1 - 5 of 5 Posts

kosta_karapinotis

Active member
This is one of my favourite things to make during Christmas because I don't like desserts that are super sweet. This bread is so tasty and kind of reminds me of tsoureki. The bread is super aromatic and has a great blend of spices that will make your house smell excellent when baking it! The recipe is pretty easy and I like to follow along using YouTube video so that I can see exactly what the baker is doing. Let me know if you like this one!

 
  • Like
Reactions: knicks_fan87
I have never made this bread, but I do enjoy eating it. It tastes a bit like tsoureki to me, but that could be because of the spice used? I am not all that confident in my bread-making skills, so I am nervous to try making it, but this recipe does look pretty straightforward. It looks delicious, though!
 
  • Like
Reactions: knicks_fan87
I have never made this bread, but I do enjoy eating it. It tastes a bit like tsoureki to me, but that could be because of the spice used? I am not all that confident in my bread-making skills, so I am nervous to try making it, but this recipe does look pretty straightforward. It looks delicious, though!
It definitely takes some practice. Once you do it once or twice, you will know how to get the texture right. With bread, sometimes you don't always need to follow the recipe because different brands of flour or butter for example will create different consistencies. I follow the recipe but I always add a little extra flour or water if I see that its too runny or thick.
 
I have some family memories of making this bread. I agree that it is tricky to get the texture right, but after making it a few times, you get a feel for how the dough is supposed to feel.
 

Favorite Way to Make Giouvetsi?

Giouvetsi has always felt like one of those dishes that’s simple on paper but somehow deeply personal once you start talking about how it’s made. I’ve seen it done with beef, with lamb, even occasionally with chicken, and the seasoning seems to vary from house to house. Some people lean heavier on cinnamon and allspice, while others keep it more tomato-forward and savory.

I’m curious how others like to prepare it. Do you brown the meat first and then finish it in the oven with the kritharaki, or do you cook it more slowly on the stovetop? Do you add grated cheese at the end, and if so, which kind?

Is there a version that feels most “right” to you, or one you grew up with that you still prefer?

Lentil Dishes Beyond Lentil Soup

I’ve been cooking more lentils lately, mostly the classic Greek lentil soup, which I like a lot, but I know there has to be more out there. Lentils are one of those ingredients that feel very traditional and practical, inexpensive, filling, and honestly perfect for colder weather or fasting periods.

I’m curious what other Greek lentil dishes people make besides soup. Are there regional recipes, salads, or baked dishes that you recommend? I’ve heard of lentils served with vinegar and olive oil almost like a salad, and I’m wondering how common that is.

I’m especially interested in recipes that feel hearty and satisfying, not just light sides. Something you could put on the table as a main dish. How do you cook lentils?

Simple Greek Lentil Soup Recipe

I make lentil soup a lot this time of year especially since this is a pretty big fasting period (lent). I thought I'd share my recipe!

Ingredients
  • 1 cup brown lentils
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, chopped (optional but common)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1–2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
  • 4 cups water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1–2 tbsp red wine vinegar (for serving)
Instructions
  1. Rinse the lentils well under cold water.
  2. In a pot, add lentils and water. Bring to a boil and skim any foam.
  3. Add onion, garlic, carrot, bay leaf, olive oil, and tomato paste.
  4. Lower the heat and simmer for about 30–40 minutes, until the lentils are tender.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.

"Forgotten" Greek Dishes to Try

I’ve been thinking lately about how easy it is to fall into a routine with Greek food. I make the usual things, grilled meat, salads, maybe a pie now and then, but it hit me that there are a lot of traditional dishes that used to be part of everyday life that almost nobody makes anymore.

I’m talking about the kinds of foods our parents or grandparents just handled without thinking. Homemade spoon sweets sitting in jars, diples made by hand during the holidays, preserves, syrups, things that actually took time and effort. Somewhere along the way those skills faded out, or people just stopped bothering.

It makes me wonder what else has quietly disappeared.

Do you have foods like that in your family history? Dishes you remember from childhood that you rarely see now? And which ones do you think are actually worth bringing back and making again?

Making Smaller Batch Patstitsio

I love pastitsio, but I’ve run into a practical problem, the traditional recipes make a lot of food. Even using a standard 9×13 pan ends up being more than I really need, especially when I’m just cooking for myself or one other person. Sometimes I just want enough for dinner (maybe with one leftover portion), not a full tray that lasts for days.

Has anyone had success making smaller batch pastitsio? Do you simply scale the ingredients down and use a smaller baking dish, or are there adjustments that help the layers hold together better when it’s made in a smaller quantity? I’ve wondered about using loaf pans, square pans, or even individual portions, but I’m not sure how that affects cooking time or texture.

I’d love to hear what has worked for others who still want the full pastitsio experience without committing to a huge pan every time.
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top