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kcixcy

Active member
I'm planning to make a traditional Greek fish soup called Kakavia and could really use some advice from those who've tried it before, or anyone familiar with Greek cuisine. I fish a lot in the summer and have a lot of fish to use. Deep sea fishing.

Here are a few key points I'm hoping to get help with:
  • Fish Selection: What types of fish work best for Kakavia? Are there specific kinds that bring out the best flavors?
  • Preparation Tips: Any tips on prepping the fish and other ingredients? Should I be looking out for anything specific when cleaning or cutting the fish?
  • Broth Enhancements: How can I make sure the broth is rich and flavorful? Are there any secret ingredients or techniques that can elevate the dish?
  • Serving Suggestions: What are the best sides or accompaniments to serve with Kakavia? Any traditional Greek side dishes that pair well?
I appreciate any insights you can share. Thanks!
 
Love this dish! Kakavia is a wonderful choice for utilizing your fresh catch. Here are some tips:

Fish Selection: Use a mix of firm white fish like grouper, snapper, and seabass. Including a few small, oily fish like sardines or mackerel can enhance the flavor.

Preparation Tips: Clean the fish thoroughly, removing scales, guts, and gills. Cut into large pieces to avoid them falling apart during cooking.

Broth Enhancements: Start with a good base of onions, garlic, and olive oil. Add carrots, celery, and tomatoes. For depth, include a splash of white wine and a pinch of saffron. Fresh herbs like parsley and bay leaves are essential.

Serving Suggestions: Serve Kakavia with crusty bread, a simple Greek salad, and lemon wedges. A side of tzatziki complements it beautifully.
 

What are Epirus pies?

I was chatting with a friend recently about Greek food, and she mentioned “Epirus pies.” I’m of Greek descent and pretty familiar with traditional dishes, but I honestly had never heard of them! She made it sound like there’s a whole category of pies unique to the Epirus region—both savory and sweet—but I didn’t get a lot of details.

Is this really a regional thing? Are they different from the spanakopita and tiropita I grew up with? I’m curious about what makes them special—different fillings, crusts, or preparation?

If anyone here is from Epirus or has experience with these pies, I’d love to hear more. Are there any classic ones I should try making? Would also be great to know if they’re found in bakeries elsewhere in Greece, or mostly made at home.

Thanks in advance—always excited to learn more about the regional food traditions I didn’t grow up with!

Regional Dishes in the Cyclades?

I am thinking of going to the Cyclades islands (some of them) next time I am in Greece and would love some advice from fellow food lovers. I know each island has its own specialties, and I want to make sure I try the best regional dishes while I’m there.

I’ve already heard about louza from Mykonos and the tomato fritters from Santorini, but I’d love to discover more local gems—especially the lesser-known dishes you might not see on every tourist menu.

Are there traditional stews, cheeses, or sweets unique to islands like Naxos, Paros, or Syros? Any must-try meze or street food specialties? I’m especially curious about dishes with local ingredients like capers, fava, seafood, or island-made cheeses.

What would you recommend I seek out while traveling through the Cyclades? I want to eat like a local as much as possible!

Easy Bougatsa Recipe

While in Greece, I enjoyed the bougatsa a lot. It's an easy thing to grab at bakeries when out and about... I wanted to find an easy recipe. How does this one look? I haven't tried it yet.

Ingredients:​

For the custard filling:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup fine semolina (not coarse)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the pastry:

  • 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions:​


Make the custard:
  • In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until just about to simmer (don’t boil).
  • Slowly whisk in semolina and sugar.
  • Stir constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
  • Remove from heat. Let it cool slightly.
  • In a small bowl, beat the eggs with vanilla (and lemon zest if using), then slowly add to the warm semolina mixture while whisking briskly.
  • Return to low heat and stir for 2–3 minutes to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Let cool to room temperature.
Assemble the bougatsa:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
  • Layer 6–8 phyllo sheets in the dish, brushing each with melted butter. Let the sheets overhang the sides.
  • Pour in the custard and smooth evenly.
  • Fold the overhanging phyllo over the custard.
  • Top with another 6–8 phyllo sheets, buttering each layer.
  • Tuck or trim excess edges. Score the top lightly if you want clean slices after baking.
Bake:
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Serve:
  • Let it cool for 10–15 minutes.
  • Dust generously with powdered sugar and/or cinnamon.
  • Slice and serve warm!

Sardelles Plaki - Fresh Sardines with Tomatoes

I like to try different things when it comes to Greek food, and lately I’ve been experimenting with more traditional variations. I make plaki fairly often—usually with cod or haddock—and it always turns out great. But on a trip to Greece a few years ago, I had sardelles plaki at a seaside taverna and loved how flavorful it was. I’ve been thinking about trying it at home, but I’m not sure if there’s anything different I should know when using sardines instead of a white fish fillet.

Has anyone here made sardelles plaki from scratch? Do you use fresh or canned sardines? Any prep tips—like whether to remove the heads or bones? I’d love to hear how you season it and what you serve it with. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Making tzatziki in advance?

I’m planning to make tzatziki for a party and would love some advice on making it ahead of time. I’ve noticed that when it sits in the fridge too long, the garlic can become really intense—sometimes even overpowering. I love a garlicky tzatziki, but I don’t want it to turn bitter or sharp by the time guests arrive.

How far in advance can I safely make tzatziki without the flavor becoming too strong or the texture going watery? Are there any tips for keeping it fresh—like straining the yogurt longer, or waiting to add the garlic or cucumber until the last minute?

Any tricks for keeping the flavor balanced if it’s stored overnight or for a full day?
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