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mastichas09

Active member
I have people over a lot and I serve the same Meze all the time. Pita, Tzatziki, Dolmades....

First of all, two of three of those dishes are time consuming. Second, I am sick of serving the same thing all the time.

I’d love to go beyond the typical options like tzatziki, hummus, and dolmades. Does anyone have suggestions for unique or less-common meze dishes that could surprise and delight my guests?

I’m open to ideas that might involve different ingredients or creative twists on traditional recipes. What do you guys typically serve?
 
You could serve individual trangle-shaped tiropitas. Yes, a bit time consuming to make, but a big batch can be frozen and then remove a few dozen(?) or so, heat and serve when you have guests. Any pita filling would work, cheese, spinach, etc., just be sure to get all filling inside pita dough. Kalamata olives and feta cheese are a good appetizer also, simple and bound to be enjoyed.
 
Here are some new ideas for what you can do - these are some modern spins on old favorites (and some old favorites too):
  • Fava Spread with Caramelized Onions - A creamy split pea puree from Santorini, topped with sweet caramelized onions, capers, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s different from hummus and adds a nice variety.
  • Keftedes (Meatballs) - Try these with a twist by adding ingredients like mint, ouzo, or even some grated zucchini for extra moisture. They’re easy to prep in advance and always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Octopus Salad - If you’re up for something adventurous, a cold octopus salad with olive oil, lemon, capers, and herbs can be a refreshing addition that stands out.
  • Marinated Feta with Herbs and Olives - Mix feta cubes with herbs, olive oil, lemon zest, and chili flakes. It’s simple but offers a burst of flavor.
 

Do You Make Avgolemono Thick or Brothy?

I usually prefer avgolemono somewhere in the middle. I don’t like it so thick that it feels almost like a cream soup, but I also don’t want it completely thin and brothy. For me, the best version has enough egg and lemon to give the broth some body while still keeping it light.

A lot probably depends on what kind of avgolemono you’re making, too. In chicken soup, I like it a little more brothy because I want the rice or orzo and chicken to still stand out. With something like lahanodolmades, I don’t mind the avgolemono sauce being thicker because it is coating the food rather than serving as the soup itself.

The lemon level matters just as much as the thickness. I like enough lemon to make it bright and noticeable, but not so much that it overwhelms everything else. I think balance is really the key.

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?

How Much Garlic in a Batch of Tzatziki?

How much garlic do you usually put in a batch of tzatziki? I think I may be using a little too much. I usually make mine with about 2 cups of Greek yogurt and 4 cloves of garlic, along with cucumber, olive oil, and the other usual ingredients.

It tastes great when I first make it, but we usually take about three days to finish the batch. By the second or third day, the garlic flavor and smell become really strong. Some people in my household love that and don’t mind it at all, but others think it becomes a bit overpowering. I’m starting to agree that four cloves might be too much, especially since the garlic seems to get stronger as it sits.

What do you all do? How many cloves would you use for about 2 cups of Greek yogurt?

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!

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.
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