1 - 6 of 6 Posts

mj_toronto8

Active member
I had someone recently tell me that traditional keftedes are fried and not baked. Is this true? For what it's worth, I think the fried ones taste better!

I tried baking them once, and the keftedes fell apart in the oven. If I do bake them, do I need to do anything different to the recipe?
 
Keftedes are small meatballs are generally fried. Biftekia are large meatballs and are generally baked in the oven.

In Greece if you say you're making keftedes to someone then they will assume you're frying small meat balls, and the same goes for biftekia and baking.

As for them falling apart, I don't know why that's happening because they are pretty much the same. With keftedes you dip them in flour to fry them but you don't do this with biftekia because they aren't fried.
 
Last edited:
I had someone recently tell me that traditional keftedes are fried and not baked. Is this true? For what it's worth, I think the fried ones taste better!

I tried baking them once, and the keftedes fell apart in the oven. If I do bake them, do I need to do anything different to the recipe?
The mixture my mother used was hamburg, egg, bread, spearmint, and onion. Perhaps you didn't use bread. My mother fried them. Later, my wife would bake them. None fell apart that I can remember.
 
The mixture my mother used was hamburg, egg, bread, spearmint, and onion. Perhaps you didn't use bread. My mother fried them. Later, my wife would bake them. None fell apart that I can remember.
I used bread crumbs, not bread. Maybe it made a difference!
 
Keftedes are small meatballs are generallg fried. Biftekia are large meatballs and are generally baked in the oven.

In Greece if you say you're making keftedes to someone then they will assume you're frying small meat balls, and the same goes for biftekia and baking.

As for them falling apart, I don't know why that's happening because they are pretty much the same. With keftedes you dip them in flour to fry them but you don't do this with biftekia because they aren't fried.
I had no idea the difference - thank you! I made a batch the other day and they didn't fall apart, so I don't know what I am doing differently from batch to batch. Maybe next time I will try soaked bread instead of bread crumbs, and then maybe that will make it more consistent.
 
Yup, that is the difference that I learned, too. Keftedes are typically fried. Really, it is all the same mixture so when I cook, I don't overthink naming it... but naming it can help put things into context.
 

Bougatsa Recipe to Try

I went to Greece and loved the Bougatsa I used to buy on the street. I thought I would share a recipe I found. I have never made it before. Does this look like the real deal? I don't want to dive in, only to realize the recipe was flawed from the beginning.

Ingredients​

For the Custard:​

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup fine semolina
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the Assembly:​

  • 1 package (about 1 pound) phyllo dough, thawed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
  • Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions​

Preparing the Custard:​

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and half the sugar over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar and semolina. Add the eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth and pale.
  3. Gradually temper the egg mixture by adding a cup of the warm milk while whisking constantly. Then, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, whisking continuously.
  4. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using), and set aside to cool slightly. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.

Preparing the Phyllo:​

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Carefully unroll the phyllo dough. Cover the sheets with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
  3. Lay one sheet of phyllo in the prepared dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet until you have used about half of the phyllo.
  4. Pour the custard over the phyllo layers, spreading evenly.

Assembly and Baking:​

  1. Continue layering and buttering the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the custard.
  2. Using a sharp knife, score the top layers of phyllo into pieces – this will make cutting the bougatsa easier after baking.
  3. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
  4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
  5. Before serving, sift generously with confectioners' sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon to taste.

Making Greek lemon potatoes?

I just had lemon potatoes at a restaurant and although I know how to cook Greek food, somehow I have never made this!

I took my best guess (I didn't look up a recipe) and it didn't taste great. Basically, I made a Ladolemono, drizzled it on the potatoes, and roasted them.

They never really got crispy - so my next thought is that I put too much of the ladolemono.

So the next time I made them, I put less of the ladolemono. I couldn't really taste the lemon.

Next, I am going to look up a recipe, but meanwhile I am curious what you guys do to make these.

Strict Lenten Fast Greek Salad

I have to prepare a salad for a lenten meal at church. Most people aren't super picky about it, as long as there are vegetables present.

Last time I prepared a salad, someone saw there was oil in the dressing and wouldn't touch the salad! So, I looked it up - and oil isn't allowed during lent for a strict fast. I had no idea.

How do I compose a salad for a crowd that caters to the strict fast?

I am thinking to make the salad and just use vegetables, nothing else.

Then, I can offer a regular dressing choice, and then also maybe just lemon wedges or some vinegar for the stricter fasters? Do you guys think that would work?

What do you eat for breakfast?

I have been wondering what traditional Greeks eat for breakfast. I am a bit Americanized in my habits, but I noticed I am constantly not very hungry in the morning.

From what I've gathered, a traditional Greek breakfast might not be as globally recognized as the full English breakfast or the American pancakes and bacon, but it's definitely a feast worth exploring. I'm curious, does anyone here know what a traditional Greek breakfast consists of?

From the initial research, it seems that fresh ingredients play a big role, with items like Greek yogurt, honey, fresh fruit, and nuts being quite common. There's also mention of various types of bread and pastries, such as the famous Spanakopita (spinach pie) and Tyropita (cheese pie). However, I believe there's more to discover and learn from personal experiences or detailed insights.

Do any of you have Greek heritage or have been to Greece and experienced a traditional Greek breakfast firsthand?

How to Make Greek Yogurt at Home?

I have a yogurt machine and have been making yogurt with varying degrees of success. I decided I wanted to try making Greek yogurt! Now what? Some questions:

  • What kind of milk should I use?
  • What starter should I use?
  • Do I have to strain it?
I can't think of anything else to ask. I am also thinking of calling the yogurt machine company and asking them...

greek-yogurt.jpg
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top