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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.
 

Do you make Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?

Do you put potatoes in your briam?

I've noticed that there are quite a few variations of briam, especially when it comes to which vegetables people include. One ingredient I'm particularly curious about is potatoes. Do you always put potatoes in your briam, or do you prefer making it without them?

I usually think of briam as a combination of zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and plenty of olive oil. I love how the potatoes absorb all those wonderful flavors as everything slowly roasts together in the oven.

However, I've seen recipes that leave the potatoes out entirely and focus more on the summer vegetables. I imagine that makes the dish a little lighter.

I'm also curious whether there are regional differences in how briam is prepared throughout Greece. Does your family have a particular way of making it? And what vegetables do you consider absolutely essential?

What is your favorite Greek potato dish?

Potatoes show up in so many Greek meals, and I think they are often at their best when they soak up plenty of olive oil, lemon, herbs, and cooking juices.

Greek lemon potatoes are probably the first thing that comes to mind for me. I love when they are roasted until they are soft inside, a little crisp around the edges, and full of lemon and oregano. Potatoes cooked alongside chicken or lamb are also hard to beat because they absorb so much flavor from the pan.

I also enjoy simple boiled potatoes dressed with olive oil, lemon, parsley, and salt, especially with fish or grilled meat.

What Greek potato dish do you make most often? Do you prefer lemon potatoes, potatoes roasted with meat, fried potatoes, or something else? And is there a particular seasoning or family method that makes your version especially good?

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.

Greek cooking without a recipe?

I've been thinking about how much traditional Greek cooking relies on instinct rather than following exact recipes. Some of the Greek dishes I learned to make were taught to me by feel, with someone showing me what to do rather than measuring everything out.

I actually enjoy cooking this way, but I've noticed that it can make certain dishes difficult to recreate consistently! Sometimes everything comes together perfectly, and other times I wonder what I did differently.

I'm curious how others approach this. Did you learn Greek cooking by watching your yiayia, mother, or other relatives? Do you measure ingredients, or do you just know when something looks, smells, or tastes right?
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