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cubrinj

Active member
Do any of you marinate your feta? I’ve recently started seeing marinated feta at specialty shops—blocks or cubes soaked in olive oil with herbs, citrus, or chili—and it’s inspired me to try it at home. I usually just buy plain feta and crumble it over salads or eat it with tomatoes and bread, but I’m curious if marinating it adds a whole new layer of flavor.

If you do marinate your feta, what do you use? Do you stick to classic Greek herbs like oregano and thyme, or do you add garlic, lemon peel, or olives? How long do you let it sit before eating it? I’d love to know whether you use cow, goat, or sheep’s milk feta for this too. Does the texture matter for how well it holds up in oil? Share your tips—I’m excited to add a new twist to a favorite staple!
 
Absolutely—marinated feta is such a flavorful twist on a classic! I’ve been making it at home for a while, and it’s become one of my favorite mezze items. I usually use sheep’s milk feta because it has a firmer texture and holds up beautifully in olive oil without falling apart.

I cut it into cubes and cover it with extra virgin olive oil, then add a mix of dried oregano, thyme, crushed garlic, lemon peel, and a few peppercorns. Sometimes I’ll toss in a chili flake or two for heat, or even a few Kalamata olives for depth.

I let it sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours before using, though it gets better after a few days. It’s perfect served with crusty bread, over warm lentils, or tucked into sandwiches.
 

Favorite Herbs for Dolmades?

I’ve been experimenting with different herb combinations for dolmades lately, and I’m curious what everyone else uses. Traditionally I’ve seen recipes with dill, parsley, mint, or even a mix of all three — but I’ve found that mint really makes the flavor pop. It gives the filling such a fresh, aromatic lift that balances the rice and olive oil beautifully.

Sometimes I’ll add a touch of dill for depth, or parsley if I want something more earthy, but mint always seems to bring everything together. I’ve also noticed some regions lean heavily on dill, while others skip it entirely.

Do you find that certain herbs make your dolmades taste more authentic or closer to how your family used to make them? Do you adjust depending on whether they’re meat-filled or vegetarian?

What makes the perfect pastitsio?

I know everyone’s got their own way of making pastitsio, and I’m curious what you all think makes it perfect. I’m Greek and have been making it for years, but I swear every family has a different take, even just within my circle of friends, no two versions are the same!

For me, the key is a good, fluffy krema on top, which makes it not too dense, not too thin — and a meat layer that’s rich but not overly heavy. I also like just a hint of tomato sauce mixed in with the meat; it gives it depth and color without turning it into makaronia me kima.

Do you prefer a spiced meat sauce or something milder? Do you bake it until it’s firm or leave it soft and creamy? I’d love to hear your tricks, family secrets, and regional twists!

Avgolemono Soup - Rice or Orzo?

I’ve been making avgolemono for years, but I recently noticed how divided people are on one simple choice: rice or orzo.

I grew up eating it with rice, and I love how it thickens the broth slightly and makes the soup feel like comfort in a bowl. But I’ve also tried versions with orzo that feel a bit lighter and silkier — almost like a cross between soup and pasta.

Some recipes swear by short-grain rice for that creamy texture, while others argue orzo gives better control so the eggs don’t curdle. I’ve even seen a few cooks skip both and make a pure broth version!

So I’m curious, which do you use, and why? Is it a regional thing, a family tradition, or just personal taste?

Potatoes in Moussaka?

For some reason, my family’s version of moussaka has never included potatoes, and I’m starting to wonder if I’ve been missing something all these years! We’ve always layered it with eggplant, a bit of zucchini, meat sauce, and béchamel, no potatoes. But lately I’ve seen so many recipes (especially from northern Greece) that add a layer of sliced or fried potatoes at the bottom, and people swear it gives the dish more structure and heartiness.

For those who make moussaka regularly — do you include potatoes? If so, where do you place them in the layering: bottom, middle, or alternating with the eggplant? Do they change the texture or make it too heavy? I love the idea of experimenting but don’t want to lose that light, custardy feel of our version. I’d love to hear how your families make it and whether the potato layer is a must!

What pasta do you use for pastritsio?

I usually use the long, hollow macaroni no.2 from Greece when I make pastitsio. It’s the classic kind that gives you those perfect layers that I love. The problem is, I can’t always find it locally, and ordering online isn’t always convenient (or quick).

When I don’t have it on hand, I start to panic a bit. Pastitsio just doesn’t feel the same without the right pasta! I’ve tried ziti, penne, and even bucatini in a pinch, but nothing seems to hold up quite like the Greek version. I’m curious what everyone else does when they can’t find the real thing.

Do you have a favorite substitute that still gives that authentic texture? Or do you swear by only using the traditional Greek macaroni? I’d love to hear what’s worked for others, especially if you’ve discovered any good brands available in the U.S.
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