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auroracoor1

Active member
I’m putting together a meze spread soon and would love to hear everyone’s favorite combos! I know there are so many options—dips, cheeses, olives, little bites of seafood or meat—and it’s hard to decide what to include without going overboard.

Do you have go-to combinations that work well together flavor-wise or texture-wise? For example, I love pairing taramosalata with grilled pita, and I always include dolmades, olives, and a wedge of feta with oregano and olive oil. Sometimes I’ll add shrimp saganaki or keftedakia if I want something more filling.

But I’m curious—what makes it onto your ideal meze platter? Do you stick to vegetarian, add seafood, or include some hot options? I’d love to hear what you put together and how you balance everything out!
 
Great question—meze spreads are such a fun way to entertain and enjoy a little bit of everything! I usually aim for a mix of textures and flavors: something creamy, something briny, something crunchy, and something warm.

My go-to lineup includes tzatziki, melitzanosalata (smoky eggplant dip), and grilled halloumi or kefalotyri cheese. I always have a bowl of mixed olives, cherry tomatoes, and some cucumber slices for freshness. For something hearty, I love including keftedakia or loukaniko slices, and if I want seafood, grilled octopus or marinated anchovies add a great touch.

I serve everything with grilled pita and maybe some crusty bread. If I’m keeping it vegetarian, I’ll swap the meat for fried zucchini or spanakopita triangles. It’s all about contrast—cool dips with warm bites, rich cheeses with fresh veggies.

Looking forward to hearing what others include—meze spreads are such a personal (and delicious) thing!
 

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.

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?

How to cook gigantes beans without them splitting?

I make gigantes all the time and they never split apart. I taught someone to make them, and they keep splitting! I swear I told this person everything, but I don't think I did, otherwise hers wouldn't split.

What is going on? What are some of the reasons for the split? I am to the best at explaining recipes because some things I do are automatic. But I have been cooking for most of my life and she's new to cooking. What do you think?

Greek things to do with butternut squash?

Hi everyone! I’m curious about traditional (or regional) Greek ways to cook with butternut squash. My aunt used to make an incredible kolokythopita with it — sweet, earthy, and a little reminiscent of butternut squash pie filling, but wrapped in crisp phyllo instead of a pastry crust. It was one of those dishes that tasted both rustic and festive at the same time.

I’m wondering what else Greeks typically do with butternut squash, especially in home cooking. Are there savory versions of the pie? Any stews, ladera, or casseroles that feature it? Does anyone use it in soups, risottos, or baked dishes? I’d also love to know if certain regions in Greece cook with butternut squash more often than others.

Would love to hear your ideas, family recipes, and regional traditions!

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!
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