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d_kakavouli

Active member
I want to start being more mindful about eating seasonally. It's winter where I live - what's in season now? What I can think of:

1. Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts are small, nutty-flavored vegetables that have a distinctive taste. They can be roasted, stir-fried, or steamed and make a great side dish to any meal.

2. Winter Squash: From butternut to spaghetti squash and pumpkins, winter squash is abundant in winter. They’re perfect for hearty soups, stews, and salads.

3. Pears: While pears are available year-round, they’re at their best during winter. They’re sweet and juicy and make a great addition to any fruit salad or baked good.

4. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are at their peak during winter. They’re packed with vitamin C, which is essential for boosting your immune system during the cold and flu season.

5. Cranberries: Cranberries are tart and tangy and add a festive touch to any dish. They’re perfect for sauces, jams, dressings, and desserts.

6. Cabbage: Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s rich in vitamins and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your winter meals.

7. Carrots: Carrots are not only rich in vitamin A, but they’re also sweet and delicious. They make a perfect snack, side dish or ingredient for soups and stews.

8. Root Vegetables: From beets to turnips, root vegetables are perfect for roasting or boiling. They’re delicious, filling, and packed with essential nutrients.

9. Broccoli: Broccoli is a nutritious and tasty vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

10. Kale: Kale is a nutrient powerhouse that’s available all year round. It’s a great source of iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.

This is how they eat and cook in Greece, and I want to experiment with it.
 
This is a really good list! Mine:

- Cabbage - I love cabbage this time of year
- Stews - Greek meat stews are perfect now, like stifado
- Citrus - They have been tasting great - I think they're in season
- Root vegetables - they are available year round but seem to taste better lately
 

What foods go best with ouzo?

I am curious - what goods go best with Ouzo? Traditionally, I don't actually pay attention.

From my understanding, Ouzo is traditionally enjoyed with small plates, similar to tapas, known as "mezedes" in Greece. Yet, I’m eager to hear from those who have either traveled to Greece or have an in-depth knowledge of Greek cuisine about what specific dishes you think would pair best with Ouzo. Are there specific flavors or types of dishes (seafood, meats, vegetables) that enhance the experience of sipping Ouzo?

Tips to Prevent Phyllo from Drying Out?

I am not new with working with phyllo.

Lately, and I don't know why, the phyllo has been during out as I work with it. It's always store bought phyllo and it may be another brand than what I normally use, but I don't see how that could possibly make a difference.e Perhaps I am working slower. Maybe my kitchen is dryer.

All I know is that I would love some tips on how to prevent the phyllo from drying out! I asked around and people say to keep a wet towel over it. I tried that and the phyllo stuck to the towel so I am obviously missing an important detail.

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.

Greek Marinated Olives Recipe

I love to serve marinated Greek olives when I have people over. It's easy to do, and I change things each time. The amounts are for a big serving enough for company. I halve the recipe otherwise.
  • 2 cups mixed Greek olives (such as Kalamata, green, or black)
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon zest (optional)
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or basil)
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the olives: Rinse the olives under cold water to remove excess brine. If the olives are very salty, you can soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a bowl, combine the olives, sliced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes if using. Gently toss to coat the olives evenly with the marinade.
  3. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the olives and marinade to a sealable container. Let the olives marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
  4. Serve: Before serving, let the olives come to room temperature to allow the flavors to fully develop. Optionally, garnish with lemon zest and fresh herbs for extra freshness and aroma.

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!
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