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mj_toronto8

Active member
Growing up, I didn't realize that capers were considered a part of Greek cuisine. It seems as if they grow well in Greece! I know that capers are often part of the village salad version that you can find on Santorini. How else are they used in Greek cuisine? I did some research and found some tips:
  • It seems that Greeks sometimes put them in stews?
  • I saw a recipe somewhere that it was a dish that had a tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, and there were capers in it
The issue is that I don't know if this is accurate, and I also don't know what the recipes are.
 
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Growing up, I didn't realize that capers were considered a part of Greek cuisine. It seems as if they grow well in Greece! I know that capers are often part of the village salad version that you can find on Santorini. How else are they used in Greek cuisine? I did some research and found some tips:
  • It seems that Greeks sometimes put them in stews?
  • I saw a recipe somewhere that it was a dish that had a tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, and there were capers in it
The issue is that I don't know if this is accurate, and I also don't know what the recipes are.
The Greek caper is a culinary wonder and particularly the capers from Tinos and the Cyclades. It is used fresh in Greek salad or boiled vegetables as well as in red sauce for spaghetti, on pizza, in tuna salads and egg salad. On Tinos there is also a dip made with capers. You can learn more about its secrets above. Have in mind capers are salty so don't use salt when you add capers.
 
The Greek caper is a culinary wonder and particularly the capers from Tinos and the Cyclades. It is used fresh in Greek salad or boiled vegetables as well as in red sauce for spaghetti, on pizza, in tuna salads and egg salad. On Tinos there is also a dip made with capers. You can learn more about its secrets above. Have in mind capers are salty so don't use salt when you add capers.
Do you use the caper berries or the smaller, unripe capers that are often picked and brined? I have realized that there are uses for both...
 
Do you use the caper berries or the smaller, unripe capers that are often picked and brined? I have realized that there are uses for both...
All parts are used ... the leaves pickled and the berries in brine and then in salads and more
 
All parts are used ... the leaves pickled and the berries in brine and then in salads and more
I have never had caper leaves! Wow - I think I will have to track some of these down... capers are my favorite. I always keep on hand because they add something very special to the dishes I include them in.
 
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What is the secret to making really good Greek lemon potatoes?

I've been making Greek lemon potatoes for years, and it's one of those dishes I make completely by feel. I don't measure anything, and I never really thought about how I make them because it's all second nature to me.

Recently, I tried teaching someone how to make them. Everything seemed straightforward while we were cooking together, but when they went home and tried making them on their own, all kinds of things went wrong! The potatoes weren't cooking evenly, the texture wasn't quite right, and the lemon flavor didn't come through the way it should.

It made me realize how much I rely on instinct when cooking traditional Greek food. I rarely write down recipes, so explaining every little detail is harder than I expected!

For those who make Greek lemon potatoes regularly, what tips would you give someone who's just learning?

Do You Make Avgolemono Thick or Brothy?

I usually prefer avgolemono somewhere in the middle. I don’t like it so thick that it feels almost like a cream soup, but I also don’t want it completely thin and brothy. For me, the best version has enough egg and lemon to give the broth some body while still keeping it light.

A lot probably depends on what kind of avgolemono you’re making, too. In chicken soup, I like it a little more brothy because I want the rice or orzo and chicken to still stand out. With something like lahanodolmades, I don’t mind the avgolemono sauce being thicker because it is coating the food rather than serving as the soup itself.

The lemon level matters just as much as the thickness. I like enough lemon to make it bright and noticeable, but not so much that it overwhelms everything else. I think balance is really the key.

How does your family season dolmades?

I’ve been thinking about how much dolmades can vary from one family to another, especially when it comes to seasoning. Even when the basic ingredients are similar, the flavor can be completely different depending on which herbs and spices are used.

How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?

My Family’s Keftedes Recipe

Keftedes are one of those foods that always remind me of family gatherings. Everyone seems to make them a little differently, but this is the basic version my family has always used.

For about a pound of ground beef, we add one small grated onion, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a little fresh mint, one egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and a small splash of red wine vinegar. Sometimes we add a little grated garlic as well.

The important part is mixing everything well and then letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator for a little while before shaping the keftedes. We make them fairly small, roll them lightly in flour, and fry them in olive oil until browned on the outside and cooked through.

We usually serve them with lemon, potatoes, salad, or tzatziki.

How does your family make keftedes? I’m especially curious about which herbs and seasonings everyone uses. Thought I'd share!

What herbs do you use when making Greek stuffed zucchini?

I've been thinking about making Greek stuffed zucchini (kolokithakia gemista), and I'm curious about which herbs everyone uses in the filling. I've seen quite a few variations, and it seems like the combination of herbs can really influence the overall flavor of the dish.

Some recipes use plenty of fresh dill and parsley, while others include mint or even a little oregano. I've also noticed that some people add green onions for extra flavor. I'm wondering whether certain herbs are considered more traditional, especially when making stuffed zucchini with rice and ground meat.

Do you use a combination of herbs, or do you prefer to keep the seasoning fairly simple? Does your family have a particular recipe that has been passed down through generations?

I'm especially interested in how the herbs complement the avgolemono sauce. What combination do you think gives Greek stuffed zucchini the best flavor?
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