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mj_toronto8

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I'm reaching out to you guys to ask about ancient Greek recipes that have stood the test of time and are still part of modern Greek food. Are there specific dishes, ingredients, or cooking methods that have remained unchanged? Or perhaps, are there modern adaptations of ancient recipes that highlight the continuity and evolution of Greek culinary practices?

Understanding the continuity and evolution of these recipes could offer is a fascinating thing. I think I heard that some versions of baklava may have existed in Ancient Greece, as well as some of the dishes that involve lentils, that kind of thing.
 
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I'm reaching out to you guys to ask about ancient Greek recipes that have stood the test of time and are still part of modern Greek food. Are there specific dishes, ingredients, or cooking methods that have remained unchanged? Or perhaps, are there modern adaptations of ancient recipes that highlight the continuity and evolution of Greek culinary practices?

Understanding the continuity and evolution of these recipes could offer is a fascinating thing. I think I heard that some versions of baklava may have existed in Ancient Greece, as well as some of the dishes that involve lentils, that kind of thing.
One ancient Greek recipe that is still popular today is Pasteli, which are sesame bars made with honey. In some parts of ancient Greece, black pepper was added. Today, most have it as a healthy snack. You can actually make it at home, it's easy! I have a recipe for it here, if you'd like to try it! In my post, I also mention that there are still some parts of Greece to this day that also add pepper!
 
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One ancient Greek recipe that is still popular today is Pasteli, which are sesame bars made with honey. In some parts of ancient Greece, black pepper was added. Today, most have it as a healthy snack. You can actually make it at home, it's easy! I have a recipe for it here, if you'd like to try it! In my post, I also mention that there are still some parts of Greece to this day that also add pepper!
Wow!!! I didn't know that pasteli was this ancient. I also didn't know that it had pepper in some parts of Greece. Fascinating. Thanks for sharing this and your recipe!
 
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Pastitsio - Should I Add Cinnamon?

Hi everyone! I’m making pastitsio this weekend for a family gathering, and I’m debating whether or not to add cinnamon to the meat sauce. I’ve seen it both ways—some recipes call for just a pinch, while others go heavier, giving it that sweet, aromatic depth. I know cinnamon is more common in moussaka, but I’ve heard it’s traditional in pastitsio too, depending on the region.

What do you all think? Does cinnamon make it more authentic, or do you prefer a more savory meat sauce without the sweetness? I’m leaning toward adding just a bit, but I don’t want to overwhelm anyone who’s expecting something more classic and hearty. Do you do nutmeg and cinnamon both? I usually put nutmeg in the béchamel.

Favorite Combinations for Meze?

I’m putting together a meze spread soon and would love to hear everyone’s favorite combos! I know there are so many options—dips, cheeses, olives, little bites of seafood or meat—and it’s hard to decide what to include without going overboard.

Do you have go-to combinations that work well together flavor-wise or texture-wise? For example, I love pairing taramosalata with grilled pita, and I always include dolmades, olives, and a wedge of feta with oregano and olive oil. Sometimes I’ll add shrimp saganaki or keftedakia if I want something more filling.

But I’m curious—what makes it onto your ideal meze platter? Do you stick to vegetarian, add seafood, or include some hot options? I’d love to hear what you put together and how you balance everything out!

Easy dessert for a guy's hangout?

Hey everyone! I’m hosting a casual weekend hangout with a few buddies and thought it’d be fun to throw in a homemade Greek dessert—something easy, tasty, and not too fancy. We’re planning to fire up the grill and keep things chill, so I’d love a dessert that doesn’t need a ton of prep or fancy ingredients.

I was thinking maybe something syrupy like portokalopita or even a batch of loukoumades if they’re not too much trouble. But I’m open to anything that’s a crowd-pleaser—bonus if it pairs well with coffee, beer, or a shot of ouzo later in the night.

Any suggestions for an easy Greek dessert that’ll impress the guys but won’t keep me stuck in the kitchen? Tips, shortcuts, and go-to recipes would be really appreciated. Thanks in advance—looking forward to making something sweet and Greek!

How do you prepare your Kalamari?

Kalamari lovers, I’d love to hear from you—how do you usually prepare it? Do you go for the classic crispy fried rings, toss it on the grill with olive oil and lemon, or do you get more creative with a stuffed version?

I’ve had it so many ways and each preparation brings something totally different to the table. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with grilling it and adding a garlic-lime marinade, but I’m curious about what everyone else does. Do you use fresh or frozen squid? Any special tricks for keeping it tender and not rubbery? If you stuff it, what kind of filling do you use—rice and herbs, feta and spinach, something else?

I’m especially looking for tips on how to get the flavor just right without overpowering the kalamari itself. Share your favorite methods, family recipes, or secret ingredients—I’d love to try something new next time I make it!

Simple Moussaka Recipe

My family recipe for moussaka is complicated and makes a huge portion. I am trying to simplify it. Here is one of my attempts - it came out pretty good! Any advice you guys might have to tweak things?

Ingredients

For the base:

  • 2 large eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
For the meat sauce:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup red wine
For the béchamel sauce:
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups warm milk
  • Salt, pepper, pinch of nutmeg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or kefalotyri
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Prepare eggplant:
    • Sprinkle sliced eggplants with salt and let sit for 20–30 minutes to remove bitterness. Pat dry.
    • Brush with olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden, flipping halfway.
  2. Make meat sauce:
    • Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
    • Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and optional wine. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
  3. Make béchamel:
    • In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes.
    • Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
    • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat, stir in cheese and beaten egg.
  4. Assemble:
    • In a baking dish, layer half the eggplants, then all the meat sauce, then the remaining eggplants.
    • Pour béchamel over the top and smooth it out.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
    • Let rest 20–30 minutes before serving.
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