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axariotisxy

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I know that I can make dishes year round, since ingredients are pretty available. However, I like to stick with seasonal dishes. So, what do people serve in winter? Here are some things I have done:
  • Greek cabbage salad
  • Greek braised cabbage in tomato sauce
  • Potatoes - roasted potatoes, potatoes made with tomato
  • Pilafi
Would love to hear some ideas!
 
Growing up we had a lot of broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Steam until tender, Americans tend to undercook them IMNSHO; my mom always cooked vegetables until tender (like soft), and drizzle olive oil and lemon juice, to taste, a bit of salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
 
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Growing up we had a lot of broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Steam until tender, Americans tend to undercook them IMNSHO; my mom always cooked vegetables until tender (like soft), and drizzle olive oil and lemon juice, to taste, a bit of salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
I don't like crunchy Brussels sprouts so I always avoided them! This sounds yummy.
 
I know that I can make dishes year round, since ingredients are pretty available. However, I like to stick with seasonal dishes. So, what do people serve in winter? Here are some things I have done:
  • Greek cabbage salad
  • Greek braised cabbage in tomato sauce
  • Potatoes - roasted potatoes, potatoes made with tomato
  • Pilafi
Would love to hear some ideas!
We are now in that in between season - early spring is still kind of like winter. So now, I start to work in foraged spring foods once I see them. Spring onions, scallions, dandelion greens, chicory. I just took a peruse outside and I see early dandelion greens, some early violet leaves, scallions, and cleavers. I would work them into salads with the cabbage, chop them up and add them to potato dishes and pilaf, that kind of thing.
 

What Is the Best Way to Serve Taramosalata?

I absolutely love taramosalata and have it pretty regularly at home, but I’m having some people over soon and was wondering about the best way to serve it when entertaining.

Normally I just eat it with some bread or pita, so I don’t really put much thought into presentation. For guests, though, I’d like to make it part of a nice Greek-style spread with a few other things on the table. I was thinking warm pita triangles, crusty bread, maybe some cucumber and other vegetables for dipping, but I’m curious what everyone else usually serves with it.

Do you drizzle a little olive oil over the top or add any kind of garnish? And are there particular meze that you think pair especially well with taramosalata?

I’d love some ideas for making it look a little more special while still keeping everything traditional and simple.

Do you make your pastitsio with a thick or thin layer of krema?

I've always preferred my pastitsio with a nice, thick layer of béchamel on top. To me, that's one of the best parts of the dish! I love when the krema is rich, creamy, and thick enough to hold its shape when you cut into the pastitsio.

The problem is that I've been having trouble getting my krema just right. Sometimes it comes out too thin, and other times the texture isn't quite as smooth as I'd like. I've tried adjusting the amount of flour and milk, but I still haven't found the perfect balance.

I'm curious how everyone else makes theirs. Do you prefer a thick layer of béchamel or just enough to cover the pasta? Does your family add eggs or cheese to the mixture?

I'd especially love to hear any tips for making a thick, smooth krema that sets beautifully when baked!

Do You Put Cinnamon in Your Keftedes?

I’m curious how everyone here makes keftedes, especially when it comes to cinnamon. I know some Greek families add a little cinnamon to the meat mixture, while others would never think of putting it in.

In my experience, even a small amount can change the flavor quite a bit. It gives the keftedes a warmer, slightly sweeter spice in the background, but I can also see how it might not be for everyone. I’ve had versions that lean more heavily on oregano, mint, parsley, garlic, and onion instead.

Do you put cinnamon in your keftedes? If you do, how much do you usually use, and was that something your family always did? I’d also be curious to know if it varies depending on what part of Greece your family comes from.

Would love to hear how everyone seasons theirs and what you consider essential for really good keftedes.

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 is your favorite Greek potato dish?

Potatoes show up in so many Greek meals, and I think they are often at their best when they soak up plenty of olive oil, lemon, herbs, and cooking juices.

Greek lemon potatoes are probably the first thing that comes to mind for me. I love when they are roasted until they are soft inside, a little crisp around the edges, and full of lemon and oregano. Potatoes cooked alongside chicken or lamb are also hard to beat because they absorb so much flavor from the pan.

I also enjoy simple boiled potatoes dressed with olive oil, lemon, parsley, and salt, especially with fish or grilled meat.

What Greek potato dish do you make most often? Do you prefer lemon potatoes, potatoes roasted with meat, fried potatoes, or something else? And is there a particular seasoning or family method that makes your version especially good?
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