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Traditional Greek Recipes: Stuffed Cabbage Leaves (Lahanodolmades)

Hearty, yet light, rice and meat filling wrapped with tender cabbage leaves. These Greek Cabbage Rolls (Lahanodolmades) are a classic Fall or Winter dish guaranteed to take you back to your childhood.

Ingredients

  • 1 large cabbage, stem removed
  • 2 carrots
  • 3 celery ribs

For the filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4-1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup water (or more)
  • ​1 small onion
  • 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill
  • ​1 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • ​5-6 cups chicken broth or water

Add egg-lemon​ sauce:

  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Boil the cabbage in salted boiling water with the cored part facing down. Flip it around and boil an additional 10-15 minutes until the leaves begin releasing easily and have become somewhat translucent. They should not be overcooked to the point where they become soft and mushy.
  2. Pull the leaves out as they detach from the cabbage and set them in a colander to drain.
  3. When you peel off most of the leaves and you get to the core with the smaller leaves it will be difficult to remove the leaves without ripping them. At this point just remove the small bunch with the core attached and place in the colander. It will be easier to separate them once they are cooled. Most of these leaves will be too small to use for the cabbage rolls so they will be used as the bed or cover.
  4. Roughly chop the carrots and celery into large chunks and place them in the bottom of your pot. These will be the bed that the cabbage rolls will sit on so that they do not come in direct contact with the heat and cook more gently. This will prevent them from falling apart while simmering.
  5. Use some of the small and shredded pieces of cabbage to cover the vegetables.
  6. Place half of the onion in a food processor and pulse until it is finely chopped. Add the parsley and puree until smooth. Place this mixture in a large mixing bowl.
  7. ​Pulse the remaining half of the onion until finely chopped. Add the dill and puree until smooth. Place this mixture in the mixing bowl.
  8. ​Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, rice, olive oil, and water to the pureed​ ​herbs​ and onion and mix well to combine. The best way to do this is by hand. Break up the ground beef and add 1/4 cup more water if the mixture is not very moist.
  9. ​A very moist, wet filling will make the best tasting cabbage rolls.
  10. ​To assemble the cabbage rolls, take a cabbage leaf and lay it flat on your work surface. Cut of the thickest part of the stem. Place a full tablespoon of the filling in the center, fold the left and right sides of the leaf over the filling then roll it up.
  11. ​Continue the same process adjusting the amount of filling depending on the size of the cabbage leaves (smaller leaves get less filling). Keep in mind that when the filling is cooked, the rice will expand a bit. Roll them up tight but giving enough room for the rice to expand.
  12. ​Some leaves may be very large. You can cut those in half and use them to make 2 rolls.
  13. ​Layer the cabbage rolls in the pot fitting them snug together.
  14. ​Cover them with cabbage leaves.
  15. Place a plate over them inverted. This will keep them in place so that they do not fall apart while cooking.
  16. ​Pour enough water or chicken broth to come right up to the plate.
  17. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-45 minutes.
  18. ​Carefully remove the plate and the extra cabbage leaves from the pot.

To add lemon sauce:

  1. ​Combine the egg yolks, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk well until smooth.
  2. Add some of the hot broth to the egg mixture. Whisk well.
  3. ​Season with some more salt and pour the egg-lemon​ mixture into the pot. Carefully shake the pot from side to side to distribute the egg-lemon​ sauce.
  4. ​Bring to a boil. Taste the seasoning and add more salt if necessary. Remove from heat and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken as it sits.
  5. ​Serve with some warm toasted bread.

Kali Oreksi!

Joint United States-Greek military exercises underway in the Mediterranean

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The presence of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean has provided the Hellenic Armed Forces with the opportunity to conduct several exercises with their American counterparts.

The activity has been planned and coordinated by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS) and the respective U.S. authorities, to build upon partnership capabilities using NATO operational and tactical procedures.

The joint exercises will not only increase the combat capabilities of the unites involved but will increase interoperability between the two allies.

Photo: US Navy Europe

“The U.S.-Greece defense relationship is at an all-time high, and growing stronger every day,” said Ambassador Geoffrey R. Pyatt, U.S. Ambassador to Greece. 

“I am especially proud to see the IKE Strike Group in the Mediterranean — a strategically dynamic region where the United States is stepping up its engagement. 

“The cooperative deployment between our Forces is another excellent opportunity to strengthen their interoperability and partnership, helping advance our shared regional defense and security goals. 

“The United States is committed to elevating and demonstrating our vital security relationship with Greece which is codified in our updated Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement.”

Photo: US Navy Europe

The U.S. considers Greece to be a pillar of stability in the east Mediterranean region and continues to develop closer cooperation with Greece at all levels.

As part of these exercises, the Hellenic Navy frigate “Psara” was embedded with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG). Additionally, two Hellenic submarines are participating in anti-submarine warfare exercises, while a Hellenic fighter aircraft operates with the Carrier Air Wing fighters.

Insight or Perspective: What is the problem with Greek language learning in Sydney?

By Eleni Elefterias

In an effort to try and find out what the issues there are with Greek language learning in Sydney, today I speak to teacher Shirley Peshos of Ashfield Primary School.

Shirley has been a teacher for 40 years and at one time for a two-year period she taught a Greek language pilot program at Marrickville Public School to Kindy’s and Year 3 students. 

How did you become do fluent in the language having been born here?

“As a child we spoke Greek at home. Like many Greek children of the times, I was the designated ‘interpreter’ in my family from the age of 5.

“I attended St Sophia Cathedral Greek School at Paddington and have only praise for my teacher Kiria Alexiadou. From the age of 8 I was performing poems at the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and took part in Greek plays for children, a wonderful experience for me and that is what gave me the confidence to speak well.”

Tell us about the Greek language Pilot program at Marrickville Public School?

“During this pilot program all children attended classes that were taught in English for half the day and in Greek only for the other half. This gave them an immersion experience during school hours. The year 3 students benefitted the most from this experience.

“Teaching children another language opens up cultural opportunities and enables students to be able to communicate with grandparents and great grandparents as well as to be part of the culture by achieving a deeper understanding of the music, dance, theatre and customs not just at an elementary one.”

Shirley also reminded me that on March 21st we celebrate Harmony Day and as such it is a time where all teachers can promote languages including the Greek language whether they teach Greek or not.

However, Shirley says that “children are more challenged today as languages are not as promoted as they were in the Al Grassby* days on the late 70’s and early 80’s.

*Al Grassby was the Labour Minister of Immigration during the Whitlam years.

READ MORE: Insight or Perspective: What is the problem with Greek language learning in Australia?

*Eleni Elefterias-Kostakidis is a teacher of Modern Greek and University lecturer. Read her column ‘Insight or Perspective’ in Greek, every Saturday in The Greek Herald’s print edition or get your subscription here.

Former finance minister Mathias Cormann to be next OECD Secretary General

Australia’s former finance minister Mathias Cormann has been elected as the new head of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The 50-year-old will become the first person from Asia-Pacific to lead the Paris-based, 37-nation organisation, and takes the role in the middle of one of the worst global recessions on record.

The climate record of Australia’s longest-serving finance minister grabbed headlines ahead of his appointment.

More than two dozen environmental groups said Mr Cormann shouldn’t have been considered for the top OECD job, citing former statements they said questioned climate change.

But Mr Cormann defended his climate record, saying: “Action on climate change to be effective, requires an ambitious, globally coordinated approach”.

A member of several Coalition governments, Mr Cormann quit parliament late last year to seek the top job.

He emerged as a surprise frontrunner, and beat out fellow top contender, Sweden’s Cecilia Malmstrom, a former EU trade commissioner.

Another eight candidates were whittled out of contention.

Morrison: Cormann will make an oustanding contribution

In a statement, PM Scott Morrison said that Cormann will make an “outstanding contribution as leader of the OECD.”

“I am delighted that the 38 member nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have chosen Australia’s representative the Hon Mathias Cormann to be the organisation’s next Secretary-General,” reads the statement.

“The appointment is recognition of Australia’s global agency and standing amongst fellow liberal democracies and our practical commitment and contribution to multilateral co-operation. 

“This is a great honour for Mathias who has worked tirelessly over several months to engage with leaders, senior ministers and officials of OECD member nations from Europe, Asia and the Americas. This is the most senior appointment of an Australian candidate to an international body for decades.

“Australia overcame great odds for Mathias Cormann to be successful in the contest, which comprised nine other high calibre candidates, including six from Europe. 

*With information from the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald

Boris Johnson rules out return of Parthenon marbles to Greece

Boris Johnson has used his first interview with a European newspaper since becoming the UK’s prime minister to issue a point-blank rejection of the Parthenon marbles being returned to Greece.

Johnson insisted the sculptures, removed from the monument by Lord Elgin in circumstances that have since spurred one of the world’s most famous cultural rows, would remain in Britain because they had been legally acquired.

“I understand the strong feelings of the Greek people – and indeed prime minister [Kyriakos] Mitsotakis – on the issue,” he told the Greek newspaper Ta Nea when asked to comment on his counterpart’s offer – made in an interview with the Observer in 2019 – to lend priceless artefacts to London in return for putting the marbles on display in Athens this year.

“But the UK government has a firm longstanding position on the sculptures, which is that they were legally acquired by Lord Elgin under the appropriate laws of the time and have been legally owned by the British Museum’s trustees since their acquisition.”

Johnson’s intervention, though clearly aimed at drawing a line under the dispute, is bound to ignite further controversy. Last year, Greece’s culture minister, Lina Mendoni, branded Elgin a “serial thief” who used illegal tactics to take the marbles.

The prime minister, who posed for Ta Nea in his Downing Street office next to a plaster cast bust of his “personal hero”, Pericles, spoke within weeks of Greece marking the bicentennial of its war of independence.

In the run-up to the celebrations, Athens has reinvigorated its campaign to repatriate the fifth-century BC carvings, regarded as a high point of classical art.

Greece has long argued that reunification of the sculptures, displayed in museums across Europe but mostly in London, is integral to understanding the artworks in the context of the temple they once embellished.

In 1816 the British Museum acquired the sculptures from the then bankrupt Elgin, who, as Britain’s ambassador to the Sublime Porte, had ordered them to be torn down from the Parthenon after purportedly receiving a permit from the Ottoman forces occupying Athens at the time. 

*Source: The Guardian

Israel, Greece, Cyprus hold naval drill as they deepen ties

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It said the “Noble Dina” exercise, which was led by Israel and also included France, covered “anti-submarine procedures, search and rescue scenarios, and a scenario simulating battle between ships.” The exercise was concluded on Thursday.

“Over the past week, the Navy led a large-scale exercise in which it implemented capabilities in underwater warfare, search and rescue, convoy escort and surface combat,” Rear Admiral Eyal Harel, the head of Israeli naval operations, said.

“These exercises are of paramount importance in strengthening the Navy’s connection with foreign fleets who share common interests,” he added.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (C), his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu (R) and Cypriot President Nikos Anastasiadis shake hands in Athens on January 2, 2020, ahead of the signing of an agreement for the EastMed pipeline project designed to ship gas from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe. (Photo by ARIS MESSINIS / AFP)

Greece and Cyprus are embroiled in a dispute with Turkey, which has sent gas prospecting vessels into waters claimed by Greece and drilling ships into an area where Cyprus claims exclusive rights. The tension brought NATO allies Greece and Turkey close to open conflict last year, but tensions have eased since then.

Israel and Turkey were once close allies but had a major falling-out in 2010, when 10 Turkish citizens were killed by Israeli forces as a Turkish-led flotilla tried to break Israel’s blockade on the Gaza Strip.

The two countries agreed to a U.S.-brokered reconciliation agreement in 2016, but ties broke down two years later over a U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan portrays himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause and has provided political support to Hamas, the Islamic militant group that seized power from rival Palestinian forces in 2007. A number of Hamas leaders are based in Turkey, and Erdogan met with the group’s top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in December 2019.

*Source: Associated Press

“Proud to have been part of it”: Chris Despotakis reflects on first NUGAS trip to Greece

It was early December 1977, when a group of Greek Uni students from across Australia, all members of the newly formed National Union of Greek-Australian Students (NUGAS) got the opportunity to return to Greece, reunite with their families just in time for Christmas and explore the homeland their parents had left a few decades earlier in search of a better life Down Under.

Chris Despotakis, then a 17-year-old student at the College of Advanced Education in Adelaide who was also studying Modern Greek, was one of them.

“The trip was an initiative of NUGAS and was supported by the Hellenic Government and the Greek consular Offices in Australia with the goal to encourage repatriation and to promote the Greek language and culture to young Greeks.

Picture: Supplied by Chris Despotakis

“We -students- only had to pay a small fee for the already heavily subsidised air tickets but accommodation and meals were taken care of. For some, it was the first time to visit Greece after their parents immigrated to Australia in the 60s,” Chris Despotakis, 61, tells The Greek Herald as he reminisces about the trip.

“I’m very proud to have been part of it although I have to admit it was challenging at times due to the travel times, the lengthy stopovers and the lack of technology,” he says.

Chris and the students from Adelaide travelled to Melbourne by bus where they met with the groups from New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. Then they all flew together to Manila where they stayed for 3-days, then Mumbai, Middle East and finally almost a week later Athens. 

Picture: Supplied by Chris Despotakis

The six weeks trip became four but no one complained despite the challenges. To the contrary.

“It was winter and cold but we were all excited. We travelled around Greece from Edessa and Kastoria to the Peloponnese. We visited museums, archaeological sites like Delphi and got photographed in front of the Parthenon in the era of Polaroid and Instamatics.

“There were no credit cards and we had to line up at the bank to cash in our travel cheques. This was a half a day affair,” says Chris with a smile. 

Picture: Supplied by Chris Despotakis

“We got to know each other and we became friends. Some of us chose not to go to our families during Christmas. One Sunday night a group craved pizza and we ended up in Rome. This was really an adventure considering the lack of technology.”

A student trip that influenced a life 

The impulsive adventures during the student trip that took place over four decades ago created memories and sparked Chris’ will to keep his native language and culture alive thousands of miles away from Greece.

“I will never forget the outstanding Greek hospitality. We were the children of Australia’s first generations of Greek migrants who were returning home,” says Chris, also the owner and Managing Director of ‘Radio Ena’, South Australia’s largest Greek radio station. 

Chris Despotakis, (R – Photo Left) is the the owner and Managing Director of Adelaide’s Radio Ena

“My life and career choices were influenced by this trip. I have been involved with the community because I strongly believe that we have a duty to our migrant parents to preserve and pass on our language and culture to future generations especially now that values are going through a crisis.

“It’s a shame for a civilisation like ours to end with this generation. This is what I tell my children. So, keep learning Greek and get involved with the community,” Chris says. 

The first NUGAS trip to Greece concluded in mid-January, 1978. But like this group photo in front of the Parthenon the memories will live on. 

READ MORE: The story of a friendship that formed alongside the Greek brides of Begoña

Greek Community of Canberra learning centre becoming a second home for children

The Greek Community of Canberra learning centre is becoming a second home for the next generation of Greek Australians and, under the guidance of their teachers, they are learning their heritages valuable culture, language and history.

Stella Mentetakis has two children who attend the Greek school; Panteli (10) and Yianna (8). Speaking to The Greek Herald, Mentetakis said the efforts that GCC President John Loukadellis put into the school has created a unique, welcoming environment for all children looking to learn Greek.

“They absolutely love Greek school… they love going, they love learning about the Greek culture and heritage. My son just learnt all about the Greek heroes, Kolokotronis and Papaflessas, so he did research and he learnt about them and I think it’s fantastic,” Stella said to The Greek Herald.

“It’s a beautiful school, it’s a beautiful field and the fact that my kids actually love going to Greek school is just fantastic.”

Panteli (10) and Yianna (8) Mentetakis. Photo: Supplied

The school had an incredible 150 students online in 2020 and is on track to repeat that success this year. According to Mentetakis, a massive drawcard for the children, and parents, has been the introduction of supplied dinners, courtesy of the Hellenic Club in Canberra.

“Not only do we take them to school, the club feeds them dinner. It does finish late into their bedtime, but by the time they come home we can just put them right to bed, it’s all taken care of,” Mentetakis said.

“It’s a great feel, there’s kids from Greek background but also from all different backgrounds and the books cater for that. They write them in English and Greek so it helps any level of Greek background.”

Not only attracting Greek children, John Loukadellis said the learning centre currently has five children of Italian background, German background and Polish background learning Greek.

“It’s blown me away,” Loukadellis said to The Greek Herald.

“There’s two kids in my son’s class of Italian background, no Greek heritage, but the reason they came to learn Greek is because all of their friends from school are doing Greek school and they didn’t want to feel left out.”

“The schools themselves have started promoting the Greek school as well, which for me I’m eternally grateful for them jumping on our bus, if you like, and pushing the Greek language program.”

The progression of these classes, Loukadellis added, are part of the Greek Community of Canberra’s ‘Three Pillar Program’ that launched last year. The program looks to bring together the Hellenistic ideologies of faith, culture and language.

“All of our programs set up for this year involves raising money for the Greek school and involves our kids speaking Greek. And the more we do that, the more cultural programs they get involved with… the more they want to come back and want to learn,” Loukadellis said.

“Turning up on a Tuesday night and Friday night and seeing all the children, the sea of little faces, excited to come to Greek school and hearing from the parents how their kids are looking forward to Greek school because the teachers make it fun.”

Anastasia Constantine has been working as the Greek school’s teacher coordinator for the past two years, also being a teacher for two years prior. Constantine said to The Greek Herald that there has been a “big difference” when looking at the school from the “past to the present”.

“John and his team have really encouraged us to keep going with our goal to lift up the Greek community, providing a better educational system through the Greek school community,” Constantine said.

“We have changed the books and have gone into a more structured system that includes religion and history to provide more opportunities for the children to expand their knowledge of the Greek heritage.”

“We’re looking forward to what the future will bring.”

Andrew Pippos and Will Kostakis set to feature in 2021 Sydney Writers’ Festival

Following an incredible year for authors Will Kostakis and Andrew Pippos, the two Greek Australians have been announced as featured guests for the 2021 Sydney Writers’ Festival.

Will Kostakis is most notable in the Australian writing community for his Monuments book series and novel The First Third, which was written as a way to show a new perspective on what it’s like growing up in a Greek-Australian family.

READ MORE: TGH Exclusive: Author of ‘The First Third’ Will Kostakis reveals the positive impact of his yiayia on his work

Will Kostakis said he’s honoured to be part of the YA Gala at the Writer’s Festival and is excited to be able to speak with Sydney’s youth after a year of limited events.

“It’s always such a huge highlight for me… being able to go and immerse myself in the latest and greatest of YA is always a thrill,” Kostakis said to The Greek Herald.

Will Kostakis with his novel, The First Third. Photo: The Greek Herald

“It’s weird after a year in isolation I’ve been thrust back. I’m currently in regional Queensland doing a tour in Dolby and so it’s been really cool being able to reconnect with authors and actually connect with the audience again.”

“So that’s always really invigorating and after writing two books last year in isolation it’s so different to be able to bounce off teenagers and the effect that has on the work I produce is astronomical.”

Kostakis was recently announced as the recipient of the 2020 School Library Association of New South Wales Maurice Saxby Award. The Maurice Saxby Award recognises service to children’s and/or young adult literature by an individual, team or organisation that has displayed excellence and passion in promoting reading and/or writing for young people in NSW. 

Author Andrew Pippos became more recently known from his debut novel ‘Lucky’s’, which allows Greek Australian readers to relive the iconic Greek milk bar/café businesses, found in so many Australian towns and suburbs.

Pippos will be taking part in the “Your favourites’ favourites” conversation program, alongside Australian novelist Michelle De Kretser.

READ MORE: Debut book by Andrew Pippos shines new light on Greek Australian cafés

“The Sydney Writers‘ Festival is without doubt one of the best cultural events in the city and I couldn’t be happier about appearing on the program with my first book,” Pippos said to The Greek Herald.

“The return of these large events is also a sign that the city really is back on its feet. The community of readers and writers is returning to normal.”

His book ‘Lucky’s’ had incredible national success and has been described as “a must-read saga, and a gripping monument to Greek diaspora” by The Guardian Australia. Speaking to The Greek Herald last year upon it’s release, Pippos said he wanted to write about a familiar setting that “had an importance to me personally.”

Andrew Pippos. Photo: Supplied

Click to see the full festival program.

Remembering the life of Greek novelist, Andreas Karkavitsas

Andreas Karkavitsas is known in history as a highly intelligent Greek novelist and the pre-eminent representative of naturalism in modern Greek literature.

Karkavitsas was born on March 12, 1865 in Lechena, Ilia, as the eldest of eleven children. In 1883 he enrolled in Medical School at the University of Athens, from which he graduated in December 1888. However, it was in Athens where he became associated with legendary poets Kostis Palamas and Konstantinos Hatzopoulos, sparking his love for writing.

The announcement of the Hestia short story competition pushed him into the field of writing. He travelled to the villages of Roumeli to collect folklore and historical data, which he used in his first works. In 1889, he enlisted in the army and recorded his impressions in a series of travel notes, which he used in his novel The Beggar (1897).

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Following the end of his military service in 1891, he worked as a doctor on the steamer Athens. Similarly with his military experiences, he documented his life sailing across the Mediterranean and the Black Sea in his travel diary ‘East and West‘.

Karkavitsa’s prose initially moved in the context of idyllic ethnography, with several folklore elements, and gradually moved towards realism. From his eighty short stories, he produced the Words of the bow (1899) collection.

In 1904 he produced his final great work, The Archaeologist, which projected his ideas for a fruitful relationship between modern Greeks and the ancient Greek culture.

Kostis Palamas.

On October 22, 1922, he died of tuberculosis of the larynx at his home in Maroussi. His companion in the last years of his life was Despina Sotiriou. Several streets in Greece have been named after him.

Kostis Palamas said the following about Karkavitsas’ work:

If someone … persuaded me to choose exclusively between Papadiamantis and Karkavitsas, I would stand reverently in front of Papadiamantis, kiss his hand, and vote for Karkavitsas.

Sourced By: San Simera