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nadellii

Active member
How do you make tender Greek souvlaki? I've attempted various recipes, marinated for different durations, and experimented with both high and low cooking temps, but I seem to be missing the mark for that mouth-watering tenderness commonly found in authentic Greek souvlaki.

Has anyone found a particular method or ingredient that makes a significant difference in achieving that ideal tenderness?

I use ladolemono, a marinate it overnight in ziplock baggies (after I cut the meat in cubes) and then I add them to the skewers and cook them on the grill. I typically use chicken.
 
To ensure tender souvlaki, start with quality meat, like pork shoulder or chicken thighs, and marinate them for at least a few hours in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and thyme. Avoid overcooking by grilling over medium-high heat, turning frequently to prevent drying out. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning. Additionally, don't overcrowd the skewers, allowing each piece of meat space to cook evenly. Finally, let the souvlaki rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender final product.
 
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Favorite Greek lamb dishes?

I’ve always felt like lamb is one of the ingredients that really defines Greek cuisine. There’s something about the combination of herbs, lemon, garlic, and slow cooking that just works. I tend to default to classics like roasted lamb with potatoes or souvlaki, but I know there are a lot of regional dishes and traditional preparations I probably haven’t tried yet.

I’m especially curious about dishes people grew up with or recipes that have family connections. Do you prefer slow-roasted styles, grilled preparations, or something more rustic like stovetop or braised dishes? And are there any lesser-known lamb recipes you think deserve more attention?

If you cook lamb at home, I’d also love to hear your favorite seasoning approaches or techniques for keeping it tender and flavorful.

What are your favorite Greek lamb dishes, either to cook or to order when you’re out?

"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?

Regional Tiropita Variations?

I’ve been making tiropita the same way for years, and while I love it, I’m starting to feel like I’m on autopilot.

My go-to is a simple feta filling with a little egg and black pepper, layered in phyllo and baked until golden. It’s reliable and always a hit, but I know Greece has so many regional variations that I’ve barely explored.

I’ve heard that some areas mix in different cheeses like mizithra or kasseri, and others skip the phyllo altogether and use a more rustic dough. I’m also curious about versions that are spiral-shaped, pan-fried, or made as individual pies instead of a large tray.

For those of you who’ve tried tiropita in different parts of Greece, what stood out? Are there regional twists that completely change the flavor or texture? I’d love some inspiration to shake up my usual routine and try something new in my kitchen.

Looking for Go-To Greek Lenten Recipes

I’ve been trying to expand what I cook during Lent, and I realized I tend to rotate through the same few meals every year. Things like fasolada, lentils, simple vegetable dishes, and occasionally some seafood, but I know there’s a much bigger tradition out there.

What I’m especially curious about are the recipes people actually grew up eating at home, not just the well-known ones you see online. The kinds of dishes that feel satisfying and comforting even without meat or dairy. I’ve heard there are some wonderful regional specialties too, especially with legumes and greens.

What are your go-to Lenten meals? Anything that feels essential in your family or region that you’d recommend trying?

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.
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