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xmelissaa

Active member
I’m planning to put together a Greek-themed charcuterie board and would love some advice! I want to capture the flavors of Greece with a mix of cheeses, cured meats, olives, and other traditional elements.

For cheeses, I’m thinking feta, graviera, and manouri, but are there any other must-haves? As for meats, I know Greece isn’t as big on cured meats as some other countries, but I’ve heard of louza (Mykonian cured pork) and pastourma—are those good choices?

I also want to include olives (Kalamata and green Halkidiki), roasted red peppers, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and dips like tzatziki and melitzanosalata. Any other Greek spreads I should add?

For bread, should I go with pita, koulouri, or something else? And finally, what’s a good Greek wine or spirit to pair with the board?
 
Your Greek-themed charcuterie board sounds fantastic! For cheeses, your choices are great, but you might also consider Kefalotyri (sharp and salty) or Metsovone (a smoky aged cheese). For meats, louza and pastourma are excellent picks, and you could also add syglino (smoked pork from Mani) for a rich, aromatic touch.

You’ve got a great selection of olives and dips! To round it out, consider adding taramosalata (fish roe spread) for a briny, creamy contrast or tirokafteri (spicy whipped feta) for some heat. Marinated artichokes or pickled caper leaveswould also bring some authentic Greek flavors.

For bread, a mix of pita, koulouri, and dakos barley rusks would offer variety. To pair, try a Assyrtiko white wine(crisp and citrusy) or a Xinomavro red (bold and complex). If you want a spirit, ouzo or tsipouro adds a true Greek touch. Your board is going to be a hit!
 

Do you make Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?

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!

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?

What herbs do you use when making Greek stuffed zucchini?

I've been thinking about making Greek stuffed zucchini (kolokithakia gemista), and I'm curious about which herbs everyone uses in the filling. I've seen quite a few variations, and it seems like the combination of herbs can really influence the overall flavor of the dish.

Some recipes use plenty of fresh dill and parsley, while others include mint or even a little oregano. I've also noticed that some people add green onions for extra flavor. I'm wondering whether certain herbs are considered more traditional, especially when making stuffed zucchini with rice and ground meat.

Do you use a combination of herbs, or do you prefer to keep the seasoning fairly simple? Does your family have a particular recipe that has been passed down through generations?

I'm especially interested in how the herbs complement the avgolemono sauce. What combination do you think gives Greek stuffed zucchini the best flavor?

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.
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