VEFA'S KITCHEN

The bible of authentic Greek cooking

by Vefa Alexiadou

See other international cookbooks click here

New hardcover book, published 2009, 704 pages

Vefa's Kitchen is the first truly comprehensive bible of Greek food in English. Rapidly increasing in popularity, Greek cuisine is simple to prepare, healthy and delicious, and, more than most other cuisines, bears all the hallmarks of the rich cultural history of the land and sea from which it is are drawn. It is the original Mediterranean cuisine, where olive oil, figs, grapes, garlic, bread, wine and cheese have been staples since the beginnings of Western civilization.

With over 1,000 simple recipes by Vefa Alexiadou, the authoritative grand dame of Greek cookery, the book includes information on regional specialities, local ingredients and the religious and historical significance of the dishes, and is illustrated with 200 colour photographs. Includes many vegetarian recipes.

Aimed at all lovers of Mediterranean food, the book will appeal to anyone who loves to cook easy, tempting and delicious dishes, from simple but stunning salads and mezedes in summer, to slowly simmered meat dishes and crisp filo pastries in winter. As well as presenting definitive recipes for taverna favourites such as moussaka, tzatziki and hummus, the book documents the extraordinary variety of local sweets and pastries, delicious home-baked breads and cheeses of the mountainous interior, as well as the fish and vegetable dishes of coastal areas, simply fragranced with lemons and herbs.

Greek cooking is incredibly simple and delicious, and is based on the natural qualities of good olive oil, fruit and vegetables, grains and seafood. And more than almost any other cuisine, modern Greek food contains many traces of its remarkable history, with its origins as far back as Homer and the 'wine-dark' Aegean Sea of the Iliad. The health benefits of the traditional Greek diet are well documented, and the extensive Greek repertoire of vegetable dishes is well represented, with more than 300 dishes that do not contain meat or fish. There is a comprehensive introduction on local ingredients and wines, the history of Greek cooking and the culinary characteristics of each region, as well as recipes for traditional and religious dishes.

 Vefa's Kitchen is the definitive work on the rich and fascinating cooking of modern Greece.

About the author

Vefa Alexiadou is the leading authority on Greek cookery. A bestselling author of thirteen cookbooks in Greece, she also has her own television series and regularly writes articles for magazines and gives lectures and demonstrations on Greek recipes. She has served on the board of the Centre for the Preservation of Traditional Greek Gastronomy.

To see other Phaidon international cookbooks click here

Vefa's Kitchen Greek Cookbook by Vefa Alexiadou