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GreekGirlCooks

Active member
I’m getting ready for Greek Easter and planning my menu, but I need to order my lamb soon since it’s hard to find where I live. Most people here don’t eat much lamb, so it has to be special-ordered.

I’d love some recommendations—what are the best lamb dishes for Easter? Should I go for the classic whole roasted lamb on the spit, or would a slow-roasted lamb dish like arni kleftiko or arni sto fourno (lamb in the oven with potatoes) work just as well? How about cooking a leg, maybe grilling it?

I want to keep it traditional, but I also need something practical since I don’t have access to a whole lamb. Any advice on cuts of meat, cooking methods, and essential Greek Easter flavors would be super helpful
 
If you can’t do the traditional whole spit-roasted lamb, don’t worry—there are plenty of delicious Greek Easter alternatives that still honor tradition! Arni kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb with garlic, lemon, and herbs) is a fantastic choice, as it’s flavorful, tender, and requires minimal attention while cooking. Arni sto fourno me patates (lamb in the oven with potatoes) is another Easter classic—just use a leg or shoulder and slow-roast it with oregano, garlic, and lemon for that authentic Greek flavor.

If you prefer grilling, a butterflied leg of lamb marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and rosemary is a great option. It’s practical, cooks faster than a whole lamb, and still gives you that delicious charred flavor.

Whichever method you choose, serve it with tzatziki, Greek salad, and fresh bread, and don’t forget magiritsa soupfor a truly traditional Easter feast!
 

Using Butter for Cooking in Greece?

I've been wondering how commonly butter is actually used in Greek cooking. I know olive oil is such an important part of Greek cuisine, so I'm curious where butter fits in, if at all.

For example, when making things with phyllo like baklava, spanakopita, or tiropita, is the phyllo traditionally brushed with melted butter, olive oil, or does it depend on the recipe and region? I've seen recipes that use both, which made me wonder what would be considered more traditional in Greece.

I'm also curious about baking in general. Is butter commonly used in Greek cakes, cookies, and other desserts, or is olive oil often used there as well?

I'd love to hear from anyone familiar with traditional Greek home cooking. When would you typically reach for butter, and when would you use olive oil instead?

Favorite Greek dishes from childhood?

What are some of your favorite Greek dishes from childhood? I always find it interesting how certain foods can bring back such specific memories of family, holidays, Sunday dinners, or time spent with grandparents.

For some people, it might be something comforting like avgolemono soup, pastitsio, or moussaka. For others, it could be something much simpler, like bread with feta, horta, fasolakia, or a particular pie that someone in the family always made.

I’d especially love to hear about dishes that were common in your household but maybe aren’t as well known outside your family or region of Greece. Were there foods you didn’t appreciate much as a child but love now? Or dishes you still make exactly the way your mother or grandmother did?

What Greek foods immediately take you back to childhood, and what memories do you associate with them? Are there any family recipes you’ve made sure to keep alive?

Favorite Homemade Pastitsio Tips?

I have to say, I've had so many different versions of pastitsio over the years that I don't think I've ever had two that were exactly the same. Some are rich and heavily spiced, while others are much lighter and let the pasta and béchamel shine.

One thing I've always wondered is what people consider the "must-have" ingredient that makes a great pastitsio. Is it the cinnamon? Nutmeg? A splash of wine in the meat sauce? Or is it really all about getting the béchamel just right?

I'd also love to know if your family's recipe has changed over the years or if you're still making it exactly the way your yiayia or mother did. I'm always looking for little techniques that take a homemade pastitsio from good to unforgettable, so I'd love to hear everyone's tips and family traditions.

How much butter on phyllo?

I've been making spanakopita, tiropita, and even baklava for years, but lately I've been running into a problem that I can't seem to figure out. The top layers of my phyllo have been coming out a little soggy instead of crisp and flaky. The filling tastes great, and the bottom layers bake up nicely, so I'm wondering if I'm using too much butter on the top sheets.

When you brush butter between the layers, how much do you actually use? Do you coat every bit of the sheet or just give it a light brushing? I'm also curious if anyone has experienced this from something other than too much butter, like trapped steam or baking temperature. I'd love to hear what works for everyone because this one has me stumped!

Getting Your Souvlaki Tender?

I made chicken souvlaki the other day, and for the first time it came out tougher than I expected. The strange part is that, as far as I can tell, I didn't overcook it. I used the same basic recipe I've made before, but the chicken just wasn't as tender or juicy this time.

Now I'm trying to figure out what might have gone wrong. Could it have been the cut of chicken, the quality of the meat, or maybe the marinade? I usually let it marinate for several hours, but I'm wondering if there's something else that makes a bigger difference.

What are your best tips for consistently tender chicken souvlaki? Do you use yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, or another ingredient that really helps? I'd love to hear your techniques so I can avoid ending up with tough souvlaki the next time I fire up the grill.
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