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d_kakavouli

Active member
I’ve been trying to make Greek lemon potatoes, but they’re not turning out as crispy as I’d like. I usually prepare a simple ladolemono (olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning), drizzle it over the potatoes, and bake them, but they end up soft and a bit soggy rather than golden and crispy.

I’ve read some recipes that suggest parboiling or adding a little flour, while others mention using a hot oven or even roasting them in chicken broth first. There are so many methods, and I’m not sure which one works best for that crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Does anyone have a tried-and-true technique or tips for making them crispy? Mine end up soft. I don't know if the heat is too low, there's too much ladolemono, or if I even shouldn't do that?
 
Getting perfectly crispy Greek lemon potatoes is all about technique! Here are some key tips:
  1. Use the right roasting method – Instead of drizzling the ladolemono upfront, roast the potatoes in a mix of olive oil, broth, lemon juice, and seasonings at a high temp (425°F/220°C). The liquid should mostly evaporate as they cook.
  2. Don't overcrowd – Spread the potatoes in a single layer with space between them. Crowding traps steam, making them soft.
  3. Flip & roast dry – Once most of the liquid is absorbed, flip the potatoes and let them roast dry for the final 15-20 minutes to crisp up.
  4. Optional crisping tricks
    • Toss with a light dusting of semolina or flour before roasting.
    • Parboil for 5 minutes first, then drain and shake them in the pot for a rougher texture.
 

Favorite 5 Greek Dishes?

If you could narrow it down to five dishes, what would be your favorites? Here are mine:

1. Koulourakia
2. Souvlaki
3. Horiatiki (village salad)
4. Keftedes
5. Pastitsio

How about you? Looking forward to seeing your responses! I am doing this to get out of my comfort zone a bit and see if I can't get inspired to cook some new dishes.

Making tzatziki in advance?

I’m planning to make tzatziki for a party and would love some advice on making it ahead of time. I’ve noticed that when it sits in the fridge too long, the garlic can become really intense—sometimes even overpowering. I love a garlicky tzatziki, but I don’t want it to turn bitter or sharp by the time guests arrive.

How far in advance can I safely make tzatziki without the flavor becoming too strong or the texture going watery? Are there any tips for keeping it fresh—like straining the yogurt longer, or waiting to add the garlic or cucumber until the last minute?

Any tricks for keeping the flavor balanced if it’s stored overnight or for a full day?

Easy Bougatsa Recipe

While in Greece, I enjoyed the bougatsa a lot. It's an easy thing to grab at bakeries when out and about... I wanted to find an easy recipe. How does this one look? I haven't tried it yet.

Ingredients:​

For the custard filling:

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup fine semolina (not coarse)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the pastry:

  • 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)

Instructions:​


Make the custard:
  • In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until just about to simmer (don’t boil).
  • Slowly whisk in semolina and sugar.
  • Stir constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
  • Remove from heat. Let it cool slightly.
  • In a small bowl, beat the eggs with vanilla (and lemon zest if using), then slowly add to the warm semolina mixture while whisking briskly.
  • Return to low heat and stir for 2–3 minutes to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Let cool to room temperature.
Assemble the bougatsa:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
  • Layer 6–8 phyllo sheets in the dish, brushing each with melted butter. Let the sheets overhang the sides.
  • Pour in the custard and smooth evenly.
  • Fold the overhanging phyllo over the custard.
  • Top with another 6–8 phyllo sheets, buttering each layer.
  • Tuck or trim excess edges. Score the top lightly if you want clean slices after baking.
Bake:
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Serve:
  • Let it cool for 10–15 minutes.
  • Dust generously with powdered sugar and/or cinnamon.
  • Slice and serve warm!

Sardelles Plaki - Fresh Sardines with Tomatoes

I like to try different things when it comes to Greek food, and lately I’ve been experimenting with more traditional variations. I make plaki fairly often—usually with cod or haddock—and it always turns out great. But on a trip to Greece a few years ago, I had sardelles plaki at a seaside taverna and loved how flavorful it was. I’ve been thinking about trying it at home, but I’m not sure if there’s anything different I should know when using sardines instead of a white fish fillet.

Has anyone here made sardelles plaki from scratch? Do you use fresh or canned sardines? Any prep tips—like whether to remove the heads or bones? I’d love to hear how you season it and what you serve it with. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Making Biftekia Juicy?

I make biftekia all the time, but they don’t always turn out the way I want—sometimes they’re juicy and perfect, but more often than not, they come out a bit tough or dry. I’m wondering what I might be doing wrong. I’ll admit, I don’t follow a specific recipe—I just sort of wing it each time based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add breadcrumbs, other times just grated onion or a splash of milk, but there’s no real method.

Do you think it’s the mix-ins, the meat-to-fat ratio, or maybe how long I cook them? I usually pan-fry them, but maybe baking would help? I want that soft, flavorful, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture like the ones from tavernas. Any tips on what makes the biggest difference when it comes to tenderness? I’d love to figure out a more consistent approach!
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