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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
 

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.

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?

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

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

Top herbal teas popular in Greece?

Could anyone share insights or recommendations on which herbal teas are the most popular or cherished in Greece? I'm particularly interested in teas that are unique to the region or have a special place in Greek culture and wellness practices.

Also, if you have any suggestions on where I might purchase these teas, especially if they're available online, that would be incredibly helpful! I'm eager to try making some of these teas at home and experiencing a taste of Greek herbal tradition.

Thank you in advance for your help! I’m looking forward to exploring your suggestions and hopefully discovering some new favorite teas.
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