1 - 2 of 2 Posts

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.
 

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.

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?

Do You Put Cinnamon in Your Keftedes?

I’m curious how everyone here makes keftedes, especially when it comes to cinnamon. I know some Greek families add a little cinnamon to the meat mixture, while others would never think of putting it in.

In my experience, even a small amount can change the flavor quite a bit. It gives the keftedes a warmer, slightly sweeter spice in the background, but I can also see how it might not be for everyone. I’ve had versions that lean more heavily on oregano, mint, parsley, garlic, and onion instead.

Do you put cinnamon in your keftedes? If you do, how much do you usually use, and was that something your family always did? I’d also be curious to know if it varies depending on what part of Greece your family comes from.

Would love to hear how everyone seasons theirs and what you consider essential for really good keftedes.

How Much Garlic in a Batch of Tzatziki?

How much garlic do you usually put in a batch of tzatziki? I think I may be using a little too much. I usually make mine with about 2 cups of Greek yogurt and 4 cloves of garlic, along with cucumber, olive oil, and the other usual ingredients.

It tastes great when I first make it, but we usually take about three days to finish the batch. By the second or third day, the garlic flavor and smell become really strong. Some people in my household love that and don’t mind it at all, but others think it becomes a bit overpowering. I’m starting to agree that four cloves might be too much, especially since the garlic seems to get stronger as it sits.

What do you all do? How many cloves would you use for about 2 cups of Greek yogurt?

How does your family season dolmades?

I’ve been thinking about how much dolmades can vary from one family to another, especially when it comes to seasoning. Even when the basic ingredients are similar, the flavor can be completely different depending on which herbs and spices are used.

How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?
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