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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 make Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?

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?

What Is the Best Way to Serve Taramosalata?

I absolutely love taramosalata and have it pretty regularly at home, but I’m having some people over soon and was wondering about the best way to serve it when entertaining.

Normally I just eat it with some bread or pita, so I don’t really put much thought into presentation. For guests, though, I’d like to make it part of a nice Greek-style spread with a few other things on the table. I was thinking warm pita triangles, crusty bread, maybe some cucumber and other vegetables for dipping, but I’m curious what everyone else usually serves with it.

Do you drizzle a little olive oil over the top or add any kind of garnish? And are there particular meze that you think pair especially well with taramosalata?

I’d love some ideas for making it look a little more special while still keeping everything traditional and simple.

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!

How does your family season dolmades?

I’ve been thinking about how much dolmades can vary from one family to another, especially when it comes to seasoning. Even when the basic ingredients are similar, the flavor can be completely different depending on which herbs and spices are used.

How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?
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