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d_kakavouli

Active member
Lately, I’ve been struggling to get my briam just right, the vegetables never seem to roast evenly.!

I love when the potatoes, zucchini, and eggplant are soft and slightly caramelized, but not mushy or crunchy. Sometimes parts of the tray cook too quickly while others stay underdone, especially when I try to keep everything in one layer.

I’ve tried adjusting the oven temperature, slicing everything to the same thickness, and even pre-roasting the potatoes, but the texture still feels inconsistent.

How do you get that perfect “melted” softness where the vegetables hold their shape but soak up all the olive oil and tomato flavor? Do you cover the pan for part of the baking time, or just let it roast uncovered the whole way through?

Would love to hear your secrets for the perfect briam!
 
I’ve had the same struggle! The key for me was balancing moisture and heat. I start by tossing all the vegetables generously in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bit of oregano. Then I layer them slightly overlapping in a large roasting pan, not piled up, but not perfectly flat either. That way, the juices mingle and steam just enough to soften everything.

I bake at 400°F for about 45 minutes covered with foil so the vegetables soften first, then uncover for another 30–40 minutes to get that golden, caramelized finish. Halfway through, I spoon the juices over the top so nothing dries out.

If it still feels uneven, try using a dark metal pan instead of glass or ceramic. It distributes heat better. You’ll know it’s right when the edges start to brown and the olive oil bubbles around the vegetables like a glaze.
 

How do you make your tzatziki creamier?

I make Greek food all the time, spanakopita, keftedes, souvlaki, you name it — but I’ve always taken the shortcut and bought my tzatziki ready-made. Lately I’ve been wanting to make it from scratch and get that rich, creamy texture you find in good tavernas.

I’ve tried a few recipes with strained Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, but mine keeps turning out too thin or slightly watery after a few hours. I strain the cucumber and even use full-fat yogurt, but it still doesn’t have that thick, velvety consistency.

So I’m curious — what’s your secret to creamier tzatziki? Do you use a specific brand of yogurt, or maybe add something like sour cream or labneh? Does chilling it overnight make a difference? I’d love to hear how you make yours stay thick, fresh, and perfectly balanced between tangy and smooth.

How do you cook okra without it turning slimy?

I grew up eating bamies all summer long in Greece, and it’s still one of my favorite dishes, especially when cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a touch of olive oil. But even after years of making it here in the U.S., I can’t seem to find a consistent way to keep the okra from turning slimy. Sometimes it comes out perfect, tender and flavorful with no stickiness, and other times it gets that slippery texture no matter what I do.

I’ve heard different tricks over the years: soaking in vinegar, roasting before stewing, not stirring too much, or using smaller pods. But none of them seem to work every time.

For those of you who also love traditional Greek bamies, what’s your secret? Is it all about the freshness of the okra, or is there a step in the cooking process that really makes the difference?

Potatoes in Moussaka?

For some reason, my family’s version of moussaka has never included potatoes, and I’m starting to wonder if I’ve been missing something all these years! We’ve always layered it with eggplant, a bit of zucchini, meat sauce, and béchamel, no potatoes. But lately I’ve seen so many recipes (especially from northern Greece) that add a layer of sliced or fried potatoes at the bottom, and people swear it gives the dish more structure and heartiness.

For those who make moussaka regularly — do you include potatoes? If so, where do you place them in the layering: bottom, middle, or alternating with the eggplant? Do they change the texture or make it too heavy? I love the idea of experimenting but don’t want to lose that light, custardy feel of our version. I’d love to hear how your families make it and whether the potato layer is a must!

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?

What is the perfect skordalia texture?

Lately I’ve been experimenting with skordalia, and I’m starting to realize just how many different versions there really are. Some people swear by a silky, almost whipped texture, while others prefer it thick and rustic, the kind you can practically stand a spoon in. I’ve tried both bread-based and potato-based versions, and the results couldn’t be more different. Bread seems to give it a lighter, fluffier feel, while potatoes make it dense and hearty.

But here’s my question for everyone who makes this regularly: What is the perfect texture supposed to be? Is true skordalia meant to be smooth and airy, or thick and substantial? Should the garlic be fully integrated, or is a tiny bit of graininess acceptable? I know it's personal preference, too.
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