1 - 8 of 8 Posts

dpappas87

Active member
Hey guys, what are some must haves for a big mezze platter? I’m having my in-laws over and the LOVE mezze. I’m not even planning on cooking any actual dishes, just some small appetizers, dips and stuff like taht. What do you guys recommend?
 
Where to begin LOL!

Here are some that I would include if having a party and want some Greek mezze: Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Tiropira, Spanakopita (really any pita :)). Although many would include dolmades as a main dish, I think it could work as an appetizer or mezze.

stuffed-grape-leaves-720x480.jpeg​

 
  • Like
Reactions: dpappas87
Where to begin LOL!

Here are some that I would include if having a party and want some Greek mezze: Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Tiropira, Spanakopita (really any pita :)). Although many would include dolmades as a main dish, I think it could work as an appetizer or mezze.

View attachment 80​

Thanks, I wouldn't even think to include dolmades as an appetizer either! Do you make them yourself? Or do you buy them canned?
 
I’m sure you know of the classics like babaghanoush, tzatziki, olive spread, pita bread and that type of stuff. I love adding hummus and spinach/artichoke dip. It’s not traditionally Greek, but I love it! :)
 
My favorite is to serve spanakopita because it is always a show stopper. I also like to make a hummus dip where I take hummus and top it with feta cheese, chopped tomatoes, Greek olives, a sprinkling of oregano. It's an easy way to elevate store bought hummus, and it tastes great when served with pita chips.

spanakopita-recipe-scaled.jpg
 
Taramosalata and beet tzatziki are lesser known but delivious mezze! I love the vibrant color of the beet tzatziki its so pink! Add some walnuts and it delish
 
  • Like
Reactions: kosta_karapinotis
Taramosalata and beet tzatziki are lesser known but delivious mezze! I love the vibrant color of the beet tzatziki its so pink! Add some walnuts and it delish
Those are great ones!!!! Thanks!
 
I’m more of a meat guy so when I make mezze I like to add smaller peices of meat like cut up loukaniko (sausage) or skewers of grilled chicken. It’s nice to eat with pita bread and any of the dips, anything can really become mezze when its plated on little dishes. Good luck!
 

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?

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?

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.

Favorite Greek Cheeses Beyond Feta

Feta gets most of the attention when people talk about Greek cheese, but there are so many other varieties worth trying. I’m curious which Greek cheeses everyone enjoys most beyond feta.

Graviera is one of my favorites because it works so well on a cheese plate, grated over dishes, or just eaten with bread. Kasseri is another one I really like, especially melted. I’ve also been interested in trying more regional cheeses like metsovone, manouri, kefalotyri, and formaela.

Some Greek cheeses seem to be much easier to find outside Greece than others, so I’d also love to know which ones people regularly buy and where they usually find them.

What Greek cheeses do you keep coming back to? Are there certain ones you associate with a particular region, dish, or family tradition? And if someone has mostly eaten feta, which Greek cheese would you recommend they try next?

How Much Garlic in a Batch of Tzatziki?

How much garlic do you usually put in a batch of tzatziki? I think I may be using a little too much. I usually make mine with about 2 cups of Greek yogurt and 4 cloves of garlic, along with cucumber, olive oil, and the other usual ingredients.

It tastes great when I first make it, but we usually take about three days to finish the batch. By the second or third day, the garlic flavor and smell become really strong. Some people in my household love that and don’t mind it at all, but others think it becomes a bit overpowering. I’m starting to agree that four cloves might be too much, especially since the garlic seems to get stronger as it sits.

What do you all do? How many cloves would you use for about 2 cups of Greek yogurt?
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top