Ways to use petimezi: Recipes for Every Occasion

Petimezi, the age-old Greek grape must, has been a staple in Mediterranean kitchens for centuries. Its rich, caramel-like flavor adds depth and sweetness to both savory and sweet dishes. Whether you're looking to add a unique twist to your desserts or elevate your main courses, petimezi is a versatile ingredient that can transform your cooking. Let's dive into four delightful recipes that showcase the magic of petimezi. 

If you want to find out more about petimezi and how it has been made since antiquity you can read our blog on Exploring Petimezi: A Sweet Journey into Greek Culinary Heritage.

1. Petimezi Vinaigrette

This is a recipe for a delicious vinaigrette from Greek Chef Dina Nikolaou. We wrote about Dina Nikolaou and her Paris career in the past and keep on admiring and following her work from afar. Enjoy her recipe!

Ingredients for the petimezi vinaigrette

• 100ml extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 apple, grated
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp petimezi
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions to make petimezi vinaigrette

1. In a bowl, combine the grated apple, mustard, lemon juice, and petimezi. Mix well.
2. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is emulsified.
3. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Serve over your favorite salad greens. This vinaigrette offers a sweet and tangy flavor with a delightful hint of fruitiness, perfect for enhancing any salad.

2. Vegan, Crunchy Petimezi Cookies (Moustokouloura)

This recipe comes from Greek gourmet food platform Gastronomos and Chef Nikoleta Foskolouwho specialize in traditional Greek recipes. These are delicious cookies to dip in coffee, making a healthy mid-morning or afternoon snack. They're often baked during traditional fasting periods, too, like around Easter or the August 15th summer holiday honoring the Virgin Mary.

Ingredients to make crunchy petimezi cookies

• 2 cups / 500g all-purpose flour
• 200ml petimezi
• 150ml olive oil
• 1/2 / 100g cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 100ml fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions to make crunchy petimezi cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the petimezi, olive oil, sugar, and orange zest. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and cloves.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the orange juice, until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the dough into small cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and crisp.
7. Let them cool completely before serving. These cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, offering a crunchy texture and a unique, aromatic sweetness.

3. Oven-Baked Pork Chops Marinated in Petimezi and Citrus Zest

This tasty dinner dish idea comes from Greek gourmet food platform Gastronomos and Nomade et Sausage cooking collective.

Ingredients to make Pork Chops Marinated in Petimezi 

• 4 pork chops
• 100 ml petimezi
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 orange
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions to make Pork Chops Marinated in Petimezi

1. In a bowl, combine the petimezi, citrus zest and juices, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chops are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
4. Place the marinated pork chops in a baking dish and pour any remaining marinade over them.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the pork is cooked through and the edges are caramelized.
6. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes. The petimezi marinade infuses the pork with a sweet and tangy flavor, making this a standout dish for any dinner.

4. Vegan Petimezi Cake

Try another of Chef Nikoleta Foskolou's recipes, this one for a healthy vegan cake that will leave your whole house smelling fantastic!

Ingredients to make vegan petimezi cake

• 250ml petimezi
• 200ml orange juice
• 150ml olive oil
• 1/2 cup / 100g sugar
• 1 2/3 cups / 400g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup / 100g walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions to make the Vegan Petimezi Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a bundt pan or a cake tin.
2. In a large bowl, mix the petimezi, orange juice, olive oil, and sugar until well combined.
3. In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cake is moist and fragrant, perfect for a guilt-free treat during fasting periods or as a vegan dessert option.

Petimezi, a versatile ingredient!

Petimezi is more than just a sweetener; it's a versatile ingredient that brings a unique flavor profile to a variety of dishes. From crunchy cookies and savory pork chops to a moist vegan cake and a refreshing vinaigrette, these recipes highlight the diverse applications of this traditional Greek molasses. Incorporate petimezi into your cooking, and experience the rich, complex flavors it adds to both sweet and savory creations. Happy cooking!

Buy Petimezi, Grape Must, from Oleosophia