Meet Sandy Karalis, a skilled homemaker and passionate first-generation Greek American chef who has been delighting taste buds for 35 years. Sandy’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in the vibrant food traditions of Greece. Her love for cooking is not just a skill; it’s a celebration of her heritage and a heartfelt tribute to the inspiration she draws from her mother.
A daily practitioner of the culinary arts, Sandy is a familiar face in the kitchen. Her gastronomic journey is a testament to the joy she finds in crafting delicious meals from scratch on a regular basis. Recently, Sandy embarked on a creative culinary adventure, breathing life into a dish that perfectly captures the essence of her Greek heritage.
This particular creation, a delightful medley of flavors wrapped in filo dough, was born from Sandy’s ingenuity and resourcefulness. Armed with leftovers and various ingredients found in her refrigerator, she transformed ordinary elements into a gastronomic masterpiece. The result was a cabbage, ground turkey, and feta cheese pita that not only satisfied the palate but also reflected Sandy’s commitment to daily culinary excellence.
Sandy’s roots in Katerini, Greece, and her identity as a first-generation Greek American play pivotal roles in shaping her culinary journey. Her dishes are imbued with the authenticity of Greek flavors, and each creation is a heartfelt homage to the traditions passed down through generations. Inspired by her mother’s culinary wisdom, Sandy has mastered the art of infusing each dish with a touch of familial warmth and cultural richness.
Cooking is not just a task for Sandy; it’s a daily ritual that brings joy and satisfaction. Her kitchen is a canvas, and each meal is a masterpiece carefully crafted to evoke the flavors of Greece. Sandy’s commitment to culinary innovation, even in everyday cooking, reflects her deep love for the art and the desire to share the richness of her cultural heritage through food.
As Sandy Karalis continues to weave her culinary magic in the kitchen, her creations stand as a testament to the enduring power of tradition, the art of improvisation, and the unwavering love for the Greek culinary legacy.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground turkey
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Dill
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Phyllo #10 (1/2 box)
- Butter
- 1 beaten egg
- Parmesan cheese
- Feta cheese
Instructions
In a sauté pan, add ground turkey with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes.
Add shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dill, and additional EVOO to the pan. Sauté until everything is well-cooked.
Prepare the phyllo sheets (#10) by layering them in a baking pan. Place 1/2 of the sheets on the bottom and 1/2 on the top layer, brushing each sheet with butter.
In a bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with 1 beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and feta cheese. Mix thoroughly.
Add the filling mixture to the baking pan on top of the layered phyllo sheets.
Finish by adding the remaining layers of buttered phyllo sheets on top.
Pre-cut the pieces before baking. Optionally, add water on the top sheet with butter to achieve a softer texture.
Bake at 400°F until a golden brown color appears, ensuring the bottom sheets are also golden brown.
Once baked, your delicious cabbage pita is ready to be enjoyed!