Traditional Greek dishes include a variety of appetizers, entrees, dips to go along with meals, fresh salads, healthy grain dishes, and typically some type of pudding or bread-based dessert in smaller quantities. But many of the original dishes also contain meat, but you actually don’t need any to make your own traditional Greek recipes at home. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats are all great ingredients to include in your Greek fare, whether you’re just looking to try something new or give an old favorite of yours a new spin.
So, to show you how delicious and simple it really is to veganize this fare, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite ideas for your Greek-inspired eats so you can give them a try!
1. Lemon and Thyme Baba Ghanoush
This dish may look complex and something you’d only be able to enjoy at a restaurant, but it actually only has six ingredients and is super simple to make. Based from eggplants, thisLemon and Thyme Baba Ghanoushhas a rich and filling texture thanks to the creamy tahini added and offers a bright and flavorful taste thanks to lemon and pink sea salt added. Perfect for an appetizer or a side dish for a meal!
2. Greek Keftedes
The traditional version of keftedes is basically fried meatballs, but the vegan version is just as hearty and so much healthier. Featuring black beans for a protein-rich, starchy, and hefty flavor, theseGreek Keftedesare sure to satisfy and based off simple ingredients. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to substitute the flour used here with a gluten-free flour and the breadcrumbs with golden ground flax.
3. Kolokitha: Traditional Greek Zucchini
This traditional Kolokitha hasn’t only been veganized, but also made healthier than the original. Still rich and satisfying, it’s the perfect way to create a new version of this favorite Greek zucchini recipe!
4. Spanakopita Greek Spinach Pie
Spanakopitais a great option for an entree and is quick and easy to prepare. It’s filled with hearty ingredients like chickpeas, spinach, and nutritional yeast, which all contain protein and add a satisfying texture and flavor. Give these a try instead of your typical Monday night pizza for something new!
5. Greek Fava
Fava beans are a great source of protein and have a nice, creamy flavor. They’re similar to chickpeas, but unique in their own way. Often referred to as yellow split peas, fava beans are also easy to find in most supermarkets. In thisGreek Fava, they’re creamed up only with onion, salt, and olive oil to provide a gorgeous entree, side, or even a simple appetizer.
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6.Pastitio
Pastit*io is a traditional Greek dish that’s normally made with pasta, meat sauce and bechamel, but not this vegan version! It’s a perfect dish for a larger dinner since it makes around 8-10 servings.
7. Low Fat Pizza Hummus
Pizza hummus? Who knew this was a thing, right? Pizza hummus is like regular hummus, only flavored with ingredients found in yes, pizza! Tomatoes, garlic, onions, all that good stuff.Low-Fat Pizza Hummusis a great recipe to try that doesn’t contain heavy amounts of oil like some hummus varieties or grease like most types of pizza. It’s a great option to try if you’re tired of regular hummus or just looking for a healthy way to satisfy those pizza cravings!
8. Mediterranean Focaccia Bread
Bread is a traditional food many people start the meal with and some even include it during the main entree.Mediterranean Focaccia Breadis full of Greek flavors from garlic, olives, and peppers. Focaccia has a crunchy, crispy bite on the outside with a softer inside, and it’s a great dipping bread to try in place of other types of bread for something new.
9. Fat-Free Greek Rice Stuffed Peppers
Talk about a hearty meal! These Fat-Free Greek Rice Stuffed Peppers use no heavy fats like traditional recipes may, but is just as filling from the rice and smokiness of the peppers. It’s packed with simple ingredients, but amazing complex flavors!
Try something new in your weekly meal routine this week and go Greek! What will you make first?
Lead image source:Lemon and Thyme Baba Ghanoush
