Cinnamon in Greek Meat Dishes - Yes or No?

[ssherie_]

I recently made a Greek-style meat sauce for pasta, the kind with tomato, warm spices, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a flavor I’ve always associated with home, so I didn’t think twice about it. One person in my family, though, really didn’t like it at all.

What surprised me is that the same person loves pastitsio when I make it, and I season that with cinnamon too. Somehow it works there, but not in a simple meat sauce?

It made me realize how divided people can be on this. For me, cinnamon in savory dishes adds depth and that unmistakable Greek flavor. But I know for others it can feel out of place, almost like it belongs only in desserts.

So I’m curious where everyone stands, cinnamon in Greek meat dishes: yes or no?

 

[LMegois]

I recently made a Greek-style meat sauce for pasta, the kind with tomato, warm spices, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a flavor I’ve always associated with home, so I didn’t think twice about it. One person in my family, though, really didn’t like it at all.

What surprised me is that the same person loves pastitsio when I make it, and I season that with cinnamon too. Somehow it works there, but not in a simple meat sauce?

It made me realize how divided people can be on this. For me, cinnamon in savory dishes adds depth and that unmistakable Greek flavor. But I know for others it can feel out of place, almost like it belongs only in desserts.

So I’m curious where everyone stands, cinnamon in Greek meat dishes: yes or no?

I recently made a Greek-style meat sauce for pasta, the kind with tomato, warm spices, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a flavor I’ve always associated with home, so I didn’t think twice about it. One person in my family, though, really didn’t like it at all.

What surprised me is that the same person loves pastitsio when I make it, and I season that with cinnamon too. Somehow it works there, but not in a simple meat sauce?

It made me realize how divided people can be on this. For me, cinnamon in savory dishes adds depth and that unmistakable Greek flavor. But I know for others it can feel out of place, almost like it belongs only in desserts.

So I’m curious where everyone stands, cinnamon in Greek meat dishes: yes or no?

I agree with you . Anytime I use beef and/ or lamb and I have tomato in the sauce , in goes the cinnamon. When I make chicken and pilafi, I use cinnamon . As far as the family member that dislikes the cinnamon in your meat dishes, keep a jar of peanut butter and jelly near by.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

I agree with you . Anytime I use beef and/ or lamb and I have tomato in the sauce , in goes the cinnamon. When I make chicken and pilafi, I use cinnamon . As far as the family member that dislikes the cinnamon in your meat dishes, keep a jar of peanut butter and jelly near by.

I am the same way! It doesn't taste like these dishes to me unless I use cinnamon! It's automatic. Such good advice to have quick food alternatives so they can fix themselves something. Otherwise eat what I cook ha ha.