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I just got back from Greece and one thing I noticed, which I didn't realize about Greece, is that there were a fair amount of pasta dishes on the menu.

As a kid, we didn't eat a lot of pasta. All we did was make a Greek-style meat sauce with spaghetti, pastitsio, and a pasta dish that involves an egg that I believe came from some family members that were from the Peloponnese.

What else do people make? I see a lot of Italian inspired pasta dishes. Are they any traditionally Greek dishes.
 
All the typical Italian pasta dishes I would see on menus occasionally. There are also some Greek pasta dishes I love:

- Pasta sauce made with Greek yogurt. It looks and tastes a bit like Alfredo, but a little tangier.
- Pasta dish made with olive oil, fried egg, and grated cheese. I think this dish may have come from somewhere in the Peloponnese. My family has roots there and we made it all the time.
- Greek meat sauce with a thinner tomato sauce than the Italian version, and spiced with some cinnamon!
- Pastitsio - the baked meat and macaroni dish - sometimes called Greek Lasagna, but it isn't really that
 
All the typical Italian pasta dishes I would see on menus occasionally. There are also some Greek pasta dishes I love:

- Pasta sauce made with Greek yogurt. It looks and tastes a bit like Alfredo, but a little tangier.
- Pasta dish made with olive oil, fried egg, and grated cheese. I think this dish may have come from somewhere in the Peloponnese. My family has roots there and we made it all the time.
- Greek meat sauce with a thinner tomato sauce than the Italian version, and spiced with some cinnamon!
- Pastitsio - the baked meat and macaroni dish - sometimes called Greek Lasagna, but it isn't really that
Oh my yeeesss, the pasta with the fried egg hails from the region of mani and it is called Tzouxti.
It is a simple dish that the ladies from Mani would make because they were to busy working the fields that they needed some quick easy and affordable (since meat back in the day was a luxury).
 
Oh my yeeesss, the pasta with the fried egg hails from the region of mani and it is called Tzouxti.
It is a simple dish that the ladies from Mani would make because they were to busy working the fields that they needed some quick easy and affordable (since meat back in the day was a luxury).
That's fascinating I never knew the dish name was called Tzouchti - for my pappou and dad it was comfort food - I always suspected that side of the family was from Mani but we never talked about it for some reason.
 

Essential Greek Pantry Staples - Your Recommendations?

I've recently developed a keen interest in Greek cuisine and I'm on a mission to incorporate more of its flavors into my daily cooking. Given the vast knowledge pool here, I thought this would be the perfect place to ask about must-have Greek pantry staples.

From what I gather, olive oil, olives, and feta cheese seem like obvious essentials. But I'm curious about the less obvious, yet equally important ingredients that could elevate my dishes with authentic Greek flavors.

Are there specific herbs, spices, or any other pantry items that are staples in Greek cooking? Additionally, if there are brands or types of these ingredients that you swear by, I'd love to hear about those too.

greek-food-pantry-items.jpg

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.

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.

Getting souvlaki tender?

How do you make tender Greek souvlaki? I've attempted various recipes, marinated for different durations, and experimented with both high and low cooking temps, but I seem to be missing the mark for that mouth-watering tenderness commonly found in authentic Greek souvlaki.

Has anyone found a particular method or ingredient that makes a significant difference in achieving that ideal tenderness?

I use ladolemono, a marinate it overnight in ziplock baggies (after I cut the meat in cubes) and then I add them to the skewers and cook them on the grill. I typically use chicken.
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