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Growing up, I thought Plaki as just a way to prepare Greek-style fish dishes.

I have since bumped into a variety of plaki dishes - some for chicken, I saw one for gigantes... saw it for something else, I forget what.

Can some of you weigh in? I am wondering how all of these can be "Plaki"...
 
"Plaki" is a preparation method. Usually for fish - bakaliaros (cod) plaki - and gigantes beans. Never heard of chicken. It involves slow-baking layers of onions and slices of potatoes in tomato sauce with herbs.
 
"Plaki" is a preparation method. Usually for fish - bakaliaros (cod) plaki - and gigantes beans. Never heard of chicken. It involves slow-baking layers of onions and slices of potatoes in tomato sauce with herbs.
Interesting, I wonder if the chicken dish was just someone being creative - I had it outside of Greece.
 
I have seen the Gigantes and Fish but never chicken... but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist! I can see how this recipe can be adapted, though...
 

Bougatsa Recipe - Delicious Breakfast!

When I was in Greece, I loved having bougatsa for breakfast. I don't have it much when I am back home so I decided to learn how to make it. Here's the recipe I use:

I do have a question, I find using the puff pastry the easiest. However, what do they use in Greece?

Dough:
  • 1 package (about 17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Custard:
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup fine semolina flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Custard Filling:
    • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, semolina flour, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    • Gradually pour about 1/4 of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    • Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk, whisking constantly.
    • Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Bougatsa Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a clean surface. Brush melted butter generously over one sheet of puff pastry.
    • Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the buttered one. Brush the top with more melted butter.
    • Roll up the puff pastry sheets tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal portions.
  3. Assemble the Bougatsa:
    • Take one portion of the puff pastry and flatten it into a thin circle on a floured surface, using a rolling pin.
    • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled custard filling in the center of the pastry circle.
    • Fold the edges of the pastry circle over the custard filling, creating a sealed pouch. Place the filled bougatsa onto the prepared baking sheet.
    • Repeat this process with the remaining puff pastry portions and custard filling.
  4. Bake the Bougatsa:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bougatsa until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
    • Remove the bougatsa from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

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?

Greek Yogurt Pasta Recipe

I thought I would share a recipe for Greek yogurt pasta. I had it in a cafe in Greece once and have been making something similar ever since.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, spaghetti, fusilli)
  • 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat for creaminess)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (30g) crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) pasta cooking water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Baby spinach leaves (optional)
Instructions

Cook the Pasta
:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Reserve 1/4 cup (60ml) of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix well.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir until well combined.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.

If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.

Season and Garnish:

Taste the pasta and season with salt and black pepper to your liking.

For an extra touch of freshness, toss in some halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach leaves.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves, if desired.

Drinking Olive Oil: Health and Beauty Elixir or Celebrity Fad?

This will I hope generate a healthy discussion amongst the readership here!I have been drinking Pure Olive oil 0.3% Acidity (Not cheap!) for many years, not everyday as I alternate with Pure Organic Sesame oil and Organic first pressed Coconut oil as well....and I also forget to be honest even when all the bottles are staring at me!!😁😁... Since there are many members here I am interested to hear how many drink olive oil and the benefits to their wellbeing?!.... Kalley Mera from Thailand and a heatwave no one can imagine for 5 months without a drop of rain!
https://greekreporter.com/2024/05/0...Reporter+Daily+News+Simple&utm_term=Read+More

Best Greek seafood dishes for summer grilling?

Summer is in full swing, and what better way to enjoy the season than firing up the grill? Which seafood dishes perfect for grilling. Greek cuisine's blend of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices makes it an ideal choice for light, summery meals, and I'm eager to hear your recommendations.

Do you have favorite Greek seafood recipes or dishes that shine especially bright when cooked over an open flame? Whether it's a classic recipe or a personal twist on traditional fare,I know about things like grilled octopus marinated in olive oil and oregano to the simplicity of shrimp saganaki.

Additionally, if you have preparation tips, marinade secrets, or any advice on grilling seafood the Greek way, please share. Thanks so much!
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