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nadellii

Active member
This is a pic of everything that was served but you’ll see my pastitsio in the middle! I used my friends secret recipe so I can’t share sadly (she takes these things super seriously)

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WOWWW this looks so good!

It does not look like you need it, but for those that are reading and don't know, here are a few Greek pastitsio recipes:




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This is a pic of everything that was served but you’ll see my pastitsio in the middle! I used my friends secret recipe so I can’t share sadly (she takes these things super seriously)

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This looks spectacular - nice job! I love how the top has a delicious, caramelized look.
 
This looks fantastic! For me, pastitso is all about he Krema - it is tricky to get it right. It looks like you have gotten it right!!! When my yiayia passed away, "the touch" that she had with the Krema passed with her. I feel like we are finally close to replicating.
 
This looks delicious...unless it has cinnamon and cloves in which case I'm out :ROFLMAO:
 
This looks delicious...unless it has cinnamon and cloves in which case I'm out :ROFLMAO:
Oh no! My favorite is when it's spiced with cinnamon. For me, this is the fun of Greek cooking. There are so many different variations!
 
This looks fantastic! For me, pastitso is all about he Krema - it is tricky to get it right. It looks like you have gotten it right!!! When my yiayia passed away, "the touch" that she had with the Krema passed with her. I feel like we are finally close to replicating.
Just go by a box of bechamel at the store and you'll have a nice cream.
 
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I didn't know you can buy boxed béchamel, do you just add milk/water?
You just add milk.

My wife uses this one when she makes pastitsio (she's from Greece), but don't buy it for $13 because that's an outrageous price - it usually sells for about $3.50.... You should go to a local international store and look to see if they have anything.

 
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You just add milk.

My wife uses this one when she makes pastitsio (she's from Greece), but don't buy it for $13 because that's an outrageous price - it usually sells for about $3.50.... You should go to a local international store and look to see if they have anything.

Good point! I like to buy European versions of the mix at Greek supermarkets
 

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.

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?

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.

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 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.
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