Greek Snacking ~ 4 Anytime
Potato chips, cheese crisps, crunchy chickpeas, pita chips—these are some of the most popular snacking foods, but add a little Greek to each and they reach a new and delicious level at nosh-time. Our Mediterranean Herb Blend is featured in three of these recipes and will become one of your favorite pantry staples. Try out our new Flippin’ Greek ™ classics!
The recipes below partner with episodes on our new YouTube cooking series, Flippin’ Greek! ™, to show you how we do it in our kouzina. The link from each recipe to its YouTube episode will be active on the day of the week noted. Join us!
The recipes below partner with episodes on our new YouTube cooking series, Flippin’ Greek! ™, to show you how we do it in our kouzina. The link from each recipe to its YouTube episode will be active on the day of the week noted. Join us!
Monday
GREEK POTATO CHIPS (episode 129)
There’s nothing like the taste and texture of homemade potato chips. For this flip, we flavored thin potato slices inside and out to resemble a cross between our roasted Greek potatoes and the irresistible fries served in Greece’s famed tavernas. The result? They were eaten up before they made it to the table. Lets get frying!
PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus standing
COOKING TIME: 20 minutes
SERVINGS: 6 to 8
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled (if using organic, you can leave the skin on)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Sea salt
1 garlic clove, halved
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 tablespoon dried Greek oregano, ground
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon grated myzithra cheese or parmesan (optional)
1. Fill a large bowl halfway with cold water. Using a mandolin slicer, cut the potatoes into 1/8-inch-thick slices and immediately transfer to the water. Stir the potatoes in the water to remove excess starch (this ensures crispy chips). Drain and repeat until the water is clear; drain. Add enough cold water to the bowl to cover the potatoes and stir in the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons salt, and the garlic. Let the potatoes soak at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
2. Drain the potatoes and, using paper towels, pat the slices dry and keep wrapped in paper towels until ready to fry.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F. Fry potato slices in small batches until just turning golden, 2 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined cookie sheet and immediately season with oregano, salt, and pepper, then lightly sprinkle with cheese (if using) and let cool at least 30 minutes. (Can be made up to 6 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.)
There’s nothing like the taste and texture of homemade potato chips. For this flip, we flavored thin potato slices inside and out to resemble a cross between our roasted Greek potatoes and the irresistible fries served in Greece’s famed tavernas. The result? They were eaten up before they made it to the table. Lets get frying!
PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus standing
COOKING TIME: 20 minutes
SERVINGS: 6 to 8
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled (if using organic, you can leave the skin on)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Sea salt
1 garlic clove, halved
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 tablespoon dried Greek oregano, ground
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon grated myzithra cheese or parmesan (optional)
1. Fill a large bowl halfway with cold water. Using a mandolin slicer, cut the potatoes into 1/8-inch-thick slices and immediately transfer to the water. Stir the potatoes in the water to remove excess starch (this ensures crispy chips). Drain and repeat until the water is clear; drain. Add enough cold water to the bowl to cover the potatoes and stir in the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons salt, and the garlic. Let the potatoes soak at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
2. Drain the potatoes and, using paper towels, pat the slices dry and keep wrapped in paper towels until ready to fry.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F. Fry potato slices in small batches until just turning golden, 2 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined cookie sheet and immediately season with oregano, salt, and pepper, then lightly sprinkle with cheese (if using) and let cool at least 30 minutes. (Can be made up to 6 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.)
Tuesday
MEDI CHEESE CRISPS (episode 130)
These Mediterranean-flavored lacy baked chips can be eaten as a snack, tossed into salads, or shaped (while warm) into edible serving bowls for foods like olives or nuts. A spicy option gives the crisps a mild kick. However you enjoy them, they’re seriously addictive!
PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus standing
BAKING TIME: 8 minutes
SERVINGS: 4
1/2 teaspoon Mediterranean Herb Blend (recipe follows)
1 cup finely shredded kasseri cheese
1/2 cup finely grated kefalograviera or kefalotyri cheese
MEDITERRANEAN HERB BLEND
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder, optional (for spicy mix)
1. Make Mediterranean Herb Blend: In a spice or coffee grinder or using a mortar and pestle, grind together the thyme, oregano, basil, salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. To spice it up, add chili powder to the mix. Set aside 1/2 teaspoon herb blend to use in recipe, then seal the remaining in an airtight container and reserve for another use (store at room temperature up to 6 months).
2. Heat oven to 375°F. Line 2 large heavy-duty rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the cheeses with the reserved 1/2 teaspoon Mediterranean Herb Blend until combined well.
For chips: Place 1 tablespoon mounds of the cheese mixture, 2 inches apart, on prepared sheets (they’ll spread while baking).
For mini cups: For each cup, evenly spread out 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture in a 2-inch-wide circle on prepared sheets, placing 2 inches apart. After baking, while still warm, shape each crisp inside a custard cup and let cool completely.
For larger cups: For each cup, evenly spread out 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture in a 4-inch-wide circle on prepared sheets, placing 2 inches apart. After baking, while still warm, drape each crisp over inverted custard cups (you can also drape them on the inside of the cups) and let cool completely.
For small disks (to toss into a salad): For each disk, spread out 1/2 teaspoon of the cheese mixture in a 1-inch-wide circle, placing 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
4. Bake until the crisps just start to brown around the edges, 6 to 8 minutes. Flip and bake 1 minute more. Each oven is different, so keep close watch as they can burn quickly. Let cool slightly (about 5 minutes) on sheets, then transfer to paper towel-lined racks to cool completely and crisp up. (Can be made ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.)
These Mediterranean-flavored lacy baked chips can be eaten as a snack, tossed into salads, or shaped (while warm) into edible serving bowls for foods like olives or nuts. A spicy option gives the crisps a mild kick. However you enjoy them, they’re seriously addictive!
PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus standing
BAKING TIME: 8 minutes
SERVINGS: 4
1/2 teaspoon Mediterranean Herb Blend (recipe follows)
1 cup finely shredded kasseri cheese
1/2 cup finely grated kefalograviera or kefalotyri cheese
MEDITERRANEAN HERB BLEND
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon chili powder, optional (for spicy mix)
1. Make Mediterranean Herb Blend: In a spice or coffee grinder or using a mortar and pestle, grind together the thyme, oregano, basil, salt, lemon pepper, and garlic powder. To spice it up, add chili powder to the mix. Set aside 1/2 teaspoon herb blend to use in recipe, then seal the remaining in an airtight container and reserve for another use (store at room temperature up to 6 months).
2. Heat oven to 375°F. Line 2 large heavy-duty rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, stir together the cheeses with the reserved 1/2 teaspoon Mediterranean Herb Blend until combined well.
For chips: Place 1 tablespoon mounds of the cheese mixture, 2 inches apart, on prepared sheets (they’ll spread while baking).
For mini cups: For each cup, evenly spread out 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture in a 2-inch-wide circle on prepared sheets, placing 2 inches apart. After baking, while still warm, shape each crisp inside a custard cup and let cool completely.
For larger cups: For each cup, evenly spread out 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture in a 4-inch-wide circle on prepared sheets, placing 2 inches apart. After baking, while still warm, drape each crisp over inverted custard cups (you can also drape them on the inside of the cups) and let cool completely.
For small disks (to toss into a salad): For each disk, spread out 1/2 teaspoon of the cheese mixture in a 1-inch-wide circle, placing 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
4. Bake until the crisps just start to brown around the edges, 6 to 8 minutes. Flip and bake 1 minute more. Each oven is different, so keep close watch as they can burn quickly. Let cool slightly (about 5 minutes) on sheets, then transfer to paper towel-lined racks to cool completely and crisp up. (Can be made ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.)
Wednesday
CRUNCHY MEDI CHICKPEAS (episode 131)
When a delicious snack contains the power of protein, you’ve got a no-guilt treat to satisfy any craving. Our Mediterranean Herb Blend embodies iconic Greek flavors and a spicy option gives the chickpeas a mild-to-hot kick. The chickpeas need to be completely dry before baking to ensure a crispy result.
PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus standing
BAKING TIME: 45 minutes to 1 hour
SERVINGS: 6 to 8
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons Mediterranean Herb Blend (from episode 130)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (to taste) cayenne pepper, optional (optional)
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1. Thoroughly pat the chickpeas dry with paper towels, spread out in a single layer on a large paper-towel-lined baking sheet, and let dry at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Heat oven to 375°F. Place chickpeas, in a single layer, on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, until crisp and golden brown, stirring and rotating every 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the Mediterranean Herb Blend, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. For a spicy mix, stir in cayenne pepper.
4. Transfer the hot chickpeas to a bowl, very lightly drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat well. Add the herb blend and toss until combined well, then spread out on a baking sheet to cool, at least 1 hour or overnight. The chickpeas will get crunchier as they cool.
When a delicious snack contains the power of protein, you’ve got a no-guilt treat to satisfy any craving. Our Mediterranean Herb Blend embodies iconic Greek flavors and a spicy option gives the chickpeas a mild-to-hot kick. The chickpeas need to be completely dry before baking to ensure a crispy result.
PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus standing
BAKING TIME: 45 minutes to 1 hour
SERVINGS: 6 to 8
1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
2 teaspoons Mediterranean Herb Blend (from episode 130)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (to taste) cayenne pepper, optional (optional)
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1. Thoroughly pat the chickpeas dry with paper towels, spread out in a single layer on a large paper-towel-lined baking sheet, and let dry at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Heat oven to 375°F. Place chickpeas, in a single layer, on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, until crisp and golden brown, stirring and rotating every 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the Mediterranean Herb Blend, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt. For a spicy mix, stir in cayenne pepper.
4. Transfer the hot chickpeas to a bowl, very lightly drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat well. Add the herb blend and toss until combined well, then spread out on a baking sheet to cool, at least 1 hour or overnight. The chickpeas will get crunchier as they cool.
Thursday
MEDI PITA CHIPPERS (episode 132)
Making your own pita chips is easy and allows you to season them your way. Our version contains an herb blend that embodies iconic Greek flavors, with a spicy option that gives the chips a nice kick. We used split pocket pitas for crispier chips. Enjoy as a snack or serve the chips as an accompaniment to dips or spreads (we’ve got a bunch in our Spreads & Dips cookbook) to impress your guests!
PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus standing
BAKING TIME: 6 minutes
SERVINGS: 6 to 9
2 tablespoons Mediterranean Herb Blend (from episode 130)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder, optional (for spicy mix)
*
3 pocket pita breads, split
Extra-virgin olive oil, for coating
*
Coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon grated kefalograviera cheese (optional)
1. Heat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. For a spicy mix, combine Mediterranean Herb Blend with cayenne or chili powder; set aside.
2. Lightly brush both sides of pitas with olive oil, then cut into wedges and season both sides with herb blend.
3. Arrange pita wedges, in a single layer, on the prepared baking sheet and bake, turning once, about 3 minutes per side, until just golden throughout. Lightly sprinkle with salt and cheese (if using) and bake 1 minute more. Transfer sheet to a rack and let cool. The chippers will get crunchier as they cool.
To serve: Alone or serve alongside our delicious recipes in our Spreads & Dips cookbook.
Recipes copyright © Kukla's Kouzina
I hope you enjoyed our week of snack makeovers. Join us next week for fabulous Greek Dips—four different flips, including an impressive 8-layer dip!
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 here next Monday and on YouTube every Monday through Thursday!
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
Making your own pita chips is easy and allows you to season them your way. Our version contains an herb blend that embodies iconic Greek flavors, with a spicy option that gives the chips a nice kick. We used split pocket pitas for crispier chips. Enjoy as a snack or serve the chips as an accompaniment to dips or spreads (we’ve got a bunch in our Spreads & Dips cookbook) to impress your guests!
PREP TIME: 10 minutes, plus standing
BAKING TIME: 6 minutes
SERVINGS: 6 to 9
2 tablespoons Mediterranean Herb Blend (from episode 130)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder, optional (for spicy mix)
*
3 pocket pita breads, split
Extra-virgin olive oil, for coating
*
Coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon grated kefalograviera cheese (optional)
1. Heat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. For a spicy mix, combine Mediterranean Herb Blend with cayenne or chili powder; set aside.
2. Lightly brush both sides of pitas with olive oil, then cut into wedges and season both sides with herb blend.
3. Arrange pita wedges, in a single layer, on the prepared baking sheet and bake, turning once, about 3 minutes per side, until just golden throughout. Lightly sprinkle with salt and cheese (if using) and bake 1 minute more. Transfer sheet to a rack and let cool. The chippers will get crunchier as they cool.
To serve: Alone or serve alongside our delicious recipes in our Spreads & Dips cookbook.
Recipes copyright © Kukla's Kouzina
I hope you enjoyed our week of snack makeovers. Join us next week for fabulous Greek Dips—four different flips, including an impressive 8-layer dip!
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 here next Monday and on YouTube every Monday through Thursday!
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
ABOUT Kukla’s Kouzina Flippin’ Greek! ™
Flippin’ Greek! ™is our brand new cooking series on YouTube and the next exciting chapter in our kouzina. It’s four episodes a week, Monday through Thursday, featuring familiar non-Greek recipes we flipped to Greek-island style using ingredients and cooking techniques found in Karpathos. Each episode runs 2 to 15 minutes, the perfect length for viewers to quickly learn how to recreate foods and beverages/cocktails right alongside us.
The ingredients used in Greek-island cuisine is what sets this style of cooking apart from standard Greek fare, giving meals a fresh take that keeps them interesting. Karpathos, the home of Kukla’s Kouzina, has its own unique style, and we’ll show you how to take common dishes and reinvent them into Karpathian versions with our simple substitutions.
Many think that everyday Greek cooking is made up of dishes like spanakopita (spinach pie), moussaka, and pastitsio. These are classics for sure, but too time-consuming to make on a regular basis. During our time in Karpathos, we learned that the locals’ quick meals made from the island’s staples like fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, spices, and protein, prepared using certain methods, came out tasting Greek-island delicious. So we thought this would be a great way to bring our hometown flavor into YOUR kouzina, adding some spicy variety to your life while keeping it simple and fast. Recipes for each week will be posted right here on our blog with links to the episodes.
Copyright © 2020 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / Flippin’ Greek!™/ The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
