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auroracoor1

Active member
I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year, and one of my guests is gluten-free. I’d love to include some Greek-style desserts on the menu as a nod to my love for Greek cuisine, but I’m not sure where to start with gluten-free baking.

Does anyone have tips or recipes for gluten-free Greek desserts? I was thinking about adapting classics like baklava with gluten-free phyllo dough (if that’s possible!) or trying something like almond cookies (amigdalota), which I believe are naturally gluten-free. Other ideas, like a gluten-free semolina substitute for halva or honey-drenched treats, would be amazing too.

I want something that feels festive and unique, while ensuring my gluten-free guest can enjoy it without worry. If you have any tried-and-true recipes or ideas, I’d love to hear them. Thanks!
 
ncluding gluten-free Greek desserts on your Thanksgiving menu is such a thoughtful touch! Here are a few ideas:

Amigdalota (Almond Cookies): These are naturally gluten-free and incredibly festive. They’re made with almond flour, sugar, and egg whites, and often flavored with orange blossom or rose water. They’re simple to make and always a hit.

Gluten-Free Baklava: Gluten-free phyllo dough can be tricky to find, but it’s worth it! Layer it with chopped nuts, cinnamon, and a honey syrup for a classic flavor. Alternatively, you could adapt the flavors into a baklava-inspired cheesecake or parfait.

Halva: Instead of semolina, use almond flour or a mix of gluten-free flours. It pairs beautifully with nuts and spices like cinnamon and cardamom for a rich, satisfying dessert.

Loukoumades (Honey Puffs): Use gluten-free flour blends to make these light, fried treats, then drizzle them with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon or sesame seeds.
 

My Family’s Keftedes Recipe

Keftedes are one of those foods that always remind me of family gatherings. Everyone seems to make them a little differently, but this is the basic version my family has always used.

For about a pound of ground beef, we add one small grated onion, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a little fresh mint, one egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and a small splash of red wine vinegar. Sometimes we add a little grated garlic as well.

The important part is mixing everything well and then letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator for a little while before shaping the keftedes. We make them fairly small, roll them lightly in flour, and fry them in olive oil until browned on the outside and cooked through.

We usually serve them with lemon, potatoes, salad, or tzatziki.

How does your family make keftedes? I’m especially curious about which herbs and seasonings everyone uses. Thought I'd share!

What is the secret to making really good Greek lemon potatoes?

I've been making Greek lemon potatoes for years, and it's one of those dishes I make completely by feel. I don't measure anything, and I never really thought about how I make them because it's all second nature to me.

Recently, I tried teaching someone how to make them. Everything seemed straightforward while we were cooking together, but when they went home and tried making them on their own, all kinds of things went wrong! The potatoes weren't cooking evenly, the texture wasn't quite right, and the lemon flavor didn't come through the way it should.

It made me realize how much I rely on instinct when cooking traditional Greek food. I rarely write down recipes, so explaining every little detail is harder than I expected!

For those who make Greek lemon potatoes regularly, what tips would you give someone who's just learning?

Do you put potatoes in your briam?

I've noticed that there are quite a few variations of briam, especially when it comes to which vegetables people include. One ingredient I'm particularly curious about is potatoes. Do you always put potatoes in your briam, or do you prefer making it without them?

I usually think of briam as a combination of zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and plenty of olive oil. I love how the potatoes absorb all those wonderful flavors as everything slowly roasts together in the oven.

However, I've seen recipes that leave the potatoes out entirely and focus more on the summer vegetables. I imagine that makes the dish a little lighter.

I'm also curious whether there are regional differences in how briam is prepared throughout Greece. Does your family have a particular way of making it? And what vegetables do you consider absolutely essential?

Do you make your pastitsio with a thick or thin layer of krema?

I've always preferred my pastitsio with a nice, thick layer of béchamel on top. To me, that's one of the best parts of the dish! I love when the krema is rich, creamy, and thick enough to hold its shape when you cut into the pastitsio.

The problem is that I've been having trouble getting my krema just right. Sometimes it comes out too thin, and other times the texture isn't quite as smooth as I'd like. I've tried adjusting the amount of flour and milk, but I still haven't found the perfect balance.

I'm curious how everyone else makes theirs. Do you prefer a thick layer of béchamel or just enough to cover the pasta? Does your family add eggs or cheese to the mixture?

I'd especially love to hear any tips for making a thick, smooth krema that sets beautifully when baked!

Do you make Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?
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