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blopez34

Active member
One of the best parts of Greek food for me is lamb. There are different cuts of lamb and each can be prepare differently. I thought I would share with you my favorite cuts and what I like to do with them!

Lamb Chops

Lamb chops are a classic lamb cut that are perfect for Greek dishes. They are typically cut from the rib section of the lamb and are tender, flavorful, and easy to cook. Lamb chops can be grilled, broiled, or even pan-fried, and they pair well with traditional Greek seasonings like oregano, lemon, and garlic. Lamb chops also go well with Greek side dishes like feta salad or roasted vegetables.

Leg of Lamb

When it comes to Greek cuisine, leg of lamb is a popular and versatile choice. This cut is the entire leg of the lamb, including the hip and shank. It's a large cut of meat that can be roasted, grilled, or even braised. One of the most popular Greek dishes made with leg lamb is gigantes plaki, or braised lamb with beans and tomatoes.

Shoulder of Lamb

The shoulder of lamb is a budget-friendly cut that's perfect for slow-cooked dishes like lamb souvlaki or lamb stew. It's a tougher cut of meat that needs to be cooked on low heat for a long period of time in order to become tender and falling-off-the-bone delicious.

Ground Lamb

Ground lamb is a versatile option that can be used in a variety of Greek dishes, including moussaka and stuffed grape leaves. It can also be used to make flavorful Greek burgers or sausages. Ground lamb is typically made from a variety of cuts, including leg, shoulder, and breast, and can be found at most grocery stores.

Shank of Lamb

The shank of lamb is another budget-friendly cut that's perfect for slow-cooked stews and soups, such as avgolemono. It's a bone-in cut that's typically cooked with herbs, tomatoes, and other vegetables for added flavor. The shank of lamb is also a great source of collagen, which makes it perfect for making a rich, flavorful lamb broth.
 
So my favorites from the list are lego of lamb and lamb shank. I actually grill my leg of lamb! I rotate it on the grill until it's cooked. I brush it with ladolemono throughout the cooking process. I love lamb shank and order it when I go out, but I don't tend to cook that. I love to save some dishes to enjoy for when I go out to eat (because I actually love my cooking and if I start cooking it I won't enjoy it when I go out!)
 
As much as I like a nice leg of lamb, mama oh man I love me some lamb chops, especial if they are on the smaller side. Ladolemono and oregano mmmmm mmmm
 

Do You Put Cinnamon in Your Keftedes?

I’m curious how everyone here makes keftedes, especially when it comes to cinnamon. I know some Greek families add a little cinnamon to the meat mixture, while others would never think of putting it in.

In my experience, even a small amount can change the flavor quite a bit. It gives the keftedes a warmer, slightly sweeter spice in the background, but I can also see how it might not be for everyone. I’ve had versions that lean more heavily on oregano, mint, parsley, garlic, and onion instead.

Do you put cinnamon in your keftedes? If you do, how much do you usually use, and was that something your family always did? I’d also be curious to know if it varies depending on what part of Greece your family comes from.

Would love to hear how everyone seasons theirs and what you consider essential for really good keftedes.

What herbs do you use when making Greek stuffed zucchini?

I've been thinking about making Greek stuffed zucchini (kolokithakia gemista), and I'm curious about which herbs everyone uses in the filling. I've seen quite a few variations, and it seems like the combination of herbs can really influence the overall flavor of the dish.

Some recipes use plenty of fresh dill and parsley, while others include mint or even a little oregano. I've also noticed that some people add green onions for extra flavor. I'm wondering whether certain herbs are considered more traditional, especially when making stuffed zucchini with rice and ground meat.

Do you use a combination of herbs, or do you prefer to keep the seasoning fairly simple? Does your family have a particular recipe that has been passed down through generations?

I'm especially interested in how the herbs complement the avgolemono sauce. What combination do you think gives Greek stuffed zucchini the best flavor?

What is the secret to making really good Greek lemon potatoes?

I've been making Greek lemon potatoes for years, and it's one of those dishes I make completely by feel. I don't measure anything, and I never really thought about how I make them because it's all second nature to me.

Recently, I tried teaching someone how to make them. Everything seemed straightforward while we were cooking together, but when they went home and tried making them on their own, all kinds of things went wrong! The potatoes weren't cooking evenly, the texture wasn't quite right, and the lemon flavor didn't come through the way it should.

It made me realize how much I rely on instinct when cooking traditional Greek food. I rarely write down recipes, so explaining every little detail is harder than I expected!

For those who make Greek lemon potatoes regularly, what tips would you give someone who's just learning?

Do you make your pastitsio with a thick or thin layer of krema?

I've always preferred my pastitsio with a nice, thick layer of béchamel on top. To me, that's one of the best parts of the dish! I love when the krema is rich, creamy, and thick enough to hold its shape when you cut into the pastitsio.

The problem is that I've been having trouble getting my krema just right. Sometimes it comes out too thin, and other times the texture isn't quite as smooth as I'd like. I've tried adjusting the amount of flour and milk, but I still haven't found the perfect balance.

I'm curious how everyone else makes theirs. Do you prefer a thick layer of béchamel or just enough to cover the pasta? Does your family add eggs or cheese to the mixture?

I'd especially love to hear any tips for making a thick, smooth krema that sets beautifully when baked!

Is lamb or beef more traditional for giouvetsi?

I've been looking into traditional Greek giouvetsi recipes lately, and I'm curious about which meat is considered the most traditional. I've seen recipes that use lamb, others that call for beef, and even some that use chicken.

I love the idea of slowly cooking the meat in a rich tomato sauce with orzo until everything becomes tender and flavorful. However, I'm wondering whether lamb or beef would be the more authentic choice.

Is one traditionally preferred in certain regions of Greece? I've read that lamb is often associated with older Greek recipes, but beef seems to be very common in modern versions of giouvetsi.

I'm also curious whether the choice of meat changes the way the dish is prepared. Does lamb require different seasonings or cooking times than beef?

For those familiar with traditional Greek cooking, which version do you prefer, and which would you recommend trying first?
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