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nadellii

Active member
I am taking a poll and this is a much debated topic in my circle. How do you like your gyros? I like to make them at home because I can't always get to Greece to have them done right.

How I like mine:

- The correct pita bread, which is hard to find. I tried making it and it wasn't a good experience (I am not great with bread making).
- The meat I prefer are the pork gyros - but I will eat the chicken kind.
- Definitely have to have tzatziki
- Definitely chopped onion and tomato

Every now and then I will get one in Greece with fries in it. I like it but won't do this step at home. Too much work and I don't like it enough...

How about you guys?
 
Gyros are one of my favorite comfort foods, and I agree—it’s all about the right pita and fresh ingredients. When I make them at home, I stick with pork or chicken for the meat, marinated with lots of garlic, oregano, and lemon. I grill it for that smoky, slightly crispy flavor.

Tzatziki is a must for me too—it ties everything together. I like to pile on thinly sliced onions and juicy tomatoes, and I sometimes add a sprinkle of paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.

As for fries, I’ll add them when I’m feeling indulgent—they’re worth the effort now and then!
 

Favorite Greek dishes from childhood?

What are some of your favorite Greek dishes from childhood? I always find it interesting how certain foods can bring back such specific memories of family, holidays, Sunday dinners, or time spent with grandparents.

For some people, it might be something comforting like avgolemono soup, pastitsio, or moussaka. For others, it could be something much simpler, like bread with feta, horta, fasolakia, or a particular pie that someone in the family always made.

I’d especially love to hear about dishes that were common in your household but maybe aren’t as well known outside your family or region of Greece. Were there foods you didn’t appreciate much as a child but love now? Or dishes you still make exactly the way your mother or grandmother did?

What Greek foods immediately take you back to childhood, and what memories do you associate with them? Are there any family recipes you’ve made sure to keep alive?

How much butter on phyllo?

I've been making spanakopita, tiropita, and even baklava for years, but lately I've been running into a problem that I can't seem to figure out. The top layers of my phyllo have been coming out a little soggy instead of crisp and flaky. The filling tastes great, and the bottom layers bake up nicely, so I'm wondering if I'm using too much butter on the top sheets.

When you brush butter between the layers, how much do you actually use? Do you coat every bit of the sheet or just give it a light brushing? I'm also curious if anyone has experienced this from something other than too much butter, like trapped steam or baking temperature. I'd love to hear what works for everyone because this one has me stumped!

What seafood do you like in Greece?

I'm planning another trip to Greece, and one thing I'm especially looking forward to is the seafood. Every time I've visited, it seems like every taverna has something a little different depending on where you are, and I've had some incredible meals along the coast.

I'm curious to hear what seafood do you always order when you're in Greece? Do you stick with grilled octopus, calamari, shrimp, or whole grilled fish, or is there a lesser-known dish that you think visitors should try? Are there certain islands or regions that you think serve the best seafood? I'd also love to hear if you have a favorite way it's prepared, not only to give me inspiration for what to order, but also when cooking at home.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Favorite Homemade Pastitsio Tips?

I have to say, I've had so many different versions of pastitsio over the years that I don't think I've ever had two that were exactly the same. Some are rich and heavily spiced, while others are much lighter and let the pasta and béchamel shine.

One thing I've always wondered is what people consider the "must-have" ingredient that makes a great pastitsio. Is it the cinnamon? Nutmeg? A splash of wine in the meat sauce? Or is it really all about getting the béchamel just right?

I'd also love to know if your family's recipe has changed over the years or if you're still making it exactly the way your yiayia or mother did. I'm always looking for little techniques that take a homemade pastitsio from good to unforgettable, so I'd love to hear everyone's tips and family traditions.

Greek Cooking Outside of Greece - Summer Tips?

One thing I've been wondering about is how those of you living outside of Greece recreate the flavors of traditional Greek cooking during the summer. I love making Greek food at home, but sometimes I wonder if I'm missing something because the ingredients available here can be so different. Tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, olive oil, and even feta all seem to taste a little different depending on where you live.

Do you have favorite substitutions, brands, or techniques that help you capture those fresh summer flavors? Are there ingredients you always seek out at Greek or Mediterranean markets, or have you found local alternatives that work surprisingly well?

I'm especially interested in dishes that really shine in warm weather, whether it's salads, vegetable dishes, grilled foods, or lighter meals. I'd love to hear your favorite tips, recipes, or little tricks that help bring a bit of a Greek summer to your table, even when you're thousands of miles away.
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