pie marries the sweetness of pumpkin and the saltiness of Greek feta in a hearty filling that’s encased in a crisp-and-airy puff pastry crust. The filling can be made ahead, then baked the day of serving, or you can assemble the pie and freeze it up to a month.
 
PREP TIME  15 minutes
COOKING TIME  20 minutes
BAKING TIME  40 minutes
SERVES  8 to 10
 
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 large leeks (about 1 pound), white and light green parts only, rinsed well and chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 pounds pumpkin, peeled, seeds removed, grated
1 cup crumbled Greek feta cheese (about 4 ounces)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
 Sea salt
 Freshly ground pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
*
2 sheets frozen puff pastry dough, thawed according to package directions
1 large egg, beaten
Sesame seeds (optional)
 
1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat; add the leek and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and just starting to turn golden, 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the pumpkin to the skillet, increase heat to high, and cook, stirring occasionally, until pumpkin has softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat. If there is any liquid remaining in the skillet, strain the mixture through a sieve. Transfer the pumpkin mixture to a large bowl. Add the feta, mint, oregano, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper; stir to combine well. (Can be made ahead up to this point. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.) Stir in the 2 beaten eggs until combined well.
 
2. Heat oven to 375°F. Roll out each puff pastry sheet to half its thickness. Brush the bottom and sides of a 10- or 12-inch round or square tart pan with the remaining olive oil and line with 1 sheet puff pastry. Trim pastry to 1-inch overhang (reserve scraps for decorative leaf- or pumpkin-shaped cutouts, if desired). Fill pastry with pumpkin mixture, spreading evenly to the edges. Brush edges of pastry with beaten egg and top pie with remaining pastry sheet, pressing edges to seal; trim to 1-inch overhang and flute edges or tuck under. Using a sharp knife, cut 1-inch vents around the top crust. (Can be made ahead. Wrap well in plastic wrap and place in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; freeze up to 1 month. When ready to serve, this goes directly from freezer to oven; do not thaw. Uncover and continue with recipe, adding 15 minutes to baking time.) Brush top with egg (top with cutouts, if using, brushing tops with egg) and lightly sprinkle with sesame, if desired.
 
3. Bake 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Can be made ahead. Cool completely and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through, 10 to 20 minutes.)
 
Recipe © copyright Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style, kuklaskouzina.com
 
I hope you enjoyed our savory Greek-style autumn baking with pumpkin. More recipes can be found in our Meze cookbook, available on Amazon!
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

​Copyright © 2021 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

This exceptional pastry is perfect for any occasion, especially for Cheesefare Week. The filling for these sweet tyropitakia (cheese pies) features our recipe for homemade thick Greek yogurt that we combine with feta, honey, and thyme. Outside is crisp, golden phyllo that’s sprinkled with white and black sesame seeds, and a dusting of cinnamon and confectioners' sugar as a flavorful option. Dessert perfection!

Authentic ingredients are key for quality results, so use imported sheep’s-milk feta and Greek thyme honey. Work quickly when using phyllo dough, keeping it covered with plastic wrap and a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out between uses. When folding the pastry, don’t fold too snuggly as it may cause the packets to burst while baking.
 
PREP TIME: 15 minutes (plus time for making yogurt)
BAKING TIME: 25 to 30 minutes
MAKES: 4 servings
 
FILLING
5 ounces sheep's-milk feta, crumbled
1/4 cup plain homemade drained yogurt (or 2% or 5% thick Greek yogurt)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons thyme honey
½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
*
4 (9-by-14-inch) #4 or #5 sheets phyllo dough, at room temperature (if frozen, thawed according to package directions)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
About ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
About ½ teaspoon black sesame seeds
Ground cinnamon, for dusting (optional)
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
 
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet and set aside. In a bowl, mix together the feta, yogurt, egg, honey, and thyme leaves until combined well.
 
2. Place 1 phyllo sheet on your work surface with the wide end facing you. Brush with butter and fold over horizontally to form a 9-by-7-inch rectangle and brush with butter. Place one quarter of the filling on the end closest to you, leaving a 2-inch border and fold in the sides; brush the sides with butter. Fold the phyllo end closest to you over the filling and continue folding to the end of the phyllo to form a packet; brush all over with butter. Place the packet, seam side down, on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat with the remaining phyllo, butter, filling, and seeds to make 3 more packets.
 
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until phyllo is golden brown throughout. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with thyme sprigs and lightly dust with cinnamon and confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Serve warm.
 
Recipe by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
Copyright © 2021 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style  
 
For other recipes using Greek yogurt, check out our blogs:
Greek Chocolate Love featuring Chocolate Soufflés with Greek Yogurt
Mediterranean Diet Resolution Recipes: Sweet Success featuring Berry-Oat Parfait

To learn more about Greek cheeses and Cheesefare Week, check out our blog, Greek Cheese~Delectable Varieties & Uses.

Greek Yogurt is also featured in our Tzatziki recipe, from our Meze and Spreads & Dips cookbooks.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s pastry post. Stay tuned for more Greek recipes in upcoming blogs.
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

​Copyright © 2021 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Last week we featured our recipe for homemade drained yogurt, and this week we’ll show you how to use it in an exceptional pastry with feta, honey, thyme, and sesame seeds. Dessert perfection~Greek Island style!

​Authentic ingredients are key for quality results, so use imported sheep’s-milk feta and Greek thyme honey. Work quickly when using phyllo dough, keeping it covered with plastic wrap and a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out between uses. When folding the pastry, don’t fold too snuggly and it may cause the packets to burst while baking.

PREP TIME: 15 minutes (plus time for making yogurt)
BAKING TIME: 25 to 30 minutes
MAKES: 4 servings
 
FILLING
5 ounces feta, crumbled
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons thyme honey
½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
*
4 (9-by-14-inch) #4 or #5 sheets phyllo dough, at room temperature (if frozen, thawed according to package directions)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
About ½ teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish
About ½ teaspoon black sesame seeds, for garnish
 
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet and set aside. In a bowl, mix together the feta, yogurt, egg, honey, and thyme leaves until combined well.
 
2. Place 1 phyllo sheet on your work surface with the wide end facing you. Brush with butter and fold over horizontally to form a 9-by-7-inch rectangle and brush with butter. Place one quarter of the filling on the end closest to you, leaving a 2-inch border and fold in the sides; brush the sides with butter. Fold the phyllo end closest to you over the filling and continue folding to the end of the phyllo to form a packet; brush all over with butter. Place packet, seam side down, on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat with remaining phyllo, butter, filling, and seeds to make 3 more packets.
 
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until phyllo is golden brown. Garnish with thyme sprigs and serve immediately.
 
Recipe by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
Copyright © 2020 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style  
 
For other recipes using Greek yogurt, check out our blogs:
Greek Chocolate Love featuring Chocolate Soufflés with Greek Yogurt
Mediterranean Diet Resolution Recipes: Sweet Success featuring Berry-Oat Parfait

Greek Yogurt is also featured in our Tzatziki recipe, from our Meze and Spreads & Dips cookbooks, on Amazon.

To learn more about Cheesefare Week, check out our blog on Greek Cheese~Delectable Varieties & Uses.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s yogurt-pastry post. Stay tuned for more Greek recipes in upcoming blogs.
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

​Copyright © 2020 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

Slice…Crumble…Cube…Fry…Grill…Bake…EAT!

As an appetizer, on a salad, in a savory pie/pita (like spanakopita), or over pasta—when it comes to feta, variety is the spice of Greek life! And in that life, man cannot live on one feta alone—not when there’s an abundance of feta varieties to explore and enjoy! There’s a wealth of feta cheeses that are not that well known in the non-Greek community that are well worth exploring and sampling. Make sure you have some olives and crusty bread to complete the experience!
 
On the mainland and on many of the Greek islands, fresh and aged feta varieties are uniquely made in each village using sheep’s and/or goat’s milk, so the varieties are seemingly endless. The animals are grass fed and graze freely, producing milk of the highest quality. Many of these varieties are commercially-produced and exported, becoming more and more available in specialty markets, gourmet shops, Greek/Mediterranean stores and supermarkets throughout the United States. A few of them can also be ordered online!
 
This week the Greek feta cheese plate is on Kukla’s Kouzina’s table with details about each variety (featured in our cookbooks), including how they can be used. A list of places where you can purchase these feta cheeses follows.
 
FETA (φέτα) pronounced FEH-tah
(sheep’s and/or goat’s milk, aged and kept in a salty whey brine for at least two months)
Soft-creamy to semi-firm, flavor ranges from moderately salty to salty-peppery-sharp

​Everyone knows about feta and most people love it but not many realize that feta comes in as many varieties as there are towns in Greece, and most of these varieties are named for the region they come from. The majority of fetas are made from sheep’s milk and have a creamy-smooth texture. Some are made with goat’s milk, which gives them a tangy quality—you’ll even find little wheels of goat feta that are scored from being ripened in small baskets (kalathaki). A few are made with both sheep’s and goat’s milk, combining the qualities of both. If a cheese is labeled as feta but is made with cow’s milk (domestic) it is NOT real feta—it has none of the flavor of traditional feta and you should not waste your money! Always read the label and look for sheep’s milk, goat’s milk, or a combo of the two. Most specialty markets will let you have a taste to help you choose.

These are a few of our favorites: 

​Got Feta?
If you’re in the New York City area, you can find these feta varieties (and more Greek cheeses) at the following markets (you might be able to order by phone or their websites may also offer them):
 
Titan Foods
25-56 31st Street
Astoria, NY, 11102
718-626-7771
 
Mediterranean Foods (2 locations)
30-12 34th Street
Astoria, NY 11103
718-728-6166
 
22-78 35th Street
Astoria, NY 11105
718-721-0266 
 
New Bakaliko
115 Broadway (RT 107)
Hicksville, NY 11801
516-932-8988

If you don’t live near these markets but have a Greek Orthodox church nearby, chances are they know of a Greek/Mediterranean shop in the area.
 
Online shopping is the next best thing (or maybe the first, depending on if you have a nearby market available). Here’s where you can find Greek cheese, as well as other foods and items:
 
igourmet.com
Parthenon Foods
Amazon
Costco, select locations (Dodoni feta), and from Instacart 
 
I hope you enjoyed our celebration of feta. This prized cheese will be featured in recipes in our Meze and Spreads & Dips cookbooks, available on Amazon!
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly
​

Copyright © 2019 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos