All posts tagged: mama gina

Magiritsa Soup ~ Happy Greek Easter!

Happy Easter and Xristos Anesti! In a rare occurrence, the western Gregorian and eastern Julian calendars align this year so that Easter and Greek Easter both fall on the same day–April 20th. As a California Greek, no Anastasi celebration would be complete in our family without the traditional Greek Easter soup–magiritsa! Magiritsa is instantly addictive with its tart-tangy-sweet flavor unlike any other soup you will ever eat. The distinct flavor comes from the avgolemono (lemon and egg broth) that gets added in at the end, as well as a small amount of puréed organic chicken or beef liver that is incorporated into the main soup. Even people who swear they don’t like liver (me included) love this soup. Everyone who has tried this dish at our table has gone back for seconds and asked to take some home for thirds and fourths. Paired with the subtle sweetness of the tsoureki Greek Easter egg bread, it is a delectable umami dream-come-true that makes your body hum and sing with joy from the inside out. This magiritsa …

Mama Gina’s Greek Hummus (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

What you are about to read is very coveted, top-secret information. As a Greek girl, hummus has always been a staple at our family table, especially on holidays, when family gatherings traditionally start with mezethes. Fresh-cubed feta cheese, Greek olives, grape leaves and creamy dips with pita bread are dug into by hand over lively conversation before moving to the table for the main meal. The star of our mezethes spread is always my mother’s homemade hummus. This recipe has been passed down from generations of Greek women, originating with my grandmother’s relatives on the island of Samos, traveling with my Yiayia to America where it settled into New York’s immigrant city blocks and finally landing with my mother in sunny Southern California and onto our suburban table. Over many years in LA, our family hummus was the favorite attraction at every gathering even before it became the de rigueur go-to Cali party snack. Many of our friends growing up were exposed to hummus for the first time at our house. But no matter how …