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I recently had a mishap while making fasolakia. The beans all fell apart. I am assuming I overcooked the beans but I am not sure because I have cooked the dish this long in the past without issues.

What was different about this time is I decided to put potatoes in it to make it a bit heartier for winter. Should I have not done this? Maybe I really cooked it longer than I thought because of the potatoes?
 
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Just a quick follow up. I made them again and cooked it less, but they still fell apart! I didn't put potatoes this time.
 

k_tsoukalas

Moderator
I have learned that the beans should be simmered for no more than 30 minutes. I bring it a boil on medium-high, then drop it down to a simmer for 30 minutes, but no more than 45. It depends on how mature the beans were. If they were young, smaller, and freshly picked, they might need 25-30 minutes on simmer. Older beans (on the vine longer) might be closer to 45 minutes.
 

Pasta Used in Greece and Substitutes?

When I look at Greek recipes, I notice that there are different pasta shapes, and I can't always find some of them here where I live. For example, hiliopites (the square shaped ones) are difficult to find unless my Greek store has them.

What kinds of pastas are the most common, and what are some good substitutes?

Easy Greek Desserts with Yogurt?

I like to make simple desserts. I do make a Greek dessert with yogurt (which I eat for a simple dessert and also sometimes for breakfast).

What else can I do for a simple dessert using Greek yogurt? I am looking for things that are traditionally considered Greek. I have seen cheesecake recipes that use yogurt but I am not sure that is "Greek".

Other Dips to Serve at Greek Dinner Party?

I mentioned in a previous thread that I made taramasalata for a dinner party. I want to serve other dips or spreads. I am thinking three is a good number. I don't want to serve hummus - I want to do something different.

I was thinking tzatziki and one other. What do you suggest? I was thinking the one with eggplant or the Fava spread that I see sometimes in menus.

Best way to grind mastic?

I have some whole mastic and I have some recipes I want to try that call for ground mastic. So, I need to find a way to grind it. What is the accepted best practice for grinding it? I have heard people using:

  • A special coffee grinder dedicated just for grinding herbs (not the same as grinding coffee bean because that will make everything taste like coffee)
  • Mortar and pestle, grind without adding anything
  • Mortar and pestle with an added pinch of salt (I don't know why people do this)
  • Food processor
Which do you guys recommend?

Gluten Free Pastitsio "Krema"

I have a gluten free friend and I am fairly new to getting the hang of pastitsio "krema" as it is. I am wondering if you have any tips for giving it the same texture without the gluten. Already I know that because there is no gluten, this will be tricky. I had an early attempt that was a disaster (very runny).

I had a moussaka where the gluten free "krema" turned out to be mashed potatoes. I mean, would this work on pastitsio? I am hesitant because it's not the same thing - but it had a decent enough texture.
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