When it comes to fresh flavors, wholesome ingredients like olive oil, and vibrant dishes, Greek cuisine shines as one of the most beloved in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re a beginner looking to master tzatziki or a seasoned home cook ready to perfect your spanakopita, a quality Greek cookbook is the ultimate guide to achieving that authentic taste. These books feature recipes that are regional specialities or national classics from around Greece. From traditional recipes to modern takes, here are the best Greek cookbooks that deserve a spot in your kitchen.
The Complete Book of Greek Cooking by The Recipe Club of St. Paul’s Church
Written by the Recipe Club of St. Paul, this timeless collection combines generations of Greek family recipes, ensuring authenticity at every turn. Featuring traditional recipes from the Greek Orthodox cathedral’s community, you’ll find everything from savory classics like moussaka to irresistible desserts like baklava.
Best For: Home cooks who want classic, no-fuss recipes passed down through tradition.
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My Big Fat Greek Cookbook by Christos Sourligas
Christos Sourligas brings heartwarming storytelling into the mix, alongside his family’s cherished recipes. With natural ingredients like lemon juice and olive oil at the forefront, this recipe book is perfect for recreating comforting Greek dishes like souvlaki, dolmades, and Greek-style roast lamb.
Best For: Readers who enjoy a personal touch alongside mouthwatering recipes.
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The Greek Vegetarian Cookbook by Heather Thomas
Why You’ll Love It: For those who want to explore Greek cuisine through a plant-based lens, Heather Thomas delivers an excellent array of vegetarian recipes inspired by Greek traditions. Dishes like lentil keftedes and zucchini fritters celebrate the foods of the Greek islands and showcase the versatility of regional specialties.
Best For: Vegetarians or anyone looking for lighter, veggie-forward Greek dishes.
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Ikaria: Lessons on Food, Life, and Longevity from the Greek Island Where People Forget to Die by Diane Kochilas
Why You’ll Love It: A stunning blend of recipes, lifestyle advice, and storytelling, Diane Kochilas takes readers on a journey to the Aegean islands, particularly Ikaria, where healthy living and simple recipes are the keys to longevity. Her work highlights the Ikaria way and the original Mediterranean cuisine that emphasizes olive oil, greens, and other natural ingredients.
Best For: Fans of Mediterranean diets and readers interested in the health benefits of Greek cooking.
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Greekish: Everyday Recipes with Greek Roots by Georgina Hayden
Why You’ll Love It: Georgina Hayden reinvents Greek cuisine with a fresh and modern approach. The recipes, inspired by her Greek-Cypriot heritage, incorporate simple recipes for everyday meals with creative twists. Think Greek-ish lasagna, bold salads, and easy mezze platters.
Best For: Modern cooks looking for a Greek-inspired cookbook with flexibility and flair. Perfect for daily cooking.
Check out our in-depth review: GreekIsh: Everyday Recipes with Greek Roots
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Vefa’s Kitchen by Vefa Alexiadou
Why You’ll Love It: Often called the first truly comprehensive bible of Greek food, Vefa’s Kitchen is a thorough guide to Greek culinary history and regional specialties. With over 700 recipes, including traditional dishes like stews, pies, and seafood favorites, Vefa Alexiadou proves why she’s known as the authoritative grand dame of Greek cookery.
Best For: Enthusiasts ready to dive deep into the breadth of Greek culinary traditions.
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Yiayia: Time-Perfected Recipes from Greece’s Grandmothers by Anastasia Miari
Why You’ll Love It: Yiayia celebrates old recipes and the wisdom of Greek grandmothers. Anastasia Miari traveled across Greece, gathering authentic recipes for rustic breads, family-style stews, and other glorious foods of Greece.
Best For: Cooks who crave comforting, traditional Greek recipes with heartwarming stories.
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The Olive and the Caper: Adventures in Greek Cooking by Susanna Hoffman
Why You’ll Love It: More than just a recipe book, The Olive and the Caper is a culinary journey through Greek history, food, and culture. With stories of olive groves, wine of Greece, and traditional recipes, Hoffman shares the heart and soul of Greek cooking.
Best For: Readers who love storytelling, history, and plenty of other delicious food.
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Greece: The Cookbook by Vefa Alexiadou
Why You’ll Love It: Another standout by Vefa Alexiadou, this recipe book explores the foods of the Greek islands, regional specialties, and traditional recipes. It’s a beautiful, comprehensive guide for anyone eager to bring the flavors of Greece to their kitchen.
Best For: Readers looking for an all-encompassing Greek cookbook.
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FAQ
Greek cookbooks emphasize authentic recipes rooted in Greek culture, featuring natural ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Unlike other Mediterranean cuisines, Greek cooking highlights regional specialties, such as foods of the Greek islands, and traditions like baking baklava or brewing Greek coffee. Books like The Complete Book of Greek Cooking and Vefa’s Kitchen reflect Greece’s rich history, from simple recipes to more complex dishes.
Yes, many of these cookbooks, such as Greekish by Georgina Hayden, offer simple recipes that are easy to follow. Beginners can start with traditional dishes like tzatziki, Greek salads, and souvlaki while learning about essential Greek kitchen ingredients such as olive oil. For those looking for a deeper dive into authentic recipes, Vefa’s Kitchen or The Olive and the Caper provide step-by-step guidance.
For readers interested in healthy living, Ikaria by Diane Kochilas explores the Ikaria way, where the Greek island lifestyle promotes natural ingredients and simple recipes that lead to longevity. This book showcases the original Mediterranean cuisine with dishes packed with olive oil, greens, and whole foods. It’s an ideal choice for those inspired by regional specialties and Greek dishes that promote well-being.
Absolutely! Books like Yiayia and The Complete Book of Greek Cooking focus on traditional recipes passed down through generations, including old recipes for stews, family breads, and baklava. On the other hand, modern interpretations can be found in Modern Greek Cooking by Pano Karatassos and Greekish by Georgina Hayden, where contemporary twists on Greek cuisine meet everyday cooking needs.
For beginners, start with classic Greek recipes like spanakopita, moussaka, and souvlaki, found in many Greek cookbooks, including The Complete Book of Greek Cooking. If you prefer something lighter, try fresh Greek salads, dolmades, or lentil-based dishes featured in The Greek Vegetarian Cookbook. These simple recipes reflect the glorious foods of Greece and allow you to master traditional dishes with ease.
Conclusion
Whether you’re longing to recreate your favorite Greek dishes, explore the cooking of modern Greece, or dive into traditional recipes passed down through generations, these cookbooks have you covered. From regional specialties to baking baklava cookbooks, Greek cuisine offers an irresistible blend of history, culture, and flavor.
What Greek cookbooks am I missing? Which of these Greek cookbooks will become your favourite recipe source?
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