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dimi_pat

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I've seen so many different recipe variations of tzatziki, and I really don't know what's most traditional and authentic. I have noticed that many restaurants in the United States add dill to the sauce, but that it's not super common in Greece. Does anyone know what is more traditional? Is the dill version from a specific region in Greece? I like the sauce with and without it, but I am just curious.
 
I don't really like dill so I never make my tzatziki with it. I know a lot of Greeks in the US who love dill and they put it in everything!
 
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I don't really like dill so I never make my tzatziki with it. I know a lot of Greeks in the US who love dill and they put it in everything!
I personally like both versions. But I have never seen it with dill in Greece. Not sure why though.
 
My family do not garlic. My tzatziki consists of Greek yoghurt, mint, olive oil and salt. Dill is used in Greek salad, lamb baking.
At the end of the day, oregano, rosemary and dill re the popular erbs of choice in Greek cooking. How you use them is personal taste. Patisqua
 
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My family do not garlic. My tzatziki consists of Greek yoghurt, mint, olive oil and salt. Dill is used in Greek salad, lamb baking.
At the end of the day, oregano, rosemary and dill re the popular erbs of choice in Greek cooking. How you use them is personal taste. Patisqua
I've never thought of not adding tzatziki! It will save my breath for sure!
 
I've never thought of not adding tzatziki! It will save my breath for sure!
Try it. My sister is allergic to garlic. We're the only Greek house in the world that doesn't have onions and garlic in the house.
 
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Try it. My sister is allergic to garlic. We're the only Greek house in the world that doesn't have onions and garlic in the house.
That is a shame! Do you find that the food tastes just as good?
 
Does dill grow well in Greece? I noticed here that Dill tends to struggle when it's hot out. I've had it both with and without dill and they're both good - just different. I don't make it with dill because it is not easy for me to find, and I also have never had it in Greece with dill.
 

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?

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.

What herbs do you use when making Greek stuffed zucchini?

I've been thinking about making Greek stuffed zucchini (kolokithakia gemista), and I'm curious about which herbs everyone uses in the filling. I've seen quite a few variations, and it seems like the combination of herbs can really influence the overall flavor of the dish.

Some recipes use plenty of fresh dill and parsley, while others include mint or even a little oregano. I've also noticed that some people add green onions for extra flavor. I'm wondering whether certain herbs are considered more traditional, especially when making stuffed zucchini with rice and ground meat.

Do you use a combination of herbs, or do you prefer to keep the seasoning fairly simple? Does your family have a particular recipe that has been passed down through generations?

I'm especially interested in how the herbs complement the avgolemono sauce. What combination do you think gives Greek stuffed zucchini the best 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 Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?
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