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dimi_pat

Active member
I recently discovered this dish in an old cookbook I have, and I consulted with some family members and they make it too. Wanted to share the recipe! I realized I like homemade dough in this better than phyllo.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/2 cup Arborio rice
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri or Parmesan cheese

For the Dough:

- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

For Assembling:

- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:


Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Make a well in the center and add the warm water, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
3. Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest while you prepare the filling.

Make the Filling:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the ground beef and pork, cooking until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and mint, and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Add the rice, tomato sauce, and red wine (if using). Stir well to combine.
6. Season with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
7. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the rice is partially cooked. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
8. Stir in the grated cheese.

Assemble the Pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Divide the dough into two equal parts.
3. Roll out one half on a floured surface to fit your baking dish (about 9x13 inches).
4. Place the rolled dough into the baking dish, pressing it to cover the bottom and sides.
5. Spread the meat filling evenly over the dough.
6. Roll out the second half of the dough to cover the filling.
7. Place the top layer of dough over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing them together. Trim any excess dough.
8. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
9. Cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
2. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
 
This looks like such a great recipe! I love this dish but have never made it. Thanks for sharing this.
 

Greek things to do with butternut squash?

Hi everyone! I’m curious about traditional (or regional) Greek ways to cook with butternut squash. My aunt used to make an incredible kolokythopita with it — sweet, earthy, and a little reminiscent of butternut squash pie filling, but wrapped in crisp phyllo instead of a pastry crust. It was one of those dishes that tasted both rustic and festive at the same time.

I’m wondering what else Greeks typically do with butternut squash, especially in home cooking. Are there savory versions of the pie? Any stews, ladera, or casseroles that feature it? Does anyone use it in soups, risottos, or baked dishes? I’d also love to know if certain regions in Greece cook with butternut squash more often than others.

Would love to hear your ideas, family recipes, and regional traditions!

Do you ever mix traditional Greek recipes with modern twists?

I grew up cooking traditional Greek food. All the recipes in my kitchen are ones that have been passed down through my family.

I still make them exactly as they were written most of the time, but every now and then, I can’t help experimenting a little. I’ll swap ingredients, lighten things up, or try a more modern cooking method just to see how it turns out.

The funny thing is, even when the newer versions taste amazing, there’s still something about the old recipes that feels different. Maybe it’s the memories attached to them, such as the smells, the sounds, the people around the table.

I’m curious how others feel about this. Do you ever mix traditional Greek recipes with modern twists? Do you think it changes the soul of the dish, or do you see it as keeping our food culture alive and evolving?

What makes the perfect pastitsio?

I know everyone’s got their own way of making pastitsio, and I’m curious what you all think makes it perfect. I’m Greek and have been making it for years, but I swear every family has a different take, even just within my circle of friends, no two versions are the same!

For me, the key is a good, fluffy krema on top, which makes it not too dense, not too thin — and a meat layer that’s rich but not overly heavy. I also like just a hint of tomato sauce mixed in with the meat; it gives it depth and color without turning it into makaronia me kima.

Do you prefer a spiced meat sauce or something milder? Do you bake it until it’s firm or leave it soft and creamy? I’d love to hear your tricks, family secrets, and regional twists!

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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