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As a lover of traditional Greek food – OK I know I live in Athens so I am a bit biased… – I’ve had the pleasure to discover several incredible Greek chefs and cookbook writers who are true craft masters. While some of their names, such as Akis Petretzikis and Ilias Mamalakis, may be unfamiliar outside of Greece, their recipes and techniques are extremely inspiring.
As a father of two as well, I understand how important it is to instill in my children the importance of good food as well as the excitement of cooking and baking. That’s why I enjoy trying out classic Greek dishes – they’re full of fresh ingredients, robust tastes, and a big amount of olive oil, and they’re ideal for sharing with the whole family.
I’ll share some of my favorite traditional Greek cookbooks, including those by Akis, Ilias, and other brilliant Greek cooks, in this post. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a rookie in the kitchen, you’ll find lots of ideas and delicious looking books. So put on your chef’s hat, and let’s get started!
What are the Best Traditional Greek Cookbooks?
There are several cookbooks that highlight Greece’s excellent and diverse food when it comes to traditional Greek recipes. These cookbooks will inspire any home chef, from classic meals like moussaka and gyros to innovative twists on traditional recipes. In fact, several of them are clearly among the top Mediterranean cookbooks available.
Greek Comfort Food
My kids love Akis Petretzikis and his easy-to-make food and pastry recipes. So, I am very biased toward his books and easy to do technique.
Akis Petretzikis is a well-known Greek chef, television personality, and cookbook author specializing in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. He has presented a variety of culinary shows on Greek television and has authored many cookbooks, including “Akis Kitchen,” “Akis in the Kitchen,” and “Akis Express.” Petretzikis is known for his inventive but simple culinary style, and his meals frequently use fresh, seasonal ingredients and robust tastes. He is well-known across Greece and has a huge social media following.
Akis Petretzikis’ cookbook Greek Comfort Food has a selection of 260 traditional Greek dishes that are meant to be comforting, rich, satisfying, and easy to create! Soups, stews, braises, roasts, and baked goods are included in the book, as are vegetarian and seafood alternatives. Many of the dishes are inspired by Petretzikis’ childhood memories and family traditions, and they use authentic Greek ingredients and techniques – but with a twist 😉
What We Like Less:
- I do not think you will find something not to like.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
- This cookbook has something for everyone, whether you’re searching for a substantial soup to warm you up on a cold day, a magnificent roast to serve at a party, or a sweet dessert to fulfill your tastes. Also… your kids will love the result.
Greece: The Cookbook
Vefa Alexiadou is a well-known Greek cookbook author and chef specializing in traditional Greek food. Vefa Alexiadou’s Greece: The Cookbook is the perfect guide to Greece’s rich and delicious cuisine. The book includes hundreds of easy, healthful recipes and 230 color images to display the ingredients and meals, as well as information on regional specialties, local ingredients, and their importance.
With so many recipes, it is apparent that no detail has been overlooked in this encyclopedic bible of Greek food in English.
What We Like Less:
- Some recipes require skills that may require some familiarity with Greek cuisine. More pictures could have offered a clearer idea of the recipe, making it easier for someone inexperienced to follow the instructions and produce the desired result.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
- You will love the sheer number of recipes and some of them are hard to find. There are also regional cuisines as well. You will love the completeness and the photos they are accompanying them.
The Foods of Greece
Aglaia Kremezi is a well-known Greek chef and food writer specializing in traditional Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean diet. She has authored several cookbooks, including “The Foods of the Greek Islands,” a definitive introduction to Greek island food and cooking. This book is jam-packed with original recipes, great photography, and fascinating information about the history and culture of Greek food. It is an excellent resource for anybody interested in learning about Greek food and experimenting with new dishes at home.
What We Like Less:
- It may look a bit dated compared to other books in this list.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
- If you like Greek food or want to try other cuisines, you’ll appreciate this book. It’s a well-written, instructive book that will undoubtedly inspire your cooking.
Aglaia Kremezi has written several cookbooks and has also contributed to numerous food and travel magazines, including the New York Times and Food & Wine Magazine.
Ikaria: Lessons on Food, Life, and Longevity from the Greek Island Where People Forget to Die: A Mediterranean Diet Cookbook
I recently picked up “Ikaria,” and I must say that I am blown away. It’s a lovely cookbook loaded with tasty and unusual dishes from the Greek island of Ikaria, but it’s also a fascinating investigation of the island secrets of its citizens’ longevity.
But what truly distinguishes “Ikaria” is that it goes beyond simply being a cookbook. It’s an ode to the Ikarian way of life and the value of simple, conscientious living.
What We Like Less:
- The recipes will be difficult to reproduce. You’ve been warned 🙂
Why You Are Going to Like it:
- Chef Diane Kochilas does a wonderful job of tying together the tales and traditions of the island’s residents with the dishes and ingredients that make up their Mediterranean diet. The imagery is spectacular and contributes much to bringing the island to life on the page.
My Big Fat Greek Cookbook: Classic Mediterranean Soul Food Recipes
The “Authentic Greek Recipes Cookbook” compiles traditional Greek recipes from various regions. Reviewers commended the dishes’ simplicity and authenticity, as well as the ease with which they could be made. Many people have also praised the inclusion of lesser-known meals alongside more popular favorites.
What We Like Less:
- Some reviewers were disappointed by the lack of certain classic dishes.
Why You Are Going to Like it:
- The instructions are simple to follow, and the materials are all readily available, which is ideal for those of us who don’t live near a Greek market. One aspect of this cookbook that I especially like is that it covers recipes from throughout Greece, not simply the more well-known cuisine from Athens or the islands. It’s a terrific opportunity to learn about the variety of Greek food and try some new and fascinating recipes.
Before you go…
A great cookbook goes along with the right book stand to keep it in a safe and easy to view position when you cook and a book light. They can make all the difference when enjoying your next recipe at home. Check them out.
FAQs
There are definitively more Greek chefs to have a look at. However, I could not find an English cookbook version to share.
Dimitris Skarmoutsos: Dimitris is a well-known Greek chef and television personality recognized for his contemporary takes on classic Greek dishes. Here is his website.
Argiro Barbarigou: Argiro is my wife’s favorite and a well-known chef and cookbook author in Greece, with a focus on traditional Greek cuisine. Here, you will find many of her recipes in English.