FAQ: The Different Types of Greek Sauces

Greek food is simple, but it is far from boring. This cuisine is set apart from its competitors due to its artful use of sauces. Greek chefs subtly use spices, and it can be easy to forget that they are even there. But many of them are the foundation of the dish – such as avgolemono sauce, and others are used as dips, such as tzatziki. 

Many Greek dishes have multiple different versions depending on where they are cooked. The island of Santorini is known for its tomato sauces, and Corfu uses tomato sauce due to its proximity to Italy. Using spices, Greek cooks can use sauces in unexpected ways. Here’s a review of some of our favorite sauces used in Greek cooking.

 

Avgolemono

One of the unique sauces in Greek cooking is avgolemono, made from egg and lemon. Greek chicken soup is one of the most common uses. Avgolemono is often used as a sauce in dishes such as dolmades, stuffed grape leaves, and stuffed cabbage. It’s made by beating eggs until they are frothy and then adding broth and lemon juice until it creates a sauce.

 

Tzatziki 

Tzatziki is mainly used as a dip, but it’s also a famous dipping sauce that accompanies meat dishes, crackers, pita, and other meze dishes. It is also most famously known for its place in gyros. In Greece, restaurants often bring homemade tzatziki to your table with bread as an appetizer. This is a prime example of a sauce used as both a dip and a sauce – the variety of Greek foods is genuinely endless.

 

Pepper Paprika

Pepper paprika is a Greek-style sauce made with Florina peppers and smoked paprika. It comes on pitas, salads, or plates – or even just as a dip on the side; you won’t regret it. Many paprika sauce recipes don’t contain ground paprika, but they will add color and flavor to the dish. Paprika sauce is versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

 

Visit Greco in Boston MA 

Greco proudly supports and works with the best local farms to offer authentic, genuinely fresh, and truly greek cuisine. With so many different Greek dips and sauces, Greek food can’t be beaten. If you are in the Greater Boston area, visit us at Greco for a truly authentic Greek experience. 

Hire GRECO Catering For Your Next Boston, MA Event

Here in Boston, MA, you can indulge in the American version of Greek food or choose Greco truly Greek. You’ll experience authentic street fare at our modern eatery, made with Greek love. Start with a classic gyro with your choice of fillings and sauces. Add a delicious side of Greek salad or zucchini crisps. And finish off your meal with legendary loukoumades.

 

Our Catering Options

At Greco in Boston, MA, we offer different types of catering packages depending on your event, dietary needs, number of guests, and other essential details. Our most popular options include boxed lunches that come individually wrapped with protein, sauce, and a side—served with pita.

 

Gyro

At Greco, we have plenty of Gyro catering options that will match your taste and style for your event. We have pork, lamb, or chicken gyro options filled with tomato, onion, and tzatziki.

Did you know that the Gyro originated in Greece and is a trademark of Greek fast food? A Gyro is packed with thinly sliced meat, tomatoes, raw red onions, lettuce, tzatziki, and fried potatoes. Try it a Greco today!

 

Bifteki

Bifteki is a delicious take on Greek meatballs. A combination of oregano, mint, and onion comes together to create a traditional Greek flavor. This dish can also be considered a Greek burger. Here at Greco in Boston, MA, we offer Bifteki with ground beef, Greek herbs, onions, tomatoes, and spicy feta. Try it today – it can’t be beaten.

 

Loukaniko

Loukaniko is a Greek sausage made from pork or lamb, flavored with various other dried herbs and seeds, and sometimes smoked over wood for a smoky aroma. Loukaniko is typically served as a mezze, often sliced and fried. It can also be cooked into any number of dishes. The name comes from ancient Roman cuisine Lucania, also used in Greece. At Greco, we offer Loukaniko with pork and leek sausage, onion, tomato, and a delicious dipping mustard sauce.

 

At Greco in Boston, we have plenty of authentic Greek food options for you to cater your next event throughout Boston, MA. Visit our website to view our menu and learn more about our Greco story. View our locations to visit us today.

Popular Activities in Boston MA This Summer!

As the days get warmer, Boston starts buzzing with activity and things for you to do while here – whether you are vacationing or want to do something different. The options for spending your summer day in Boston will consist of beautiful parks, fun dining venues, and spectacular weather. Keep reading to explore countless ways to spend your day in Boston!

 

Enjoy The Boston Public Garden

Enjoy a beautiful day in Boston by taking a stroll or having a picnic in Boston’s Public Garden! This is known as the first botanical garden in America! Grab some takeout at Greco Truly Greek at any of our locations, and find a comfortable spot at the Public Garden. The summer season is the perfect time to visit the public garden to see the beautiful foliage. While you’re in the public park, you can ride in a swan boat and see the garden while pedaling around the lagoon. This is something to do while visiting Boston in the spring!

 

Historical Sight-Seeing Options

When in Boston, you are surrounded by plenty of historical landmarks embedded throughout the city. A great way to spend your day in Boston is by visiting the historic sites all around the city! Popular options for you to consider include The Freedom Trail, Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution, and more! You can see these historic sites through a tour group company or do the touring yourself.

 

Dine Out in Boston, MA

Boston is well-known for its delicious food options. When visiting Boston, there is countless food stop you should make depending on what you like. Whether you’re heading into Seaport for seafood or North End for delicious Italian food, food in Boston is a must! While in Boston, get a taste of authentic Greek food at Greco Truly Greek at any of our locations. Visit one of our locations around the city while sightseeing! You will not regret making a stop in Greco; Greek cuisine is not something to miss out on.

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek Today

If you’re wondering how to spend a spring day in Boston, head to a Greco Boston location for delicious Greek cuisine after sightseeing all day. Our team is serving up must-try Gyros all day for you to try. Give us a call or visit our website to place your order online to pick up! We look forward to serving you.

Your Guide to Greek Cuisine This Summer

If you want to try something new this summer, either to cook or eat out, look to explore other cultures and regions! For example, try out Greek cuisine this summer – it is delicious, healthy, and fresh. Here are some of our favorite options for Greek cuisine this summer.

 

Summer Mezze

There’s no better way to experience Greek cuisine than a delicious shareable mezze platter. This is a perfect option for friends and family filled with small bites that burst with flavor. Combining textures, colors, and temperatures is the foundation of making a mezze plate. Typical components of a Greek mezze plate consist of spreads, vegetables, cheese, and other small bites – imagine a Greek take on a charcuterie board. 

 

This summer, try spicing up the mezze platter with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers with Greek Kalamata olives for those traditional flavors. Add some marinated eggplant and feta cheese, and you’ll have the perfect Greek platter! If you don’t feel like preparing it yourself, explore our side dish options at Greco Truly Greek here in Boston, MA! We do catering, takeout, and more. 

 

Traditional Greek Seafood and Meats

Greece is well-known for its seafood due to its proximity to the ocean. Greek cuisine relies on locally sourced, fresh seafood. If you visit Greece, you will find plenty of options such as shrimp, octopus, fish, and shellfish on almost every restaurant menu. It is a big part of the cuisine year-round, especially in the summer months. Calamari is a fan favorite in Greek cuisine that has become popular worldwide and is typically served with lemon and fresh parsley. Simple Greek seafood dishes include Bourdeto, and Astakomakaronada is a pasta dish filled with lobster meat and will likely remind you of Italian dinners with a Greek flair.

 

If you prefer traditional meats over seafood, Greece has plenty of dishes with fresh meats, including chicken, beef, pork, and more. Greek meatballs made with feta cheese are one of the most common dishes. You’ve probably heard of Gyros, which come with various meats, including lamb and pork. Souvlaki is also a fan favorite for Greek cuisine lovers. Consider trying beef and lamb souvlaki at your next dinner party – or order Gyros catering from Greco! 

 

Greek Desserts

Lastly, finish off your summer Greek cuisine list with delicious Greek desserts. Most people are familiar with baklava, a phyllo pastry with pistachios and honey. There are lots of other Greek desserts, not just the favorite baklava. Kataifi is similar to baklava; it adds almonds instead of the traditional pistachios. Almond lovers will also love the conventional shortbread cookies, kourabiethes.

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek This Summer

With a plethora of options for Greek cuisine, fill your summer with fresh seafood, locally-sourced vegetables, and Greek herbs if you have a busy schedule or would prefer the professionals to visit Greco Truly Greek at one of our locations across Boston, MA. Even if you aren’t in Greece, you can still get your food pretty close by coming to Greco! 

History of Gyros and Where To Find Them in Boston, MA

When you first think of Greek food, Gyros are typically one of the foods that will come to mind. Once you eat your first gyro, one will not be enough. Have you ever wondered what the history of gyros actually is, and where they originate from? Many other cultures have a similar type of sandwich, so what makes a Gyro different? 

 

What is a Gyro?

The name “Gyro” itself comes from a Greek word meaning “round,” due to the round shape of the rotisserie the meat comes from. The slabs of meat, anything from beef, pork, lamb, or chicken, are seasoned and wrapped around a spit. The meat slowly cooks while rotating, and it is then sliced and placed into the sandwich. Traditional gyros include meat, tzatziki, chopped onion, chopped tomato, and sometimes even fries. These ingredients are all encased in a round of pita bread.

 

There are plenty of different variations out there, the uniqueness of Greek Gyros includes fries – however, these can be optional. In Athens, there is a version of this sandwich known as “Kalamaki.” All the elements of the sandwich are the same except the sliced meat is replaced with souvlaki.

 

Where can you get Gyros in Boston, MA? 

In Boston, MA, we are far away from the authentic Greek street foods that offer fresh gyros wherever you turn. However, we have a few hidden gems that may offer you a great escape right here in Boston. Here are some of our favorites in the city: 

 

Committee: This contemporary Greek restaurant is located directly at the Seaport. Cool crowds don’t just come for the food, with delicious gyros and spanakopita “grilled cheese” with feta and kasseri. They also come for the craft Greek cocktails, a kicky bunch with unique names that will always have you guessing. Visit us today to take a dive into Greece. 

 

Greco Truly Greek: There’s the American version of Greek food, then there’s the true blue GRECO experience. Indulge in our classic gyros with your choice of fillings and sauces. Add a delicious side of Greek salad or zucchini crisps. And finish off your meal with legendary loukoumades. At our modern eatery, you’ll experience authentic street fare, made with Greek love. Take a step off of the Boston, MA streets into a Greek experience. 

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek Today

Greco Truly Greek has a variety of different locations throughout the city, offering authentic Greek street fare made with fresh ingredients. We may not be around the corner from the beautiful country of Greece, but you can definitely get a good taste of the experience right here at Greco in Boston, MA. Visit us today!

Where to Celebrate Greek Holidays in Boston, MA? 

Greek Independence Day, a national holiday, was celebrated among Greek communities on March 25. It commemorates the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. Greece had been part of the Ottoman Empire since 1453, and the revolt was precipitated on March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese. 

 

In Greece, the holiday is celebrated with patriotic speeches, parades, and military demonstrations. There are parades, most typically organized by schools, where children march with the Greek flag dressed in traditional customs. Although this doesn’t happen in the US for Greek Independence Day, there are some fun ways for you to celebrate in Boston, MA this year.

 

Celebrate with Lunch at Greco in Boston, MA

Although Greek Independence day has passed, and the celebrations in the United States aren’t as thrilling as they may be in Greece, you can still get in the Greek spirit here in Boston, MA! At Greco in Boston, we have plenty of authentic Greek fast food for you to try throughout Boston, MA. Visit our website to view our menu and learn more about our Greco story. View our locations to visit us today.

Our delicious lunch options include: 

• Gyro
• Loukoumades
• Homemade Greek Sauces
• Loukaniko 

 

Date Night Out at Krasi in Boston, MA

Krasi is Boston’s addition to the authentic experience of meze and wine, a Greek tradition embedded in the culture. It promises a fresh perspective on Mediterranean food and craft cocktails, alongside hospitality worthy of the iconic location. Krasi in Boston, MA serves wines that have never been poured in this city before. 

If you have family or friends coming into town, Krasi is the best place to come for delicious Greek wine and meze that can’t be found anywhere else in the city. With a one-of-a-kind interior to give you the authentic Greece experience, this is the best place for a date night or drinks with friends! 

 

Host an Event at Committee in Boston, MA 

Lastly, if you are looking for a fun way to celebrate Greek Independence, or just gather with friends, consider coming to Committee in Boston, MA. Bring the energy, spark, and fun of a cocktail party to an event of any size at Committee. In our high-energy eatery by Boston’s waterfront, guests mix and mingle over Greek Meze, a dining concept originating in the Mediterranean that encourages them to sample, share, and socialize. 

The space at Committee heightens the laid-back electric vibe, with modern industrial design. We have plenty of different event spaces, with a gleaming bar as center stage, an outdoor patio, and a vibrant scene where people constantly flow in and out. Guests can gather at tables or chat around the bar. The culinary twists, the hand-crafted cocktails, the dynamic wait staff, the harborside location—it all combines to create a refreshing get-together you will never forget!

Our Favorite Authentic Greek Cuisine in Boston, MA

Greco is Greek. Greco is a trip and we travel along with it. And on that trip, we carry our recipes and share all the smells and tastes of home.

 

There’s the American version of Greek food—then there’s true blue GRECO. Start with a classic gyro with your choice of fillings and sauces. Add a delicious side of Greek salad or zucchini crisps. And finish off your meal with legendary loukoumades. At our modern eatery, you’ll experience authentic street fare, made with Greek love.

 

Gyro 

At Greco, we have plenty of different Gyro options to choose from to best match your taste. We have pork, lamb, or chicken gyro options, all filled with tomato, onion, and tzatziki. The Gyro originated in Greece and is a trademark of Greek fast food. 

 

Typically, a Gyro is typically packed with thinly sliced meat, tomatoes, raw red onions, lettuce, tzatziki, and if requested fried potatoes. It can’t be missed, try it a Greco today!

 

Loukaniko 

Loukaniko is a Greek sausage made from pork or lamb and flavored with various other dried herbs and seeds and sometimes smoked over woods for a smoky aroma. Loukaniko is typically served as a mezze, often sliced and fried. It can also be cooked into any number of dishes. 

 

The name Loukaniko itself comes from ancient Roman cuisine Lucania which has also been used in Greece. At Greco, we offer Loukaniko with pork and leek sausage, onion, tomato, and a delicious dipping mustard sauce.

 

Homemade Greek Sauces 

Served with pita is best, but can really go well with any dish, these sauces of Greece in the best form possible. Made with fresh ingredients and homemade in-house, these can’t be beaten. 

• Tzatziki
• Spicy Feta
• Charred Eggplant
• Pepper Paprika
• Lemon Yogurt

 

Loukoumades 

Who doesn’t like finishing off lunch or dinner with a sweet finish? At Greco Truly Greek, we have three delicious Greek donut flavors. Our favorite is the classic, made with Greek honey, walnuts, cinnamon. We also have the Bougatsa donut, made with custard creme, phyllo crust, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Lastly, Yaya’s loukoumades come with hazelnut praline, oreo cookies, and powdered sugar. 

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek in Boston, MA Today

At Greco in Boston, we have plenty of authentic Greek fast food for you to try throughout Boston, MA. Visit our website to view our menu and learn more about our Greco story. View our locations to visit us today.

What Makes Truly Greek Cuisine So Special

Greece brings with it simply prepared food that uses the best of what’s in season – making sure ingredients are always fresh. Greece’s culinary traditions stretch back hundreds of years, while it has also evolved over time, it absorbed a variety of different cultural influences. Many popular and traditional Greek dishes are part of a larger tradition from the Ottoman Empire. The dishes include moussaka, börek, and tzatziki! 

 

Greek cuisine uses some flavorings relatively more than other Mediterranean dishes. These flavorings include some of our favorites: oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill, basil, thyme, and fennel seed. Something unique that Greek recipes include is using sweeter spices in more savory combinations, for example, using cinnamon, whole spice, and cloves in beef stews.

 

Why Greek Food Is Different Than Other Cuisines

Cooking methods and basic ingredients have changed very little since its creation. Bread, olives, olive oil, and wine constituted the Greek diet for many centuries, and it still does! Greek food is simple yet colorful and incredibly nutritious. Greek food has a reputation for being heart-healthy as well due to the abundance of fish, lean meats, vegetables, herbs, and grains. 

 

Greece is a nation of small farmers that all produce an incredible array of cheeses, oils, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and many more. These foods form the foundation of the traditional Greek diet. Additionally, Greece’s climate is perfect for olive trees and lemon trees, therefore naturally producing incredible elements to add to all Greece recipes. With 20% of Greece made up of islands, it makes sense that fish and seafood are common in the Greek diet. Lamb and goats are traditional meats of holidays and festivals, but octopus, mussels, and other seafood are served almost every day.

 

Find Authentic Greek Cuisine in Boston, MA

Greco in Boston, MA provides authentic Greek food to neighborhoods throughout the city and beyond. Although we may not be located in the climate for fresh olive oil, vegetables, lemons, seafood, etc. don’t count us out for authentic Greek food. There’s the American version of Greek food, then there’s true blue Greco. 

 

You can start with a classic gyro with your choice of fillings and sauces. Or you can enjoy a delicious Greek salad with a side of zucchini crisps. Still not satisfied? No problem. Finish it off with legendary loukoumades, our fresh greek donuts that come in a variety of flavors. At our modern eatery, you’ll experience authentic Greek fare made with the customs and culture of ancient Greek culinary.

5 Foods to Order at a Greek Restaurant in Boston, MA 

Greek foods are flavorsome, fresh, and packed with spices and herbs. If you’re located in Boston, MA, and craving the delicacies of Greek foods, visit Greco today! We assembled a list of 5 recommended Greek foods to try in Boston, MA – keep reading to learn more. 

 

Fresh Fishes 

Fish and calamari come from the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, which happen to surround Greece. These tasty dishes are cooked with minimum fuss and are one of the most popular proteins to add to any meal. Although we’re not located on the Mediterranean or Aegean seas, Boston, MA can offer delicious Greek seafood options if you look hard enough. 

 

Gyros

Gyros are similar to kabobs, and they are one of the more traditional Greek fast-casual dishes. It consists of pieces of meat that were cooked on a rotisserie and wrapped in a pita along with toppings of your choice. Vegetarian alternatives include grilled halloumi or feta cheese in replacement of the meat.

 

Spanakopita

The Greeks love their pies – and so do we! You can find pies in all different shapes and forms, from those made with enriched dough to those with phyllo pastry. The most classic is the spanakopita which is phyllo with feta cheese and spinach. At Greco in Boston, MA we spanakpita rolls. Try them out today! 

 

Loukoumades 

A Greek delicacy loved by almost everyone, loukoumades are small doughnut-like balls with honey syrup and various toppings – typically pistachios or crushed walnuts. The dish is typically served in large quantities to share with friends and family. It’s Greek hospitality at its best! 

 

Visit GreCo in Boston, MA Today! 

Are you hungry just reading about these different dishes? Don’t worry, you can find them right here in Boston! Greco has locations across the city, so you can’t miss us. Visit Greco in the Backbay, Seaport, Hub Hall, or Downtown today!

The History of Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine has been impacted and influenced a variety of communities throughout the Mediterranean and middle east. This cuisine offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods brought together from thousands of years of living, cooking, and eating. Each famous Greek meal has some historical significance or influence. Keep reading to learn more about them! 

 

History of Greek Cooking

Although Greece is small, it contains an abundance of cheese, oils, fruits, and vegetables. These are the foundational foods that are the base of many traditional Greek dishes. Due to the climate that fits the needs of many plants, growing and producing are huge factors of the Greek lifestyle and diet. On top of this, Greece is also home to many key spices and herbs, including oregano, basil, mint, and thyme.

 

So how has the Greek diet changed over the years? The food history of Greece can date back to 350 B.C. Certain northern and eastern influences were absorbed into various Greek cuisine. Greek cuisine comes from an influence of the East and the West. Thanks to the Persians the Greeks started to include Middle Eastern foods like rice, yogurt, and sweets made with honey, nuts, and sesame seeds. There have been many influences to Greek Cuisine historical moments, such as the Roman War and the extension of the Greek Empire. These events have an impact on how Greek Food has been made in modern eras.

 

Greek Eating Habits & Traditions

In addition to the changing of recipes and dishes, eating habits were also influenced over the years. Although everyone loves a big breakfast, many Greek communities are not big breakfast indulgers. Greeks typically eat a small and simple breakfast of bread, cheese, fruits, and a cup of coffee. Lunch became the main focus of the day, with was always followed by a few hours of rest – when schools and businesses remained closed and allowed people the time to rest. 

 

Early evening is when the snacks come out – or as we like to call it mezes. The assortments of cheese, with delicious wines and fruits. Oftentimes, mezes can also comprise vegetables, meats, dips, olives, etc. The possibilities are endless, for some. Popular mezes items include souvlaki, hummus, and pita bread, Spanakopitas, dolmades, and fish spread.

 

Visit Us in Boston, MA For A Mezes

Interested in experiencing the Greek cuisine lifestyle? Visit us in Boston, MA to experience authentic Greek cuisine and an unforgettable atmosphere. Contact us today, or visit our website to learn more!