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knicks_fan87

Active member
I am serving a lot of Greek foods at a barbecue I will be hosting next month. I am starting to plan the menu now. There will be on the grill- lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, and loukaniko. There will also be Greek salad, fasolakia, and other miscellaneous dishes (I am not sure what yet). I like to have some dips and spreads laid out, both to accompany the grill foods, and to serve with bread.

Any advice? Definitely tzatziki, but was thinking of having something else, like kopanisti- but the issue with that is I am not sure I want to leave that outside.
 
Yes, I can see your dilemma, but wouldn’t the same apply for the tzatziki as well. I say make them both throw in there a melitzanosalata or a tarama dip and place the bowls on top of ice therefore no spoilage will take place.
 
I am serving a lot of Greek foods at a barbecue I will be hosting next month. I am starting to plan the menu now. There will be on the grill- lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, and loukaniko. There will also be Greek salad, fasolakia, and other miscellaneous dishes (I am not sure what yet). I like to have some dips and spreads laid out, both to accompany the grill foods, and to serve with bread.

Any advice? Definitely tzatziki, but was thinking of having something else, like kopanisti- but the issue with that is I am not sure I want to leave that outside.
tirokafteri tzatziki taramosalata melitzanosalata htipiti and some kind of hummus
 
I am serving a lot of Greek foods at a barbecue I will be hosting next month. I am starting to plan the menu now. There will be on the grill- lamb chops, chicken souvlaki, and loukaniko. There will also be Greek salad, fasolakia, and other miscellaneous dishes (I am not sure what yet). I like to have some dips and spreads laid out, both to accompany the grill foods, and to serve with bread.

Any advice? Definitely tzatziki, but was thinking of having something else, like kopanisti- but the issue with that is I am not sure I want to leave that outside.
Skordalia is always a hit and easy to prepare
 
I would suggest Melitzanosalata but not the one velvet spread but the more rustic version called "Agioritiki". The eggplants are grilled the red peppers also. You chop everything with a knife, add parsley, olive oil, vinegar, and of course garlic.
 
Not sure if you already had that BBQ but I would save the following:

- Melizanosalata
- Tzatziki
- Spicy Feta Dip (don't know the greek name)
- Fava Dip
 
Not sure if you already had that BBQ but I would save the following:

- Melizanosalata
- Tzatziki
- Spicy Feta Dip (don't know the greek name)
- Fava Dip
I like this idea! Thank you
 

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!

No Meat Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) Recipe

It has taken me a long time to get vegetarian dolmades to the point where I enjoy them. Here is my recipe. It uses a lot of oil, so strict fasters shouldn't eat them. But most people aren't super strict so I would even say these are good for lent!

Ingredients:​

  • 1 jar of grape leaves (about 60-70 leaves)
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water

Instructions:​

  1. Prepare the Grape Leaves:
    • If using grape leaves preserved in brine, rinse them well under cold water to remove excess salt. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cold water. Trim off any stems.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  3. Fill and Roll the Grape Leaves:
    • Place a grape leaf flat on a clean work surface, shiny side down, with the stem end facing you. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the rice filling onto the center of the leaf, near the stem end.
    • Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a small cylinder.
    • Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling, arranging the rolled dolmades seam-side down in a large pot or deep skillet, packing them snugly together.
  4. Cook the Dolmades:
    • Once all the dolmades are rolled and packed in the pot, drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
    • Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the dolmades.
    • Place a heatproof plate or lid directly on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged during cooking.
    • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the grape leaves are tender.

Getting souvlaki tender?

How do you make tender Greek souvlaki? I've attempted various recipes, marinated for different durations, and experimented with both high and low cooking temps, but I seem to be missing the mark for that mouth-watering tenderness commonly found in authentic Greek souvlaki.

Has anyone found a particular method or ingredient that makes a significant difference in achieving that ideal tenderness?

I use ladolemono, a marinate it overnight in ziplock baggies (after I cut the meat in cubes) and then I add them to the skewers and cook them on the grill. I typically use chicken.

What are the most famous Greek cheeses?

I've recently embarked on a culinary quest to explore the rich and diverse world of Greek cheeses. From the tangy feta found in traditional Greek salads to the sizzling delights of halloumi, Greece's cheese culture seems incredibly vast and flavorful. 🇬🇷

I'm reaching out to this knowledgeable community to ask: What are the most famous Greek cheeses that you've tried or heard of?

Are there any particular varieties that are a must-try or any hidden gems that rarely escape the borders of Greece? And if you have any delicious recipes or pairings to share, I'd love to hear about those too!

Mediterranean Diet Tied to Lower Blood Pressure, Greek Study Shows!

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