1 - 4 of 4 Posts

nadellii

Active member
I am trying to eat healthy so I bought some chickpeas and the other ingredients for my favorite soup. It came out amazing. This is the recipe I used:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and olive oil for serving

Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas and set them aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute.
5. Add tomato paste, bay leaves, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, and cook for a minute or until fragrant.
6. Add the soaked chickpeas and vegetable broth or water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 1 hour or until the chickpeas are tender.
7. Once the chickpeas are cooked, remove the bay leaves, and blend half of the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender to create a creamy consistency.
8. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir to combine. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes until heated through.
10. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some fresh parsley.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Laura48
I am trying to eat healthy so I bought some chickpeas and the other ingredients for my favorite soup. It came out amazing. This is the recipe I used:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and olive oil for serving

Instructions:
1. Drain and rinse the soaked chickpeas and set them aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
4. Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute.
5. Add tomato paste, bay leaves, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, and cook for a minute or until fragrant.
6. Add the soaked chickpeas and vegetable broth or water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 1 hour or until the chickpeas are tender.
7. Once the chickpeas are cooked, remove the bay leaves, and blend half of the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender to create a creamy consistency.
8. Return the blended soup to the pot and stir to combine. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes until heated through.
10. Serve the soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some fresh parsley.
Love the sound of this, healthy, fresh and vegan, exactly what I need 👍
 
Love the sound of this, healthy, fresh and vegan, exactly what I need 👍
I know, same. I love chickpeas - it's my favorite legume. I made something like this once kind of by accident. I was prepping to make a white bean soup (fasolada) and realized that when I soaked the beans, they got all messed up - the skins came off, etc. I don't know how that happened, but the onion was already sautéing and the other ingredients were prepped. I had some canned chickpeas and used that instead. It was delicious! In eyeballing this recipe, it is very similar to what I ended up doing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Laura48
Thanks guys! I forgot to mention that I substitute canned chickpeas (about 2 cans) when I decide at the last minute I want the soup. Soaking the beans only works for me if I plan ahead and I don't always.
 

Bougatsa Recipe - Delicious Breakfast!

When I was in Greece, I loved having bougatsa for breakfast. I don't have it much when I am back home so I decided to learn how to make it. Here's the recipe I use:

I do have a question, I find using the puff pastry the easiest. However, what do they use in Greece?

Dough:
  • 1 package (about 17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Custard:
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup fine semolina flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Custard Filling:
    • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, semolina flour, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    • Gradually pour about 1/4 of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    • Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk, whisking constantly.
    • Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Bougatsa Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a clean surface. Brush melted butter generously over one sheet of puff pastry.
    • Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the buttered one. Brush the top with more melted butter.
    • Roll up the puff pastry sheets tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal portions.
  3. Assemble the Bougatsa:
    • Take one portion of the puff pastry and flatten it into a thin circle on a floured surface, using a rolling pin.
    • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled custard filling in the center of the pastry circle.
    • Fold the edges of the pastry circle over the custard filling, creating a sealed pouch. Place the filled bougatsa onto the prepared baking sheet.
    • Repeat this process with the remaining puff pastry portions and custard filling.
  4. Bake the Bougatsa:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bougatsa until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
    • Remove the bougatsa from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Learning about Greek food and wine pairing

I've recently developed a fascination with Greek wines and am eager to explore their potential pairings with various cuisines. Greek wines, with their rich history and unique grape varieties, offer a tantalizing range of flavors that I believe can complement a wide array of dishes beautifully. However, my experience in effectively pairing these wines is somewhat limited, and I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those more familiar with this area.

Particularly, I'm interested in understanding which types of Greek wines (white, red, or rosé) pair best with specific dishes or cuisines. Here are a few specific questions I have in mind:
  1. Assyrtiko: Known for its crisp acidity and citrus notes, which dishes would best highlight Assyrtiko's characteristics?
  2. Agiorgitiko: Often described as smooth and velvety, what kinds of meals would complement this type of red wine?
  3. Xinomavro: With its robust tannins and complex flavor profile, what are the best food pairings to balance its intensity?
  4. Retsina: Given its unique pine resin flavor, are there particular foods that match well with this traditional wine?
Additionally, I'm curious if there are any general rules of thumb when it comes to pairing Greek wines with dishes from other culinary traditions outside of Greek cuisine.

Thank you!

No Meat Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) Recipe

It has taken me a long time to get vegetarian dolmades to the point where I enjoy them. Here is my recipe. It uses a lot of oil, so strict fasters shouldn't eat them. But most people aren't super strict so I would even say these are good for lent!

Ingredients:​

  • 1 jar of grape leaves (about 60-70 leaves)
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water

Instructions:​

  1. Prepare the Grape Leaves:
    • If using grape leaves preserved in brine, rinse them well under cold water to remove excess salt. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cold water. Trim off any stems.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  3. Fill and Roll the Grape Leaves:
    • Place a grape leaf flat on a clean work surface, shiny side down, with the stem end facing you. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the rice filling onto the center of the leaf, near the stem end.
    • Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a small cylinder.
    • Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling, arranging the rolled dolmades seam-side down in a large pot or deep skillet, packing them snugly together.
  4. Cook the Dolmades:
    • Once all the dolmades are rolled and packed in the pot, drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
    • Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the dolmades.
    • Place a heatproof plate or lid directly on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged during cooking.
    • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the grape leaves are tender.

Making traditional loukaniko question

I’m on a culinary quest to master the art of making Loukaniko, the traditional Greek sausage that tantalizes taste buds with its savory blend of spices and herbs. I understand that each region and even each family might have their own special recipe passed down through generations.

Which leads me to my ask - could anyone who’s familiar with Greek cuisine share insights about the most common seasonings used in Loukaniko? I'm especially interested in any mix of spices that gives it that characteristic flavor profile.

I’ve done some preliminary research, but I’m looking for that firsthand knowledge. What's the blend that makes your Loukaniko stand out? Are there any particular secrets to perfect the authentic taste?

Greek Souvlaki Marinade Recipe

Now that grilling season is upon us, I thought I would share my souvlaki marinade. I cut the meat in cubes and marinate in plastic bags overnight. I skewer them just before grilling.

Add to a mason jar:
  • 1/4 cup Greek olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Then I cover the mason jar and shake, add the meat to the bags, and pour it over. If I am making a huge batch I double the marinade.
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