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mj_toronto8

Active member
I love Greek bread and I try making it at home. It's good, but not great. Somehow when I get it at the bakery it tastes better.

Ingredients:
- 4 cups of flour
- 1 package of active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of warm water
- 2 T olive oil

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt and mix well.
2. Add the warm water and oil to the mixing bowl and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Using your hands, knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Grease a large bowl with olive oil, then place the dough in the bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
6. Once the dough has risen, place it back onto a floured surface and knead it gently. Shape the dough into a round loaf or whatever shape you like and place it onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown on the outside.
8. Serve it warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

greek-bread-recipe.jpg
 
Hi mj_toronto8

The recipe you posted is solid and sure enough it will make you some good tasting quick bread. But the key word here is quick. If you want to have a superior flavor then you might consider slow proofing (slow rising). Slow rising is when you bread will develop a nice flavor. It will require less amount of yeast so it can have time for it to rise slowly and create that nice flavor.
 
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Hi mj_toronto8

The recipe you posted is solid and sure enough it will make you some good tasting quick bread. But the key word here is quick. If you want to have a superior flavor then you might consider slow proofing (slow rising). Slow rising is when you bread will develop a nice flavor. It will require less amount of yeast so it can have time for it to rise slowly and create that nice flavor.
I agree - a quick rise doesn't seem to taste as good as a slower one. The yeast leaves a stronger aftertaste when the bread rises too fast.
 

List of Different Greek Cooking Techniques

I hope you're all doing well! I've recently developed a deep appreciation for Greek cuisine and I'm eager to expand my cooking skills in this area. However, I'm realizing that I might be missing out on some traditional Greek cooking techniques that are essential for authentic dishes.

Could anyone kindly provide me with a list of cooking techniques commonly used in Greek cuisine? Whether it's grilling, baking, braising, or something more specific to Greek cooking, I'm eager to learn! Any insights, tips, or favorite methods would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to your responses!

Here's what I can think of so far:

  • Frying - usually in olive oil, right? Things like Greek fries and kourabedies come to mind is being fried.
  • Grilling - souvlaki, chicken, etc
  • Sandwiches - gyros, making "toast" that you see on menus in Greece
  • Braising - like braised lamb?
  • On the spot - Lamb, goat
  • Baking - desserts and savory dishes
What have I missed?

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

Salt Cod in Greek Cooking?

How is salt cod, or Bakaliaros, used in Greek cooking? I remember my grandmother using it and I forget for what...

Could anyone share what specific dishes in Greek cuisine feature salt cod as the key ingredient? How is it typically prepared and served in Greece? Are there any traditional recipes or unique cooking methods that highlight the flavor and texture of salt cod in Greek cooking? I know a lot of other cultures use it, too.

I believe understanding the culinary uses of salt cod in Greece could offer deeper insights into the country’s culture and traditions. Plus, it would be great to try and replicate some of these dishes at home!

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!

Greek Souvlaki Marinade Recipe

Now that grilling season is upon us, I thought I would share my souvlaki marinade. I cut the meat in cubes and marinate in plastic bags overnight. I skewer them just before grilling.

Add to a mason jar:
  • 1/4 cup Greek olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Then I cover the mason jar and shake, add the meat to the bags, and pour it over. If I am making a huge batch I double the marinade.
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