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Kolokythopita: Pumpkin Pie with Phyllo Dough
In Greek: κολοκυθόπιτα, pronounced koh-loh-kee-THOH-pee-tah. This is a sweet version of a pumpkin (or squash) pie in the Greek tradition - made with phyllo dough, olive oil, honey, sugar, and cinnamon - with a syrup topping. It can also be made with other orange squash. This is a variation of a recipe from Ileia, a province on the west coast of the Peloponnese peninsula of Greece.
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
16-18 large sheets of phyllo dough
3 to 3 1/2 pounds of fresh pumpkin or squash, grated
2 cups of walnuts, crushed
1 1/3 cups of olive oil
1 cup of honey
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of dried breadcrumbs, crushed
4-5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
extra oil for brushing the phyllo dough
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Syrup:
1/2 cup of honey
1/2 cup of sugar
2 cups of water
Preparation:
The day before: If using fresh pumpkin, grate coarsely and boil for 20 minutes. Let drain overnight and press to remove excess liquid before using.
Sauté the pumpkin in the olive oil for 5-10 minutes, stirring so it doesn't stick to the pan. Remove from the heat, and transfer to a metal or pyrex bowl. Stir in the honey, breadcrumbs, crushed walnuts, and cinnamon, Stir well with a wooden spoon until thoroughly blended and smooth.
Preheat the oven to 175C.
Lightly oil a 15 X 13 baking pan and line with 8-9 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with oil. Spoon in the pumpkin mixture and spread evenly. Fold the phyllo that extends out of the sides in over the mixture. Lay the remaining phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with oil, and trim off the edges that extend outside the pan with a scissors. Score the top phyllo sheets with a sharp knife into squares or large diamonds. Wet your hands with water and shake them over the top to sprinkle with water.
Bake for approximately 45 minutes. Remove from the oven, set the pan on a rack and cool until the bottom of the pan is cool to the touch (about 2-3 hours).
When the pita has cooled, boil the honey, sugar, and water for 5 minutes and pour the hot syrup over the cooled pie.
Allow the pita to absorb the syrup until it cools to room temperature.
Alternative preparation: I like to make this in two or three small round bakers, using half or a third of the phyllo and filling for each. They make lovely table-ready sweets and gifts.
Picturesque Villages Of Zagori Proposed For UNESCO World Heritage list
The Greek culture ministry has announced that it intends to officially sponsor the traditional villages of Epirus' Zagori district in northwestern Greece as a Greek 'cultural landscape' to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. The 'Zagorochoria - North Pindos National Park' area have been on the UNESCO Tentative List for the last two years, which is one of the conditions for inclusion in the list of World Heritage Sites.
"It is with great joy that the culture and sports ministry announces its decision to finalise its proposal for the inclusion of Zagori in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments List," said Culture and Sports Minister Costas Tassoulas at a conference held at the culture ministry on Thursday, attended by ministry general secretary Lina Mendoni and Zagori Mayor Vassilis Spyrou.
The traditional stone built villages of the remote and mountainous Zagori area are among the best preserved traditional settlements in Greece and situated in an area of exceptional natural beauty, which includes features such as the Vikos Gorge and Voidomatis River.
In order for a cultural landscape to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, it must prove exceptional global value and its authenticity and integrity must be protected.
To read more please visit: TheTOC
To read more about the villages of Zagori of Greece, please visit:
http://www.xpatathens.com/living-in-athens/taste-experience/travel-in-greece/item/655-zagori-villages-hidden-behind-mountains/
Homemakers With The Golden Touch: Making Something Out Of Nothing
To read more, please visit: i Cook Greek
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Photo Credit: Discover Greece
Restoration Project In The Works For Abandoned Buildings In Athens
Athens Conservatoire
September 4 - A September To Remember
Rainfall, Thunderstorms & Sharp Temperature Drop Expected Throughout Greece
Meteorologists forecast a sharp temperature drop by 9 degrees Celsius in northern Greece. The bad weather front is coming from the West and will start affecting the Ionian islands as of Wednesday afternoon and reach the rest of the country in the following hours and days.
Partial weather improvement is forecast for Sunday, November 3, 2019.
Article Source: Keep Talking Greece
Athens Unpacked Episode 6 - Songs & Poems
In this fast-tempo episode, we’ll visit a celebrated singer who has worked with some of the greatest Greek composers of the last century, and we’ll unpack some of the city’s most beloved sounds: from the haunting rebetika, born of poverty and catastrophe; to today’s glossy bouzouki nightclubs and the joyous panigiria summer festivals “where all hell breaks loose” in the village and everyone from youngest to oldest joins in the fun.
Thank you This is Athens for your contribution as an XpatAthens Partner.
Finding Your Feet n Athens: The Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rental Reality
In Athens, a "short-term" rental isn't just a vacation spot; it’s your laboratory. These are usually furnished studios or Airbnbs where you pay a premium for the luxury of not having to deal with the Public Power Corporation (DEI) or signing a three-year contract in a language you don’t yet speak.
A Resident's Map: Where You Actually Want to Live
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Koukaki: This is the "soft landing." It’s right under the Acropolis, but it still feels like a village. You’ll find yourself at the same bakery every morning, and within a week, the owner will know your order. It’s walkable and friendly, but because everyone knows this, the rents have climbed significantly.
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Pangrati: This is where you go when you’re over the "tourist" vibe. It’s dense, hilly, and feels lived-in. There’s no metro right in the center, but the sheer number of hidden squares and tavernas makes it feel like the heartbeat of the city.
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Exarchia: It’s not a "postcard" neighborhood. It’s gritty, covered in incredible street art, and politically loud. If you’re a creative or someone who likes a bit of edge, you’ll love it. If you want quiet and manicured sidewalks, stay away.
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Glyfada & The Riviera: If you need the sea to stay sane, head south. It feels less like "Old Athens" and more like a coastal resort. It’s where you go for air, light, and international schools, but be prepared to pay "sea-view" prices.
The Unwritten Rules of Greek Rentals
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The Reality |
"Insider" Tip |
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Price |
€500-€800 for a long-term 1-bed. |
The best deals are rarely on a website. Look for "Enoikiazetai" (For Rent) yellow signs on balconies. |
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Furnishings |
"Unfurnished" usually means completely empty. |
Sometimes this includes the oven and fridge. Budget for an IKEA trip immediately. |
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Bills |
The Koinóchrēsta (building fees). |
Always ask what the average winter heating bill is. Older buildings can be incredibly expensive to keep warm, even in the Greek climate. |
How to Actually Find a Home
