Top 8 Greek Vegetarian Dishes
Greek vegetarian dishes offer a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the flavors of Greece. With recipes that date back centuries, these dishes use simple ingredients to create flavorful and hearty meals. From Yemista (stuffed vegetables) to Kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters), these Greek dishes incorporate fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices for an unforgettable culinary experience.
So are you ready to take a look at some of my favorite Greek vegetarian dishes?
1. Spanakorizo
I recently discovered a delicious dish called Spanakorizo, also known as spinach rice, which is a vegetarian dish that originates from Greece.
The ingredients for this dish are simple, yet packed with flavor. To make this dish, you sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add in the spinach, mint, dill, medium-grain rice, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked. Dish it up with a generous squeeze of lemon juice, a splash of olive oil, and crumbled feta.
Spanakorizo has been a staple dish in Greek households for generations, served as a side dish or even a main dish. It’s a comfort food that warms the soul. I highly recommend giving it a try!
2. Spanakopita
I must confess, I have a soft spot for Greek culture and cuisine having grown up just outside a Greek town in Florida. And one of my all-time favorite dishes is Spanakopita!
This vegetarian dish is a savory pastry that’s loaded with spinach, onions, garlic, beaten eggs, olive oil, fresh parsley, dill, pepper, and feta cheese — and trust me–it’s betta with the feta! It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with the crispiness of the phyllo pastry contrasting perfectly with the creaminess of the filling.
And here’s a little secret: the key to making a delicious Spanakopita is to use plenty of spinach. I recommend using thawed frozen spinach because it mixes right in without having to cook it in advance.
This dish is believed to have originated around 400 years ago, during the Turkish occupation of Greece. Due to a tradition of handheld foods in farming, the pies were created for field workers to conveniently carry and enjoy while working. However these days, everyone loves Spanakopita, and it’s a staple on menus in Greek restaurants around the world.
So why not give it a try? Whip up a batch at home because it is very easy, and enjoy the delicious taste of Greece!
3. Greek Salad
As a lover of Mediterranean cuisine, I always find myself craving a fresh and hearty Greek Salad! Originating from Greece, this vegetarian dish is definitely a crowd-pleaser.
The ingredients typically include cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, green bell peppers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese (cut into cubes never crumbled!), and a light dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar.
The best part about this salad is how simple it is to make. All you have to do is chop the vegetables and toss them with the dressing–allowing all the flavors to come together–then sprinkle with dried oregano and serve.
Fun fact: The Greeks believe that a true Greek Salad should never have lettuce in it. Although there are Americanized versions of Greek Salad that include lettuce, and where I grew up, the Greeks started a tradition of adding a delicious creamy potato salad right in the middle.
It’s perfect as a side dish at a barbecue or as a main meal on a hot summer day. And if you have never had Greek Salad, I suggest you give it a try!
4. Gemista (or Yemista)
Have you ever tried Gemista (Yemista)? I discovered this delicious Greek dish during my travels one year and it quickly became my go-to vegetarian dish.
Gemista, which means “filled with”, is essentially stuffed vegetables. What vegetables can I stuff, you might ask? Typically ripe tomatoes, green/yellow/red/orange peppers, zucchini, and/or eggplant. What is important is that they are fresh and ripe and large so they can accommodate the delicious stuffing!
The stuffing is made with risotto rice and that’s what makes it so creamy. Besides risotto rice, it has a variety of flavorful ingredients, such as the flesh from the scooped-out vegetables, red onions, fresh parsley, mint, and garlic. It is cooked and then stuffed into your vegetables and a red sauce (made from tomato paste, olive oil, flesh from the scooped-out tomatoes, sugar, salt, and pepper) is added on top and around the “container” vegetables before they are baked.
In Greece, the ingredients and preparation method vary slightly between regions and households, but the result is always a hearty and satisfying meal!
5. Briám
Ah, Briám! One of my brother’s favorite vegetarian dishes from Greece.
Briám is a hearty vegetable casserole that usually consists of potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and eggplants. The vegetables are chopped into chunks and arranged in a single layer in a large baking dish. Or if you prefer, you can slice the vegetables and arrange them like in the image above (stunning isn’t it?). Then drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper and bake until they are tender and caramelized.
The secret to Briám’s success lies in the freshness of its ingredients and how easy it is to make! It’s no surprise that the Greeks have been making it for centuries, and each family has their own twist on the classic recipe, adding different herbs, spices, and vegetables.
So whether you’re a vegetarian or not, Briám is a dish that you simply cannot miss trying!
6. Vegetarian Moussaka
This hearty casserole-type dish usually consists of eggplant, minced meat, and lots of cheese. However, the vegetarian version is just as delicious and packed with flavor!
Instead of meat, it typically includes lentils or mushrooms as the base layer. Then, it’s topped with sliced eggplant and zucchini, tomato sauce, and a creamy bechamel sauce. The whole thing is baked in the oven until it’s perfectly golden brown.
As for the history of Moussaka, it’s said to have been created in the Balkans and made its way to Greece, where it’s now a staple dish and can be found in restaurants across Greece.
So, if you’re ever in Greece, or if you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian alternative to make at home, Moussaka is definitely worth a try!
7. Gigandes Plaki
Have you ever heard of Gigandes Plaki?
Let me tell you a bit about it. Gigandes Plaki is essentially a baked giant bean dish. The dish typically consists of large white beans called fasolia gigantes (aka runner beans or butter beans) that are cooked with an aromatic tomato-based sauce made from onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices. It’s also common to add carrots, celery, and peppers to the mix.
The dish is then baked in the oven until it’s piping hot and the beans have absorbed all the juicy goodness. It’s a hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meat-free option.
Gigandes Plaki is often served as part of a meze platter, which is a selection of small dishes that are shared amongst diners. So next time you’re looking for a new veggie dish to try, why not give Gigandes Plaki a try?
8. Kolokithokeftedes
I’ve always been a huge fan of Greek cuisine and Kolokithokeftedes are just a delicious snack! These little delights are essentially zucchini fritters and they’re not only delicious but also vegetarian-friendly!
The ingredients are fairly simple: grated zucchini, onions, breadcrumbs, dill, feta cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper. The mixture is then shaped into patties and lightly fried in olive oil until crisp and golden brown on the outside but still creamy on the inside.
Once they are all done frying, serve them hot sprinkled with chives and a side of cold yogurt for dipping.
Wrapping It Up
Greek vegetarian dishes are truly unique and offer a range of flavors. From a simple yet satisfying Greek Salad to hearty casseroles like Gemista, Briám, and Vegetarian Moussaka to a savory snack like Kolokithokeftedes, there is something for everyone!
So next time you’re in the mood for something Greek, be sure to try some of these delicious vegetarian dishes! And if you want a dessert to compliment your Greek-themed meal, take a look at my Top 10 Greek Desserts & Sweets.
Kalí óreksi (καλή όρεξη)!
