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GreekGirlCooks

Active member
I’ve been experimenting with incorporating more Greek flavors into my meals and would love some advice on making Greek-style winter salads. I usually associate Greek salads with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, but these aren’t as flavorful in winter.

Do you have any suggestions for seasonal ingredients or creative ways to adapt Greek salad recipes during the colder months? I’m thinking of incorporating roasted vegetables, hearty greens, or maybe even warm toppings.

Also, what dressings or spice combinations work best for winter versions? I’m a fan of olive oil, lemon, and oregano but open to new ideas!

Would love to hear your tips, ingredient recommendations, or even recipes for hearty and flavorful Greek-inspired winter salads.
 
Winter is a great time to get creative with Greek-inspired salads! Roasted vegetables like beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots make fantastic bases—toss them with olive oil, oregano, and a touch of thyme before roasting. Add hearty greens like kale, spinach, or arugula for freshness and a peppery bite.

For a warm topping, try sautéed mushrooms with garlic and a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or roasted chickpeas for added crunch. Feta or grilled halloumi cheese pairs perfectly with these winter flavors.

As for dressings, olive oil, lemon, and oregano are classics, but you can also try a tahini-lemon dressing or a vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar, orange juice, and a pinch of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.
 

Making Crispy Greek Fries Tips?

I’m trying to master homemade Greek fries, you know, the kind that are golden, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and loaded with oregano and sea salt. I’ve had them in tavernas in Greece and nothing I’ve made at home comes close.

I’ve tried both russets and Yukon Golds, but I’m not sure about the best type of potato for this. Do you parboil first or go straight to frying? I’ve also read some people do a double-fry method — is that key to the crunch?

Also curious about oils, olive oil vs. sunflower vs. something else entirely. And how do you get them to stay crispy if you’re making a big batch for a crowd?

Best Meat for Soutsoukakia?

I’m planning to make soutzoukakia smyrneika this weekend — one of my absolute favorite Greek comfort dishes. I’ve had it with different types of ground meat over the years (sometimes beef, sometimes a mix), but I want to get it just rightthis time and could use your advice.

What’s the best type of meat to use for authentic, flavorful soutzoukakia? Should I go with 100% beef, a beef-pork combo, or even add a bit of lamb? Or purely lamb? I’m also curious how the fat content affects the final result — do you go lean or a little more fatty?

Prepping Salt Cod for Greek Recipes?

I’m hoping for some help with prepping salt cod (bakaliaros) for traditional Greek recipes. I remember my yiayia soaking and changing the water, but I never learned the exact process. I’d love to make bakaliaros skordalia for a family gathering and want to do it right.

How long should I soak the salt cod, and how often do I change the water? Is it better to leave it in the fridge or at room temp during the soak? Also, how do I know when it’s ready to cook?

Any tips on removing the bones or choosing good quality salt cod would be amazing. I’m a little intimidated but really want to carry on the tradition. Thank you so much!

Greek Rice Dishes to Try?

I’ve been diving into Greek cooking lately and noticed that while rice does appear in some dishes, there also seems to be a strong use of orzo (kritharaki) and other small pastas in traditional meals. It got me wondering—do Greeks use rice a lot in their everyday cooking, or is pasta more common?

For example, I’ve seen rice in dishes like gemista (stuffed vegetables) and avgolemono soup, but then orzo shows up in things like giouvetsi or even baked with shrimp and tomato. Do some regions or families prefer one over the other?

I’d love to try making more authentic Greek rice dishes—can anyone recommend some must-tries? Maybe even some lesser-known ones beyond the usual? I’m especially curious about pilafs, rice-based casseroles, or stews that feature rice as a main ingredient.

Keeping Feta Fresh?

I’ve started cooking more Greek recipes at home, and feta has become a staple in my fridge. But I’ve noticed that once I open a package, it can dry out or get funky pretty quickly if I don’t use it fast enough. I’ve tried just keeping it in its original brine, but sometimes I buy feta that comes vacuum-sealed without any liquid.

What’s the best way to store feta once it’s opened? Should I make my own brine, and if so, what’s the right salt-to-water ratio? Can you store it in olive oil with herbs, or will that change the flavor too much? I’d love any traditional tips you’ve picked up from your yiayia or your own kitchen experience.

Feta is too good to waste—and I want to keep it as fresh and flavorful as possible. Thanks in advance for any advice!
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