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ssherie_

Active member
I grew up eating wild greens (horta) the traditional Greek way—boiled until tender, then dressed simply with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt. It’s one of those comfort foods that reminds me of home, and I still make it this way all the time.

Lately, I’ve been wondering—do other people prepare horta differently? Are there any regional variations or little tricks that elevate the flavor? I’ve heard of some people sautéing the greens after boiling or adding garlic, but I’ve never tried it myself.

Also curious what kinds of greens you use. I usually go with dandelion or chicory, but sometimes I mix in kale or mustard greens if I can’t find the wild stuff.

Would love to hear how you make yours—same simple prep, or do you spice it up? Open to new ideas while still keeping that traditional feel!
 

Favorite Fresh Herbs for Greek Cooking?

I’m trying to elevate my Greek cooking at home and would love to hear your thoughts on fresh herbs. I know oregano is a staple, but I’m curious—what other fresh herbs do you reach for most often when making Greek dishes?

Do you prefer fresh mint in your dolmadakia? Basil in your tomato sauces? Dill in your spanakopita? I’ve also seen recipes that use parsley, thyme, or even rosemary depending on the region or dish.

I’d especially love any tips on which herbs pair best with fish, legumes, or classic veggie dishes like briam or fasolakia. And if you have a trick for storing or growing your favorite herbs (windowsill gardens welcome!), I’m all ears.

Let’s talk about how these little green powerhouses bring Greek food to life. What are your must-haves? Looking forward to your favorites and any special family tips!

Thanks in advance!

Toppings for Louloumades?

Lately I’ve noticed loukoumades popping up everywhere—on food blogs, Instagram, and trendy dessert spots—and it seems like people are getting really creative with the toppings! Traditionally, I’ve always known them as the classic honey-drenched treat (sometimes with a sprinkle of walnuts or cinnamon sugar), but now I’m seeing versions with chocolate sauce, tahini, pistachios, even ice cream on top!

I’m curious what everyone thinks about these modern twists. Do you love the creative toppings or prefer to keep things traditional? Have you tried any toppings that surprised you—in a good way?

Also, I wonder how common these variations are in Greece itself. Are Greek bakeries and cafés playing around with loukoumades, or is this more of a diaspora trend?

Would love to hear your favorites—whether it's old-school honey or something totally new and indulgent. I’m definitely craving some now and looking for inspiration for my next batch!

Has anyone made Greek grilled octopus at home?

Every time I visit Greece, I fall in love all over again with grilled octopus—tender, smoky, perfectly charred, and drizzled with olive oil and lemon. But every time I try making it at home, it turns out tough and rubbery. I’m starting to wonder if the secret isn’t just in the cooking, but in how the octopus is prepped beforehand.

Does anyone know if the octopus sold in Greece is treated differently before hitting the grill? I’ve read that in Greece, they sometimes tenderize it by pounding it or drying it out in the sun. Are we missing that step here in the U.S.?

I’d love to recreate that amazing texture and flavor at home—so if you’ve had any success (or lessons learned), please share your tips! Do you boil it first? Freeze it? Grill it low and slow?

Soutzoukakia - An Easy Dinner?

I’ve been thinking about trying my hand at making soutzoukakia (those delicious Greek meatballs in tomato sauce), and I’m wondering—would you consider it an easy dinner to make on a weeknight?

From what I’ve read, the meat mixture is flavored with garlic, cumin, and sometimes cinnamon, then seared and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Some recipes call for baking, others for pan-frying or simmering directly in the sauce. I’ve also seen versions with wine or bay leaves added for extra flavor.

I’d love to hear how you make yours—do you prep anything in advance to save time? Do you serve it with rice, potatoes, or just bread? Any shortcuts or tricks that make it faster but still flavorful?

I’m aiming for something comforting but not too labor-intensive for a busy evening, and soutzoukakia seems like a good option. What do you think?

Cooking Wild Greens Greek Style

I grew up eating wild greens (horta) the traditional Greek way—boiled until tender, then dressed simply with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt. It’s one of those comfort foods that reminds me of home, and I still make it this way all the time.

Lately, I’ve been wondering—do other people prepare horta differently? Are there any regional variations or little tricks that elevate the flavor? I’ve heard of some people sautéing the greens after boiling or adding garlic, but I’ve never tried it myself.

Also curious what kinds of greens you use. I usually go with dandelion or chicory, but sometimes I mix in kale or mustard greens if I can’t find the wild stuff.

Would love to hear how you make yours—same simple prep, or do you spice it up? Open to new ideas while still keeping that traditional feel!
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