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kcixcy

Active member
I have noticed when watching traditional Greeks cook, they very rarely have a recipe out. They're simply putting together the recipes. This is especially true for savory cooking. I have a friend who makes cheese pita completely off the top of her head, and each time she makes it, she seems to use slightly different combinations of cheeses, depending on what she can find and what she has on hand. I have seen this with other dishes, as well.

Does anyone have any advice how I can learn to cook this way? Thanks! I know, it might be hard to explain, but I want to develop an "intuition" in the kitchen that I don't seem to have. I always need a recipe.
 
I have noticed when watching traditional Greeks cook, they very rarely have a recipe out. They're simply putting together the recipes. This is especially true for savory cooking. I have a friend who makes cheese pita completely off the top of her head, and each time she makes it, she seems to use slightly different combinations of cheeses, depending on what she can find and what she has on hand. I have seen this with other dishes, as well.

Does anyone have any advice how I can learn to cook this way? Thanks! I know, it might be hard to explain, but I want to develop an "intuition" in the kitchen that I don't seem to have. I always need a recipe.
I totally understand what style of cooking you are referring to. It’s what we refer to “me to mati” literally mean cooking with just by looking at it.
The only way to cook this way is to get a good cookbook (cooking greek is an awesome cookbook to start) and make the recipes over and over again. This will give you the confidence to trust ur instincts in the kitchen.
 
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I totally understand what style of cooking you are referring to. It’s what we refer to “me to mati” literally mean cooking with just by looking at it.
The only way to cook this way is to get a good cookbook (cooking greek is an awesome cookbook to start) and make the recipes over and over again. This will give you the confidence to trust ur instincts in the kitchen.

This is really good advice, and I didn't think of it that way. In other words, maybe follow the recipe as written the first few times, but then don't be afraid to branch out if I have instincts, or if I need to substitute, etc?
 
Yes for me, I tend to cook a recipe a handful of times when it is the first time, exactly as it is written. Then, as I have instincts or maybe even the need to substitute (like if I don't have an ingredient that the recipe is called for and don't want to go to the store) then I will change things around.
 

Ancient Greek recipes still in the cuisine today?

I'm reaching out to you guys to ask about ancient Greek recipes that have stood the test of time and are still part of modern Greek food. Are there specific dishes, ingredients, or cooking methods that have remained unchanged? Or perhaps, are there modern adaptations of ancient recipes that highlight the continuity and evolution of Greek culinary practices?

Understanding the continuity and evolution of these recipes could offer is a fascinating thing. I think I heard that some versions of baklava may have existed in Ancient Greece, as well as some of the dishes that involve lentils, that kind of thing.

Making Greek lemon potatoes?

I just had lemon potatoes at a restaurant and although I know how to cook Greek food, somehow I have never made this!

I took my best guess (I didn't look up a recipe) and it didn't taste great. Basically, I made a Ladolemono, drizzled it on the potatoes, and roasted them.

They never really got crispy - so my next thought is that I put too much of the ladolemono.

So the next time I made them, I put less of the ladolemono. I couldn't really taste the lemon.

Next, I am going to look up a recipe, but meanwhile I am curious what you guys do to make these.

Choosing a Greek Olive Oil to Use for Cooking

I've recently become fascinated with the nuances of cooking oils, specifically Greek olive oil, and I'm curious about how others go about selecting the right one for their cooking needs. With its renowned flavor profile and health benefits, Greek olive oil is a staple in my kitchen. However, with so many varieties and flavor strengths (from robust to mild), I often find myself overwhelmed by the choices.

I have a great olive oil that I use as a finisher or to put on salad. I love the flavor so much. I only have a small quantity, though. So, I want to preserve it. In other words, I don't want to use it for cooking, I think it will ruin it.

How do I really choose a Greek olive oil to cook with?


greek-olive-oil.jpg

Most common seafood in Greece?

What is the most common seafood in Greece?

I recall having an abundance of delicious, fresh caught seafood but I can't remember the names of most of the fish. I had delicious octopus and that's the only thing I remember for sure.

I am going to Greece again - I thought I would try to figure what are some fish and other seafood, besides octopus, that I should look forward to?

I see octopus everywhere. I think I may have eaten fresh sardines at one point. Maybe some calamari and a different kind of lobster, too...

Bougatsa Recipe to Try

I went to Greece and loved the Bougatsa I used to buy on the street. I thought I would share a recipe I found. I have never made it before. Does this look like the real deal? I don't want to dive in, only to realize the recipe was flawed from the beginning.

Ingredients​

For the Custard:​

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup fine semolina
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

For the Assembly:​

  • 1 package (about 1 pound) phyllo dough, thawed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • Confectioners' sugar, for dusting
  • Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions​

Preparing the Custard:​

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and half the sugar over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining sugar and semolina. Add the eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth and pale.
  3. Gradually temper the egg mixture by adding a cup of the warm milk while whisking constantly. Then, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk, whisking continuously.
  4. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon (about 10-15 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using), and set aside to cool slightly. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming.

Preparing the Phyllo:​

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Carefully unroll the phyllo dough. Cover the sheets with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
  3. Lay one sheet of phyllo in the prepared dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet until you have used about half of the phyllo.
  4. Pour the custard over the phyllo layers, spreading evenly.

Assembly and Baking:​

  1. Continue layering and buttering the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the custard.
  2. Using a sharp knife, score the top layers of phyllo into pieces – this will make cutting the bougatsa easier after baking.
  3. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
  4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
  5. Before serving, sift generously with confectioners' sugar and sprinkle with cinnamon to taste.
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