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mastichas09

Active member
I have several Greek recipes that use cinnamon. Some of them use sticks, others use ground cinnamon. I have noticed that ground cinnamon can be overpowering. How do you decide whether to use the sticks or ground cinnamon?

I recently had Greek tomato sauce that used ground cinnamon and I thought it was overpowering. When making it at home, I think I will try cinnamon stick. What do you guys think?
 
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I have several Greek recipes that use cinnamon. Some of them use sticks, others use ground cinnamon. I have noticed that ground cinnamon can be overpowering. How do you decide whether to use the sticks or ground cinnamon?

I recently had Greek tomato sauce that used ground cinnamon and I thought it was overpowering. When making it at home, I think I will try cinnamon stick. What do you guys think?
I find cooking with the whole stick vs powder to be a different experience. Like, the powder tends to be harsher in the mix and the stick leaves a more delicate flavor behind. I think about how I want to use the cinnamon and how delicate (stick) or cinnamon-forward (ground) I want it and then decide which product to use.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mastichas09
I find cooking with the whole stick vs powder to be a different experience. Like, the powder tends to be harsher in the mix and the stick leaves a more delicate flavor behind. I think about how I want to use the cinnamon and how delicate (stick) or cinnamon-forward (ground) I want it and then decide which product to use.
Very interesting way of looking at it. I think I will need to experiment with it and see which I prefer. The differences are subtle, but I suspect I will get used to them .
 

Greek grilling advice and tips?

It's getting warm out and time to break out the grill! I am interested in how do Greek people in Greece grill? I've had so many delicious grilled foods in Greece, I am having a hard time getting the same flavors here in the United States.

I've tried my hand at a few recipes, aiming to capture that authentic taste, but I feel like there's a deeper level of technique and tradition that I'm just not hitting. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering the grill itself, I know there’s a wealth of subtleties that can turn a good dish into a great one.

Do they use certain marinades or techniques? I've watched people in Greece grill - they don't even really follow recipes.

Essential Greek Pantry Staples - Your Recommendations?

I've recently developed a keen interest in Greek cuisine and I'm on a mission to incorporate more of its flavors into my daily cooking. Given the vast knowledge pool here, I thought this would be the perfect place to ask about must-have Greek pantry staples.

From what I gather, olive oil, olives, and feta cheese seem like obvious essentials. But I'm curious about the less obvious, yet equally important ingredients that could elevate my dishes with authentic Greek flavors.

Are there specific herbs, spices, or any other pantry items that are staples in Greek cooking? Additionally, if there are brands or types of these ingredients that you swear by, I'd love to hear about those too.

greek-food-pantry-items.jpg

Getting souvlaki tender?

How do you make tender Greek souvlaki? I've attempted various recipes, marinated for different durations, and experimented with both high and low cooking temps, but I seem to be missing the mark for that mouth-watering tenderness commonly found in authentic Greek souvlaki.

Has anyone found a particular method or ingredient that makes a significant difference in achieving that ideal tenderness?

I use ladolemono, a marinate it overnight in ziplock baggies (after I cut the meat in cubes) and then I add them to the skewers and cook them on the grill. I typically use chicken.

Best meze to serve at Easter?

What is the best Greek meze to serve for Greek Easter? I want dishes that will wow my guests and make this Easter unforgettable. I’m looking for meze that are both traditional and have that ‘wow’ factor in terms of visual appeal and taste. I’d appreciate if you could share your favorites and perhaps some personal tips or recipes that make them stand out.

Here’s what I’m considering so far, but I’d love your input:
  • Tzatziki - A refreshing yogurt, cucumber, and garlic dip.
  • Spanakopita - Hearty spinach and feta pie encased in flaky pastry.
  • Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves) - A tangy and herb-infused delight.
  • Feta cheese. A classic - I sometimes drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
  • Olives. No meze spread is complete without olives.
What else should I put out? Or is that enough? We're having about 20 people.

Traditional Greek soups in Greece?

Most of the Greeks I know are from the United States - so it's been a few generations since a lot of them spent extended time in Greece.

From what I understand, Greek cuisine kind of changes. From what I can tell, in the United States, the most popular soup is Egg and Lemon soup (avgolemono) but in Greece, I don't see to as much or rather, hear of it as much.

What are the most popular soups in Greece?
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