If there is one country I love it’s Greece.
I have been on holiday there many times. I don’t think I with ever tire of the Greek Islands, the historic mainland or the breathtaking views.
The weather of course helps, the relaxed lifestyle is a bonus and the food – ooh, the food.
Greek food – can you actually beat it?
In fact I often try to recreate that Grecian feeling at home with some of my favourite Greek recipes.
Over Easter we had our lovely neighbour – who often helps with looking after Miss Marnie when I can’t get childcare – for lunch. I figured if we’re going to have lamb for Easter Sunday why not make it Greek lamb?
I always turn to my tried-trusted-and-never-let-me-down-yet Bill Granger Slow Cooked Greek Lamb recipe and Jamie Oliver for the ultimate Greek Salad.
I also have a few different recipes for Greek Beans that are worth the slow cooking – who knew beans could be so good? I used this one over Easter for Greek-Style Green Beans and regularly use this one from I Like You: Hospitably Under the Influence by Amy Sedaris.
To serve I like to toast some pitta breads and set with a big bowl of homemade Tzatziki. This Fresh Greek Tzatziki recipe is one of my favourites and can be made 2-hours in advance to really enhance the flavours.
For the last couple of years this has been my go to menu when friends come to dinner. It always looks impressive and tastes amazing – but, the best bit?
There is always plenty of leftovers.
Think shredded lamb, salad and tzatzizi filled pitta bread sandwiches the next day, lamb curry (I throw in the lamb, potatoes and beans) and of course Greek salad that has marinated overnight…yum.
** To really recreate that Greek feeling I have taken inspiration from The Aria Suites in Santorini – a boutique hotel in the main town of Fira with a view of the Volcano and historic Acrotiri.
The six luxury suites are named after well know arias (Carmen, Rigoletto, Aida, Tosca Norma and La Boheme). Filled with Mediterranean sunlight each room is decorated in classic monochrome with traditional Greek pottery, wooden furniture and of course, splashes of pastel shades and the infamous Santorini blues.
Here’s a few Grecian inspired buys to get the look at home:
Faux Olive Tree £15 George Home
Grecian Tile Cushion £25 Marks & Spencer
Gien Filet Taupe Soup Tureen £236 Amara
Distressed natural rattan and oak chair £99 Maisons du Monde
Shutters Wall Art from a selection at Poncho & Goldstein
Grecian Head Ornament £12.99 Homesense
Barrington Pottery Bowl £18 National Trust Shop
Grecian Vase £9.99 Homesense
Progetti Sheikh Cuckoo Clock with Greek Fret £225 Amara
Mosaic Printed Cushion £10 Very
Greek Key Rug £460 John Lewis
Ted Baker Athens Candle £28 House of Fraser
Linking up with:
I think I need to try some of your recipes, I love Greek food too you can't beat it. Lots of cheese! Yum. Some great home picks too. x
These are super easy Julia xx
I love the vase from Homesense and rug from John Lewis – so pretty. Oh I am the same and have a Moussaka in my slow cooker for dinner as I type, I love love love Greece. I often choose plants & pots for the garden inspired by Greece as my friend recently pointed out ha! xx #HomeEtc
ha…lady after my own heart xx
One of my best friends lived in Greece for over 20 years and she makes the most amazing Greek food — something called pastitsio, which is a bit like lasagne. Literally the best thing EVER!!! Feeling hungry now!! 😉 Thanks for linking up lovely, Caro xx #HomeEtc
ooh that sound lovely xx
We have just been and the food, people and buildings were FAB 🙂 LOVE it and can't wait to go back one day soon. Thanks for sharing as ever. Jess xx
#HomeEtc
Ooh going to pop over and check out your holiday posts x