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d_kakavouli

Active member
I usually make my own Greek-style tomato soup from fresh tomatoes. I don't usually take the skin off or take the seeds out, and the soup is fine. But now I am wondering, is it possible to take the seeds out easily? The issue is, I feel like the seed pulp has a lot of flavor so I don't want to scrape the seeds out before cooking down the tomatoes. I know I can blanch the tomato and peel off the skin easily enough.

Do you think maybe running the tomato though a food mill will help, and then can proceed with the recipe as usual?
 

Laura48

Member
I usually make my own Greek-style tomato soup from fresh tomatoes. I don't usually take the skin off or take the seeds out, and the soup is fine. But now I am wondering, is it possible to take the seeds out easily? The issue is, I feel like the seed pulp has a lot of flavor so I don't want to scrape the seeds out before cooking down the tomatoes. I know I can blanch the tomato and peel off the skin easily enough.

Do you think maybe running the tomato though a food mill will help, and then can proceed with the recipe as usual?
I leave everything in apart from the fibrous core. All adds to the flavour.
 

FootsLog

New member
Agreed! Personally, for me leaving the skin/seed (unless not edible) applies to all either fruit or veggies.
 

d_kakavouli

Active member
You guys talked me into keeping things as is. The fibrous pulp seems like it has most of the flavor.
 

List of gluten free Greek foods?

I will be traveling to Greece and I have a gluten free person in my party. I thought I would make a running list of Greek foods that are naturally gluten free. The individual we are traveling with isn't Greek and she's really nervous about it. I am sure people can accommodate her while in Greece?

  • Greek Village Salad - As long as there
  • Grilled Octopus - this is popular in Greece and naturally gluten free.
  • Fava Dip - Made from yellow split peas, there shouldn't be gluten in this, but I would still ask how it's prepared.
  • Stuffed Grape Leaves - Known as dolmades, these small bundles of grape leaves are stuffed with rice, meat, and seasonings.
  • Souvlaki - Skewered meat (chicken, pork, beef) that is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs and then grilled to perfection.
  • Tzatziki - A refreshing and creamy dip made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. Perfect served with fresh veggies or as a topping for any grilled meats.
  • Gemista - A traditional Greek dish of stuffed peppers (and sometimes tomatoes) filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat.
  • Greek Fish - Greece has a wealth of fresh fish, which is often served baked or grilled with lemon, herbs, and olive oil.
  • Gyro plate - it's not in pita bread - everything is deconstructed on the plate. Just tell them not to give you the pita.
What else? There's actually a lot! Any advice on navigating the whole gluten free thing in Greece?

Favorite Greek desserts to feed a crowd

I have gatherings year round, but I have more of them this time of year! I like to serve other desserts besides melamakarona, so I thought I would compile a list of some of my favorite choices:.

1. Baklava – This famous dessert is made by layering phyllo dough, chopped nuts (usually walnuts), and honey syrup. The crunchy layers of pastry and sweet, sticky filling will make your taste buds dance with delight. Baklava is perfect for serving at a party because it can be cut into small squares, making it easy for guests to enjoy.

2. Galaktoboureko – This dessert is a classic Greek custard pie, made by baking a creamy custard filling between layers of filo pastry. Once cooked, it is soaked in a sweet syrup made from honey and lemon juice. This dessert is best served warm and is perfect for a winter party.

3. Kataifi – This dessert is a close relative of baklava, but instead of using sheets of phyllo dough, it uses shredded phyllo dough that is wrapped around a variety of fillings like nuts or cream. Kadaifi is a perfect dessert because it can be filled with anything you like, making it easy to customize to your tastes.

4. Ekmek Kataifi – This dessert is a modern twist on traditional Greek pastries. Ekmek Kataifi is made from shredded phyllo dough, creamy custard, topped with whipped cream, and garnished with ground pistachios. It is delicious, refreshing, and perfect for a summertime party.

braised lamb shank was rubbery

All the braised lamb shank I have ever eaten has fallen off the bone - and that is why it is so delicious!

So, I tried to make it thinking it would be foolproof.

Something went wrong - it was tough and rubbery. I am wondering if it is something I did, or if maybe the lamb was a bit tougher than I would have liked.

I asked around and one thing someone asked me is if I cooked it enough. I didn't know how to answer that since I followed the directions, and I got the recipe from a family member whose lamb shank I always enjoyed. What do you think?

Some things to know:

- I am not sure I initially seared the meat long enough
- I held back on the salt in the recipe
- I was forced into using a larger shank than the recipe called for because I couldn't find smaller ones

Advice for making souvlaki for a crowd?

I am having a party and for some reason, people are requesting my souvlaki. I am thrilled that people love it, but I am having 30-40 people over. How do I pull this off?

Here are some things I am thinking:
  • Get help prepping - cutting the chicken can be time consuming - there might be two phases, I'll have to prep the skewers, too
  • Make a batch of ladolemono well in advance
  • Perhaps borrow another grill from my neighbor?
Has anyone ever done souvlaki for a party this size? I lost track of the guest list a little bit, there may actually be closer to 40, or maybe even more people than that. I have tried to nail people down so I can get a better count, but it's been hard.

My Recipe - Greek Grilled Chicken

I grill year round so I thought I'd share with the group an easy grilled chicken dish I have been doing lately. It's my go-to for a quick meal.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them.
3. Seal the bag and toss to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, and up to 12 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid.
5. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

greek-grilled-chicken.jpg
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