Daktyla, also called daktyla kyrion (meaning ladies fingers) is the most popular Cypriot dessert made with phyllo which is very crisp and very juicy, filled with almonds, cinnamon and sugar. They are fried and then drenched in syrup, scented with anthonero (orange blossom water), which make them irresistible.
Nistisima (Lenten)
Greek Orthodox Easter is just around the corner. For those who want to fast during the last weeks, I have compiled a list with over 100 Lenten Recipes (most of which are also vegan).
Pantzaria Xydata (pronounced pan-TZAh-rhia Ksee-DAH-tah) are beets preserved in vinegar, which are one of our favourite vegetables to preserve.
Kollyva, is a sweet dish prepared with boiled wheat berries, nuts, raisins, pomegranate and spices, which is taken to church to commemorate our deceased during funerals or memorials.
Arakas laderos is a Greek, vegan or Lenten dish, with peas, carrots, potatoes and herbs cooked, in a rich olive oil-tomato sauce.
Focaccia is an Italian flat oven-baked bread product, similar in style and texture to pizza dough. It is very similar to the Greek flatbread named lagana , which I have posted some time ago.
Fakes (pronounced fakhés) is a Greek vegan lentil soup with vegetables. It is of high nutritional value which makes it perfect for the cold days!
Quince (Kydoni in Greek), is known from ancient years and its cultivation is said to have preceded that of the apple culture.
Melomakarona with Pecans are one of our Christmas traditional cookies which are infused in honey. They have no butter, no eggs, nothing dairy but they are so tasty you cannot just eat one.
Pilafi Pourgouri (bulgur wheat pilaf), like most Cypriot recipes, are considered to be a “poor man’s dish” as people were poor and made delicious dishes out of simple ingredients they had in their pantry. It is not only cheap and easy to make but it is also a healthy meal.