Taste of Greece

In Greece, a version of this refreshing salad accompanies virtually every meal. Unlike most American salads, this calls for no lettuce, just chunks of tomato, cucumber, and onion tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette. Recipe:Greek Salad

If you hesitate ordering this soup at restaurants for fear of butchering the pronunciation, just break it down: Greek for egg is "avgo" and lemon is "lemono." Avgolemono's real secret, however, is that the creamy soup is a snap to make at home–it uses only 5 ingredients, all of which are pantry staples. Recipe:Egg, Lemon, and Rice Soup (Avgolemono Soupa)

A moist, beefy filling perfumed with the subtle aroma of fennel makes these leaf-wrapped appetizers a welcome addition to any mezze table. And making the sauce couldn't be easier: after simmering the little packages in broth, simply thicken the remaining liquid with a bit of cornstarch. Recipe:Meat, Bulgur, and Rice Dolmades

Most of us know and love spanakopita, the popular spinach-and-feta pie. But one bite of hortopita, its sassier cousin, and you're sure to be a convert. Made with a tasty mix of greens and herbs ("horto" simply means "greens" in Greek), it's a deliciously rustic twist on a classic. Recipe:Greens-and-Cheese Pie (Hortopita)

One of the most appealing aspects of Greek cuisine is the simplicity of its ingredients. For instance, kitchen staples like lemon juice, garlic, olive oil and oregano give ordinary chicken skewers a kick of flavor. Served with tzatziki, a cooling sauce made from yogurt and shredded cucumber, this makes for a quick Greek feast. Recipe:Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

Traditionally prepared in an earthenware pot called a "youvetsi," this dish of slow-cooked lamb is a warming supper that couldn't be simpler. Start the lamb in a slow cooker, then leave it to simmer all day. When ready to eat, just combine feta and cooked orzo, a small grain-shaped pasta, with the juicy, fork-tender lamb. Recipe:Aegean Lamb with Orzo

Potatoes baked with lemon and olive oil are an irresistible side dish. In this recipe, go ahead and gild the lily with the addition of feta: it adds a delightful richness and tang. Recipe:Greek-Style Lemon Potatoes

Many baklava recipes call for just one or two nuts in the filling, but the combination of pistachios, walnuts, and almonds sends this dessert over the top. And although it looks impossibly fancy, working with phyllo is a breeze when using this clever technique: instead of brushing each layer with melted butter, simply coat them with cooking spray. Recipe:Baklava with Wildflower Honey

You'll be stunned at what an impact four ingredients can make. Splurge on a lush Greek-style yogurt for this blessedly simple dessert and savor the contrast between the tart yogurt and caramel-like sweetness of honey. Recipe:Greek-Style Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts

There are many other Greek classics to enjoy, from creamy moussaka to homemade pita bread.