My love affair with Greece and my go-to Greek lunch {Staycation Style #5}

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

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