Emmy-nominated TV host Debbie Matenopoulos released her new Greek cookbook “Greekish.”
This marks her second-ever cookbook, 11 years after she released “It’s All Greek to Me.”
“Greekish” is comprised of 54 distinct recipes, and it is a love letter to the motherland of Greece. It has recipes that are appropriate for every occasion.
Her love language is “cooking” and Matenopoulos shared her love for the people dear to her through cooking.
Most impressive is that each recipe comes with its own QR code so readers can watch Matenopoulos make these recipes and hear why they are so special to her.
Matenopoulos has been cooking these recipes for her family and friends for years, and they were passed down to her by her mother, aunt, (and even grandmother).
Healthy options for breakfast include her “Fresh Start Juice,” “Simple Scrambled Eggs with Dill” as well as her Feta and Cherry Tomato Toast.
As an appetizer, one should try her “Marinated Feta with Lemon Zest and Shallots”
Seafood lovers will find the inclusion of the “Famous Shrimp Kataifi” recipe from the Greek City restaurant in New Jersey to be a real treat. The same holds true for the “Seabass Stewers” of the popular Greek-American restaurant Avra.
This cookbook is filled with multiple elegant salad recipes such as the Greek Orzo Pasta Salad, Greek Tuna Salad Sandwich, Greek Chicken Salad (mayonaisse-free), and the colorful “Three Bean Salad,” which is ubiquitous in every household in Greece. Her recipe for “Tzatziki” sauce is also noteworthy.
Matenopoulos reassures us that the Traditional Greek Village Salad (“Horiatiki”) does not have lettuce in it! (as any Greek-American would attest).
For an entree, one cannot go wrong with the Greek Lemon Chicken with Artichokes, the traditional grilled lamb rib chops, and the healthy “Grilled White Fish.”
Her Mediterranean-flavored favorites include Puff Pastry Spanakopita (spinach and feta pie), Smashed Potatoes, and Greek Yogurt, as well as Lemon, and Olive Oil Cake.
While not necessarily a Greek dish, Matenopoulos also shares her recipe for “the perfect steak,” which any carnivore or omnivore would appreciate. She also reveals the secret to her Bolognese recipe.
The book also offers ideas for clever side dishes such as Yia yia’s French fries, orange roasted carrots, roasted Asparagus, and her mother’s recipe for Lemon Potatoes, which is another popular menu item in Greek eateries.
Coffee enthusiasts will find her Frappé recipe (traditional Greek iced coffee) to be the energizing rocket fuel that everyone needs to start the day.
In the visual portion of this culinary experience, Matenopoulos also does a killer and spot-on impression of Andrea Martin, who played Aunt Voula in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” that fans will not want to miss.
The Verdict
Overall, Debbie Matenopoulos has released a wonderful new cookbook that is heartfelt, poignant, and full of nostalgia. It is evident that this project was a labor of love for Matenopoulos and a true bonding experience with her friends and family using the Greek cuisine as a medium.
This cookbook ought to be enjoyed for its beauty, rawness, and authenticity. She is able to take her readers on a fun and vibrant culinary and cultural journey.
Being of Greek descent, this journalist can share the same amount of love, respect, and appreciation for each dish and recipe that she features in this cookbook. Opa!
It will certainly inspire her readers to try their hand at Greek cooking, whether they are beginner cooks or professional chefs. “Greekish” garners an A rating. Bravo!
Her new cookbook is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about Greek-American TV host Debbie Matenopoulos, follow her on Instagram.
