Tzatziki (Greek yogurt dip)

16 oz (2 cups) plain Greek yogurt

4-6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 cup grated cucumber 

bunch fresh dill

1 tbsp olive oil

salt & pepper

Grate cucumber and drain excess moisture (usually I just squeeze in a paper towel or over sink) and add to yogurt, along with chopped garlic (to taste) and dill.  Stir in olive oil, add salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Spanikopita (Greek Spinach Pie)

This recipe is delicious and easy.  I'm a big fan of just sticking something in the oven and then you can relax and let it cook.  The original recipe has a huge yield (an entire pan of spanikopita) but this is the halved version.

1 package filo dough

1 1/4 lbs. spinach

2 large chopped onions (red taste the best)

1 medium leek, chopped (optional)

1 small bunch dill, chopped

1/2 cup olive oil

salt & pepper

oil for brushing

Wash spinach well and parboil until limp.  Drain well and chop.  Place half the oil in pot and brown onions and leeks slightly.  Add chopped spinach, dill, salt, & pepper and let simmer a few minutes.  Remove from heat.

Grease pan of desired size and roll out 4 sheets of filo to size of pan.  Place 2 sheets in pan, brushing each with oil.  Pour in filling and cover with remaining 2 sheets, brushing oil in between.  Bake in a moderate oven (I usually do about 275 degrees) for 45-60 minutes.  

It goes great with a bit of tzatziki.  I'll post that recipe as well.