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Greek Pantry Essentials

By Aglaia Kremezi
Updated: April 14, 2016
Stock these ingredients for sunny Mediterranean flavor anytime.
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Olive Oil

Photo: Iain Bagwell

A key ingredient in many Mediterranean cuisines. Cookbook author Aglaia Kremezi, creator of our Greek Vegetable Cooking recipes says Greeks prefer fruity oils because they blend more harmoniously into a dish, while pungently grassy or peppery oils can overwhelm the palate.

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Lemon

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Bright-flavored lemons add acidity to Greek veggie dishes in the winter and spring. Come summer, Greeks turn to ripe tomatoes for a similar hint of tartness.

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Capers

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Salted capers are used instead of oil- or vinegar-packed capers. Once well rinsed, they're more complexly flavored and lightly floral than their brined counterparts. "You can use capers instead of salt," Kremezi says.

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Olives

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Used in many dishes for a hit of briny salt, as with capers. Try fruity kalamatas or large green conservolias.

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Mint

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Greek cooking leans heavily on dried and fresh herbs, especially mint. "All the herbs are important because we don't have a lot of spices," Kremezi says.

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Yellow Split Peas or Dried Fava Beans

Photo: Iain Bagel

A cheap but highly nourishing pantry staple, legumes are the base for many traditional Greek vegetarian dishes.

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Feta Cheese

Photo: Iain Bagwell

"Feta and vegetables are a marriage made in heaven," Kremezi says. The cheese is salty, creamy, and pleasantly sour.

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Madras Pepper

Photo: Iain Bagwell

These dried chile flakes come from neighboring Turkey. They deliver mild to medium heat, a little fruitiness, and a hint of smoke.

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