Celebrating Greek Holidays with Food

The holidays are a great time to enjoy closeness with family and friends. It is no wonder that this opportunity is often intertwined with both food and culture. As we all gather with our families during holidays, we often are excited to share traditions and old recipes and maybe even try something new that helps tie us back to our heritage. Of course, when it comes to Greek culture and cuisine, there are many different options. Here are some of our favorite foods you can share to celebrate the holidays. 

Spanakopita

One of the most delicious foods you can add to your holiday parties is spanakopita. It is a versatile dish that can be eaten as a main course or a delicious hors d’oeuvre. Spanakopita is spinach mixed with feta cheese and herbs in a delicious phyllo dough. It is not only delicious but also very healthy. 

Roasted Lamb 

Greece is known for its love of lamb-based recipes. While many Americans are tired of the same Turkey and Ham dinners, lamb can add something unique and flavorful to holiday dinners. Roasted lamb that is cooked slowly with herbs and spices is a delicious, warm meal. 

Melomakarona

Of course, when we think about the holidays, we think about sweets and desserts. Melomakarona is a great option for someone with a sweet tooth. These biscuits are drizzled in honey and topped with chopped nuts. 

Kourabiedes

If you have a sweet tooth or you just like options when it comes to desserts, we cannot think of a better Greek dessert than Kourabiedes. Kourabiedes are Greek shortbread cookies covered with powdered sugar. Thanks to that powdered sugar, they are a favorite of many Greek families, especially children. 

Vasilopita

As the holidays wrap up and we head towards New Year’s, we recommend Vasilopita. In Greece, this round cake is often served at New Year’s parties, and keeping with tradition, it is not cut into until the clock strikes midnight. This cake is served to celebrate Saint Basil of Caesarea, one of the earliest members of the Christian church. Another fun tradition with this cake that some Greek families do is hiding a single coin inside the base of the cake. The person who finds the coin in a slice of the cake is said to have good fortune in the new year. 

Celebrate the Holidays with Committee in the Seaport

Our restaurant serves traditional Greek meals throughout the holiday season, so if you are looking for something that reminds you of home, want to enjoy a meal linked to your heritage, or are interested in Greek Cuisine, we would be happy to have you here for a meal this holiday season!