1 - 4 of 4 Posts

paharo45

Active member
I am trying to plan my Christmas Day feast. I want Greek elements, but I also want to keep things on the simpler side, if that's at all possible.

I will have 10-15 people over that day. Here is what I was thinking. Please weigh in - I could use all the help I can get!

- Pork roast - was thinking of doing a pork roast with a Greek sort of spice rub - oregano, garlic, salt, pepper ....
- Lemon potatoes - this goes so well with pork!
- Greek salad - always a classic favorite
- Vegetables - haven't decided yet which vegetable dish to serve
- Chrisopsomo - of course, this is a given
- Melamakarona - also a given

What do you think? I am not opposed to cooking lamb either.
 
A nice salad that pairs well with pork and is more winters is a nice carrot cabbage salad, Laxano karoto, tzatziki pairs wonderfully with pork. A tiropita. You can make the tiropita in advance, freeze it and and bake it from frozen the day of the dinner. And what about a nice baklava to end the meal with your melomakarona!
 
A nice salad that pairs well with pork and is more winters is a nice carrot cabbage salad, Laxano karoto, tzatziki pairs wonderfully with pork. A tiropita. You can make the tiropita in advance, freeze it and and bake it from frozen the day of the dinner. And what about a nice baklava to end the meal with your melomakarona!
I love the idea of serving a carrot cabbage salad and tiro pita with the pork! I would think about putting a bit of freshly ground nutmeg (a tiny amount) in the filling for the tiropita.

If you have any, consider making something with apple for dessert - like a milopita. I love apples with pork meals. I would even be tempted to serve apple sauce, even though it isn't necessarily Greek. Or apple spoon sweets!
 
So, I ended up serving pork, cabbage salad, tiropita, lemon potatoes, melamakarona, pasta flora, and Christopsomo. It was perfect!
 

Cumin in Greek Cooking?

When I was in Greece, I bumped into a "spanakopita" in like a turnover style dough. It didn't have cheese and was spiced with cumin. I hadn't realized people use Cumin in Greece until I tasted it in this dish. I was kind of confused.

Do people actually use cumin in Greek cooking? None of the old recipes I have mention it. Could it be a more modern influence?

Learning about Greek food and wine pairing

I've recently developed a fascination with Greek wines and am eager to explore their potential pairings with various cuisines. Greek wines, with their rich history and unique grape varieties, offer a tantalizing range of flavors that I believe can complement a wide array of dishes beautifully. However, my experience in effectively pairing these wines is somewhat limited, and I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those more familiar with this area.

Particularly, I'm interested in understanding which types of Greek wines (white, red, or rosé) pair best with specific dishes or cuisines. Here are a few specific questions I have in mind:
  1. Assyrtiko: Known for its crisp acidity and citrus notes, which dishes would best highlight Assyrtiko's characteristics?
  2. Agiorgitiko: Often described as smooth and velvety, what kinds of meals would complement this type of red wine?
  3. Xinomavro: With its robust tannins and complex flavor profile, what are the best food pairings to balance its intensity?
  4. Retsina: Given its unique pine resin flavor, are there particular foods that match well with this traditional wine?
Additionally, I'm curious if there are any general rules of thumb when it comes to pairing Greek wines with dishes from other culinary traditions outside of Greek cuisine.

Thank you!

Can you use frozen vegetables for Greek dishes?

There are two Greek dishes that I enjoy a lot and like to make a lot - fasolakia and the baked vegetables with the variety.

It's not always realistic for me to make them, though, because of the vegetable situation.

Is it okay to use frozen veggies? These are washed and chopped - they're basically ready to go - so it would save me a lot of time!

fasolakia-greek-food.jpg

Creative ideas for Easter lamb leftovers?

We cooked too much Easter lamb than we needed and have a ton leftover. I am sure I am not the only one! I am brainstorming ways to use the leftovers. Do you guys have anything to add?

1. Gyros with lamb (Tzatziki and all the trimmings!)
2. Lamb sandwiches
3. Stir fries
4. Lamb in rice and tomato sauce
5. Wraps
6. Omelets and scrambles (think steak and eggs, but with Greek flavors and of course lamb instead of steak)

grilled-lamb-chops.jpg

Best Greek seafood dishes for summer grilling?

Summer is in full swing, and what better way to enjoy the season than firing up the grill? Which seafood dishes perfect for grilling. Greek cuisine's blend of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices makes it an ideal choice for light, summery meals, and I'm eager to hear your recommendations.

Do you have favorite Greek seafood recipes or dishes that shine especially bright when cooked over an open flame? Whether it's a classic recipe or a personal twist on traditional fare,I know about things like grilled octopus marinated in olive oil and oregano to the simplicity of shrimp saganaki.

Additionally, if you have preparation tips, marinade secrets, or any advice on grilling seafood the Greek way, please share. Thanks so much!
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top