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I love lentil soup and now that it is getting colder, I plan to cook it more.

I have a recipe that I typically use, but in talking with people, I noticed everyone does something a little different.

Here's my ingredients list... I am curious about what you all do!

  • onions
  • carrots
  • celery
  • lentils
  • tomatoes
  • chopped greens - like kale or spinach
I don't use vinegar like I see in some recipes. If I do that, should I omit the tomatoes?
 
I've tried several variations, and my favorite is the most simple. It carrots, celery, lentils, small can tomato paste and some red wine vinegar at the end. I chop carrots, celery and, add lentils (well rinsed), and cook until tender, about 40-45 minutes. Remove about 1/3 of the soup and process in blender or food processor until smooth and add that back to the pot. This makes it thick, and not just lentils floating in water. It will thicken more if you have leftovers for the 'fridge, and leftovers are my main idea for any homemade soup.

Sprinkle with red wine vinegar 😋 when serving.

Enjoy!
 
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I've tried several variations, and my favorite is the most simple. It carrots, celery, lentils, small can tomato paste and some red wine vinegar at the end. I chop carrots, celery and, add lentils (well rinsed), and cook until tender, about 40-45 minutes. Remove about 1/3 of the soup and process in blender or food processor until smooth and add that back to the pot. This makes it thick, and not just lentils floating in water. It will thicken more if you have leftovers for the 'fridge, and leftovers are my main idea for any homemade soup.

Sprinkle with red wine vinegar 😋 when serving.

Enjoy!
This is a great variations - I would try this one - it is more traditional for Greek-style cooking. But the other version you have is pretty good, too.
 

Greek Souvlaki Marinade Recipe

Now that grilling season is upon us, I thought I would share my souvlaki marinade. I cut the meat in cubes and marinate in plastic bags overnight. I skewer them just before grilling.

Add to a mason jar:
  • 1/4 cup Greek olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Then I cover the mason jar and shake, add the meat to the bags, and pour it over. If I am making a huge batch I double the marinade.

Learning about Greek food and wine pairing

I've recently developed a fascination with Greek wines and am eager to explore their potential pairings with various cuisines. Greek wines, with their rich history and unique grape varieties, offer a tantalizing range of flavors that I believe can complement a wide array of dishes beautifully. However, my experience in effectively pairing these wines is somewhat limited, and I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those more familiar with this area.

Particularly, I'm interested in understanding which types of Greek wines (white, red, or rosé) pair best with specific dishes or cuisines. Here are a few specific questions I have in mind:
  1. Assyrtiko: Known for its crisp acidity and citrus notes, which dishes would best highlight Assyrtiko's characteristics?
  2. Agiorgitiko: Often described as smooth and velvety, what kinds of meals would complement this type of red wine?
  3. Xinomavro: With its robust tannins and complex flavor profile, what are the best food pairings to balance its intensity?
  4. Retsina: Given its unique pine resin flavor, are there particular foods that match well with this traditional wine?
Additionally, I'm curious if there are any general rules of thumb when it comes to pairing Greek wines with dishes from other culinary traditions outside of Greek cuisine.

Thank you!

Greek grilling advice and tips?

It's getting warm out and time to break out the grill! I am interested in how do Greek people in Greece grill? I've had so many delicious grilled foods in Greece, I am having a hard time getting the same flavors here in the United States.

I've tried my hand at a few recipes, aiming to capture that authentic taste, but I feel like there's a deeper level of technique and tradition that I'm just not hitting. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering the grill itself, I know there’s a wealth of subtleties that can turn a good dish into a great one.

Do they use certain marinades or techniques? I've watched people in Greece grill - they don't even really follow recipes.

What are the most famous Greek cheeses?

I've recently embarked on a culinary quest to explore the rich and diverse world of Greek cheeses. From the tangy feta found in traditional Greek salads to the sizzling delights of halloumi, Greece's cheese culture seems incredibly vast and flavorful. 🇬🇷

I'm reaching out to this knowledgeable community to ask: What are the most famous Greek cheeses that you've tried or heard of?

Are there any particular varieties that are a must-try or any hidden gems that rarely escape the borders of Greece? And if you have any delicious recipes or pairings to share, I'd love to hear about those too!

What foods go best with ouzo?

I am curious - what goods go best with Ouzo? Traditionally, I don't actually pay attention.

From my understanding, Ouzo is traditionally enjoyed with small plates, similar to tapas, known as "mezedes" in Greece. Yet, I’m eager to hear from those who have either traveled to Greece or have an in-depth knowledge of Greek cuisine about what specific dishes you think would pair best with Ouzo. Are there specific flavors or types of dishes (seafood, meats, vegetables) that enhance the experience of sipping Ouzo?
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