Orange Recipes: Delicious Cretan-Inspired Dishes to Make with Oranges
In Crete, fresh ingredients and culinary traditions are rooted in centuries of history. Among the treasures of the Cretan diet, oranges hold a special place. Here’s the full guide to preparing these delightful orange recipes from Crete.
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Naturally sweet and with a refreshing acidity, oranges perfectly complement the island’s herbs, honey, olive oil, and cheeses. Let me take you on a journey through the sunny orchards of Crete with seven Cretan-inspired recipes made with oranges.
You will find zesty salads, savory mains, and indulgent desserts. Each recipe highlights the unique combination of simplicity and depth that defines Cretan cuisine.
Best of all, I’ve included detailed ingredient lists and step-by-step instructions to help you bring a taste of Crete into your kitchen.
Cretan Orange and Olive Oil Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 2 oranges
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- Almonds or powdered sugar for decoration
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
- Add orange juice and zest, then stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar or almonds.
- You can also serve with Greek yogurt.
Orange-Glazed Lamb with Herbs
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder or shanks
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Rub lamb with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Sear in a hot skillet until browned.
- Place lamb in a roasting dish.
- Mix orange juice, zest, honey, and cinnamon, and pour over the lamb.
- Cover and roast for 2 hours, basting occasionally, until tender.
- Serve with roasted potatoes or a fresh salad.
Cretan Orange Salad with Feta and Walnuts
Ingredients:
- 3 large oranges, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh mint or oregano, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recipe Steps:
- Arrange orange slices on a platter.
- Top with crumbled feta and toasted walnuts.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with mint or oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Serve chilled.
Spiced Orange and Honey Syrup for Greek Yogurt
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 whole cloves
- Greek yogurt for serving
Recipe Steps:
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Drizzle over Greek yogurt and serve.
Orange-Marinated Grilled Fish
Ingredients:
- 4 fish fillets (salmon, sea bass, snapper, or bream)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
Recipe Steps:
- In a bowl, mix orange juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate fish in the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Remove the fish from the marinade and grill for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs.
Cretan Orange and Almond Biscotti (Paximadia)
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, almonds, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Add orange juice, zest, and olive oil.
- Stir until dough forms.
- Shape dough into a log and bake for 25 minutes.
- Let cool, slice into 1/2-inch pieces, and bake again for 10–12 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
Orange and Cumin Braised Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper
Recipe Steps:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown chicken thighs on both sides.
- Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add orange juice, zest, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is tender.
- Serve with crusty bread or rice.
Bringing Cretan Sunshine to Your Table
Oranges, full of flavor and versatility, are a taste of Crete’s sun-drenched landscapes and culinary heritage.
These Cretan-inspired recipes highlight how simple ingredients can come together to create unforgettable dishes, offering a delicious Mediterranean experience in your kitchen.
By incorporating the flavors of Crete into your kitchen, you’re not just making delicious meals—you’re embracing a way of life that celebrates balance, health, and the joy of sharing food. So grab some fresh oranges, tie on your apron, and let these recipes transport you to the Mediterranean!
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Delicious Crete-Inspired Recipes Featuring Oranges
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