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axariotisxy

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I have been having trouble with frozen phyllo - it sticks when I take it out of the package. I will try to switch to a different brand, but I am wondering if I should actually give making my wn phyllo a try? Do you guys have any tips for me?

I found this recipe - does it look good to you guys? I have never done this before:

 
Frozen phyllo dough should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator, and then the next day left out at room temp for about 2 hours. That should make it easier to use and handle, and do work quickly as it dries out quickly, so the faster you put your dish together, the easier it will be to work with.
 
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I agree - definitely make sure that the phyllo is thawed overnight in the refrigerator. I would try that before making your own phyllo.
 
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It must be thawed overnight in the 'fridge, or you'll never be able to do anything with it. You can leave at room temperature for about 2 hours before using. It helps to work quickly, that way it won't dry out much, and you can place a damp dish towel underneath wax paper of the phyllo. If you have excess for the size pan you're using, just fold it over, If it's small, piece together some other sheets to fill in. It does not need to be neat and tidy, work swiftly, brush with butter, and keep going. It doesn't matter how you piece it together, as after it's baked it will all be smooth.

Have all ingredients ready to use before starting assembling with the phyllo. I can usually assemble a pan of baklava in about 10 minutes. If a sheet cracks or breaks, it doesn't matter, just put another one over it. If you're making baklava, score the pieces before baking, so when you pour syrup over it, it will sink in to all pieces. For spanakopita or any other type of pita, you don't need to score.
 
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Luana, thanks for all the help. I did exactly what you said, and the problems I had been having with phyllo stopped! I never realized that the way it's thawed makes such a huge difference.
 
Luana, thanks for all the help. I did exactly what you said, and the problems I had been having with phyllo stopped! I never realized that the way it's thawed makes such a huge difference.
You're very welcome! Glad I could help. I don't think there's any info on the box of phyllo. I learned this from one of my aunts, or I wouldn't have known it either. It also helps to have all ingredients ready to go before you start with the phyllo. I can assemble a pan of baklava in about 10 minutes, once the nuts are chopped, then I start with the phyllo and brushing with butter, and work quickly. Phyllo dough is very forgiving. If a sheet breaks, just piece together, after its baked, you would never know it.
 

Greek cooking without a recipe?

I've been thinking about how much traditional Greek cooking relies on instinct rather than following exact recipes. Some of the Greek dishes I learned to make were taught to me by feel, with someone showing me what to do rather than measuring everything out.

I actually enjoy cooking this way, but I've noticed that it can make certain dishes difficult to recreate consistently! Sometimes everything comes together perfectly, and other times I wonder what I did differently.

I'm curious how others approach this. Did you learn Greek cooking by watching your yiayia, mother, or other relatives? Do you measure ingredients, or do you just know when something looks, smells, or tastes right?

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?

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 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.

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?
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