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redsoxdw_

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I just returned from an incredible trip to Greece, and one of the most surprising things was how healthy I felt the entire time! I actually lost 8 pounds without even trying, all thanks to the fresh, healthy food. Between the olive oil, fresh vegetables, grilled meats, and seafood, everything was so simple yet delicious. Now that I’m back home, I’d love to keep that momentum going and incorporate some of those healthy Greek eating habits into my daily life.

Does anyone have any tips or favorite recipes for recreating those light, flavorful meals at home? I’d especially love advice on incorporating more olive oil, yogurt, and fresh veggies into my diet without it feeling repetitive. And how can I capture the balance of eating well without overindulging, like they do in Greece? Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated!
 
It’s great that you had such a positive experience with Greek food! To keep those healthy habits going, start by making Greek salads a staple—combine cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and drizzle with olive oil and oregano for a fresh, light side. Incorporating olive oil is easy—use it in place of other fats for cooking, roasting veggies, or drizzling over grilled fish.

For breakfast, try Greek yogurt topped with honey, nuts, and fresh fruit. It’s simple, protein-rich, and captures that Mediterranean vibe. Another idea is to make grilled chicken souvlaki bowls with whole grains like quinoa, fresh veggies, and tzatziki—it’s a balanced, flavorful meal that’s easy to prep ahead.

The key is variety: mix up your veggies, rotate proteins (chicken, fish, beans), and use herbs like oregano, thyme, and mint.
 

Simple Moussaka Recipe

My family recipe for moussaka is complicated and makes a huge portion. I am trying to simplify it. Here is one of my attempts - it came out pretty good! Any advice you guys might have to tweak things?

Ingredients

For the base:

  • 2 large eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
For the meat sauce:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 500g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup red wine
For the béchamel sauce:
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups warm milk
  • Salt, pepper, pinch of nutmeg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or kefalotyri
  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Prepare eggplant:
    • Sprinkle sliced eggplants with salt and let sit for 20–30 minutes to remove bitterness. Pat dry.
    • Brush with olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden, flipping halfway.
  2. Make meat sauce:
    • Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
    • Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and optional wine. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
  3. Make béchamel:
    • In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes.
    • Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
    • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat, stir in cheese and beaten egg.
  4. Assemble:
    • In a baking dish, layer half the eggplants, then all the meat sauce, then the remaining eggplants.
    • Pour béchamel over the top and smooth it out.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
    • Let rest 20–30 minutes before serving.

Best dips to serve with souvlaki?

Hey everyone! I’m planning to make a big batch of souvlaki soon for some company coming over, and I’m looking to level up my sides game a bit. I always make tzatziki—it’s a classic and never disappoints—but I’d really like to mix things up this time and offer a few other traditional (or even creative) Greek dips or spreads to go with it.

What do you usually serve with your souvlaki? I’m thinking something that’s great for scooping with pita or drizzling over the meat. I’ve heard of things like tirokafteri and skordalia, but I’ve never made them myself. Would love tips, go-to recipes, or even store-bought recs if you’ve got them.

Also curious if anyone serves something less traditional, like a Greek-style hummus or roasted eggplant dip. Anything that complements grilled meat is fair game!

Appreciate the ideas—thanks in advance!

Thick of Think Bechamel for Pastitsio or Moussaka?

Hi everyone! I’m curious how you like your Bechamel for Pastitsio and Moussaka? My family is a bit divided between liking it thick and fluffy or a bit thinner. What do you think?

I’ve seen it both ways. Some recipes go heavy on the flour and eggs to get that airy, almost cake-like layer that stands tall when sliced. Others go lighter for a more velvety topping that melts into the rest of the dish. I personally love both depending on the mood—thick and fluffy feels more indulgent, but the thinner version blends beautifully with the meat or pasta.

What do you usually go for when you cook or eat these dishes? And do you ever adjust your béchamel depending on the occasion or who you’re serving?

Would love to hear your thoughts, favorite techniques, or any tips for getting that perfect top layer just right!

What meat do you use for kokkinisto?

I’m planning to make kokkinisto soon and would love to get your input—what cut of meat do you usually use?

I’ve had it with beef, lamb, and even chicken over the years, but I’m curious what everyone here swears by. I’ve seen some recipes call for chuck roast or stewing beef, while others recommend lamb shoulder or shank. I’ve even heard of pork being used in some households.

Do you think the meat makes a big difference in how the sauce develops? I love when it turns out really rich, tender, and packed with flavor. I usually serve it over pasta or mashed potatoes, but sometimes with rice or crusty bread to soak up all the sauce. My favorite so far has been beef, but I want to try it with other meats, like maybe even chicken? Would it work with chicken?

What is your favorite Greek cheese?

What’s your favorite Greek cheese and how do you use it?

I’m partial to feta—it’s always in my fridge and I toss it into just about everything. From horiatiki salads to spanakopita to a simple omelet, it just works. But lately, I’ve been trying to branch out and explore some of the other amazing Greek cheeses out there.

I’ve tried graviera and really liked how nutty it was when grilled. A friend recently suggested trying manouri in desserts, which totally surprised me—had no idea it was that versatile! I also picked up some kefalotyri and used it for saganaki, which was incredible.

So I’m curious—what’s your favorite Greek cheese and how do you usually enjoy it? Are there any regional cheeses I should try? I’d especially love ideas for how to use them in both traditional and unexpected ways.

Would love to hear what everyone else is cooking with!
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