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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.
 

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 Make Avgolemono Thick or Brothy?

I usually prefer avgolemono somewhere in the middle. I don’t like it so thick that it feels almost like a cream soup, but I also don’t want it completely thin and brothy. For me, the best version has enough egg and lemon to give the broth some body while still keeping it light.

A lot probably depends on what kind of avgolemono you’re making, too. In chicken soup, I like it a little more brothy because I want the rice or orzo and chicken to still stand out. With something like lahanodolmades, I don’t mind the avgolemono sauce being thicker because it is coating the food rather than serving as the soup itself.

The lemon level matters just as much as the thickness. I like enough lemon to make it bright and noticeable, but not so much that it overwhelms everything else. I think balance is really the key.

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!

What is your favorite Greek potato dish?

Potatoes show up in so many Greek meals, and I think they are often at their best when they soak up plenty of olive oil, lemon, herbs, and cooking juices.

Greek lemon potatoes are probably the first thing that comes to mind for me. I love when they are roasted until they are soft inside, a little crisp around the edges, and full of lemon and oregano. Potatoes cooked alongside chicken or lamb are also hard to beat because they absorb so much flavor from the pan.

I also enjoy simple boiled potatoes dressed with olive oil, lemon, parsley, and salt, especially with fish or grilled meat.

What Greek potato dish do you make most often? Do you prefer lemon potatoes, potatoes roasted with meat, fried potatoes, or something else? And is there a particular seasoning or family method that makes your version especially good?

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!
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