15 Greek Side Dishes To Complement Your Main Course

From the lush valleys of Crete to the sunny shores of the Peloponnese, Greek cuisine is as rich and varied as its geography. Often, Greek side dishes are the unsung heroes that not only complement but sometimes steal the show from the main course. In this article, we delve into 15 of the most delectable Greek side dishes that can elevate any meal to a feast, offering flavors that sing of the Mediterranean. 🌿

Spanakorizo (Spinach Rice)

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Spanakorizo, or spinach rice, is a delightful blend of earthy spinach, aromatic dill, and perfectly cooked rice. This dish is a testament to the Greek ethos of turning simple ingredients into something sublime:

• Ingredients: Spinach, rice, dill, onions, lemon juice, and sometimes feta.
• Preparation: Saute onions, add spinach, cook until wilted, then add rice, dill, and broth, cooking until the rice is done. A squeeze of lemon at the end adds brightness.

<p class="pro-note">🌿 Note: Spanakorizo pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, providing a refreshing contrast to richer flavors.</p>

Horta (Boiled Greens)

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Horta, or simply boiled greens, might be one of the most wholesome dishes in Greek cuisine. It's:

• Ingredients: Any assortment of leafy greens like dandelion, nettles, or wild greens.
• Preparation: Simply boil until tender, then dress with olive oil and lemon.

This dish is not only packed with nutrients but also represents a connection to the Greek land and its edible bounty.

Skordalia (Garlic Mashed Potatoes)

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Skordalia is a thick garlic and potato spread that can also be served as a dip or a side:

• Ingredients: Potatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and sometimes nuts or bread.
• Preparation: Mash boiled potatoes with garlic, slowly add olive oil, then vinegar for a smooth, creamy consistency.

Its pungency and richness make it the perfect counterpoint to grilled fish or roast lamb.

<p class="pro-note">🧄 Note: Skordalia isn't just a side dish; it's a versatile spread that can enhance many dishes.</p>

Melitzanosalata (Eggplant Dip)

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Melitzanosalata is an eggplant dip that balances the sweetness of roasted eggplant with sharpness:

• Ingredients: Eggplant, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, and optional herbs like parsley.
• Preparation: Roast eggplants, scoop out the flesh, and mix with other ingredients until smooth.

Feta Psiti (Baked Feta)

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Feta psiti is baked feta with a topping of tomatoes, peppers, and herbs:

• Ingredients: Feta, tomatoes, green bell peppers, olive oil, oregano.
• Preparation: Arrange feta in a baking dish, add toppings, drizzle with olive oil, and bake until bubbly.

This dish is straightforward yet impressive, with the heat caramelizing the tomato and softening the peppers.

<p class="pro-note">🔥 Note: While feta is known as a salad cheese, baking it enhances its texture and flavor, making it an excellent warm side dish.</p>

Saganaki (Fried Cheese)

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Saganaki is the quintessential cheesy, crunchy delight:

• Ingredients: Kefalotyri or graviera cheese, flour, lemon juice.
• Preparation: Coat cheese slices in flour, fry until golden brown, and finish with a splash of lemon.

Tzatziki (Cucumber and Yogurt Dip)

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Tzatziki's cool and creamy nature makes it one of the most popular Greek side dishes:

• Ingredients: Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil.
• Preparation: Grate cucumber, remove excess water, mix with yogurt, garlic, dill, and lemon juice.

Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)

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Gigantes plaki uses giant white beans to create a dish rich in flavor:

• Ingredients: Giant beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, parsley, and sometimes carrots.
• Preparation: Slow-cook beans in a tomato and herb sauce until tender.

Patates Lemonates (Lemon Potatoes)

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Patates lemonates are potatoes roasted with lemon:

• Ingredients: Potatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic, broth.
• Preparation: Toss cut potatoes in a lemony mix and bake until crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.

Dolmades (Stuffed Vine Leaves)

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Dolmades are vine leaves stuffed with a flavorful rice mixture:

• Ingredients: Vine leaves, rice, herbs like dill and mint, onions, and sometimes pine nuts or currants.
• Preparation: Roll rice and herb filling in vine leaves and cook in broth until tender.

Briam (Mixed Vegetable Casserole)

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Briam showcases the simplicity and richness of oven-baked vegetables:

• Ingredients: Various vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, onions.
• Preparation: Layer vegetables, season, add a little water, then bake until caramelized.

Piperies me Feta (Baked Peppers with Feta)

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This dish involves peppers filled with a savory feta mixture:

• Ingredients: Peppers, feta, olive oil, and herbs like oregano or basil.
• Preparation: Stuff peppers, drizzle with oil, and bake until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.

Fasolakia Ladera (Green Beans in Tomato Sauce)

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Fasolakia ladera transforms humble green beans into a flavorsome side:

• Ingredients: Green beans, tomatoes, garlic, onions, dill, and sometimes potatoes.
• Preparation: Braise green beans with onions and garlic in a tomato-based sauce.

Kroketes Patatas (Potato Croquettes)

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Potato croquettes offer a delightful crunch:

• Ingredients: Mashed potatoes, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and optional cheese or herbs.
• Preparation: Shape into balls or cylinders, coat in breadcrumbs, and deep fry until golden.

Loukaniko (Greek Sausages)

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Loukaniko, while traditionally a main course, can also serve as a unique side:

• Ingredients: Pork, garlic, orange zest, wine, fennel seeds, black pepper, and herbs.
• Preparation: Grill or pan-fry these sausages until they develop a nice char.

The variety and versatility of these Greek side dishes illustrate not just the breadth of Greek cuisine but also its soul. Each dish, whether it's a simple boiled green or a meticulously crafted stuffed vegetable, tells a story of culture, agriculture, and a profound love for food. Enjoying these dishes isn't just about the taste; it's about participating in centuries-old culinary traditions that celebrate life and community.

Remember, Greek meals are about sharing, so prepare these dishes with the intent to enjoy them with friends and family, and may your table be blessed with good food, good company, and the warmth of Greek hospitality. 🍇🍅

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are these Greek side dishes easy to prepare at home?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, many of these dishes are quite simple to make at home with basic ingredients and traditional cooking methods like roasting, baking, and boiling.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can these dishes be adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely. Many Greek side dishes are naturally vegetarian or can easily be made vegan by adjusting ingredients like cheese or meat products.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Which Greek side dish would be best for someone unfamiliar with Greek cuisine?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Start with Tzatziki or Spanakorizo for a gentle introduction to Greek flavors, which are accessible and beloved by many.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Do these side dishes have to be served warm or can they be eaten cold?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Many Greek dishes are just as delicious served at room temperature or cold, like Horta or Dolmades, making them versatile for picnics or casual meals.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I incorporate traditional Greek herbs into these side dishes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Use herbs like oregano, mint, dill, and parsley. These can be added fresh or dried in dishes like Gigantes Plaki or Saganaki for an authentic taste.</p> </div> </div> </div>