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kosta_karapinotis

Active member
I’ve been cooking more traditional Greek food at home lately, and one thing I’m still trying to get right is oven-roasted lamb. I love the flavor, especially with garlic, lemon, oregano, and potatoes, but sometimes the meat comes out a little drier than I’d like.

For those of you who make lamb regularly, how do you keep it tender and juicy in the oven? Do you cover it for part of the cooking time, add water or broth to the pan, or cook it slowly at a lower temperature?

I’m also wondering if the cut makes a big difference. I usually see leg of lamb used, but would shoulder be more forgiving for a long roast?

I’d like to get that really tender Greek-style lamb that practically falls apart. Any tips on temperature, cooking time, marinades, or resting the meat would be appreciated.
 

What is your favorite way to make spanakopita?

I’ve noticed there are so many different ways people make it, even within Greek families. Some make it as one large pie in a baking dish, while others prefer individual triangles or even rolled, rope-like shapes. I’m curious which style everyone prefers and whether you think the shape changes the texture at all.

I’m also interested in the filling. Do you use only feta, or do you mix in other cheeses such as ricotta, mizithra, or something else? What about the greens? Is yours mostly spinach, or do you add leeks, scallions, dill, parsley, or other herbs and greens?

And of course, there’s the phyllo. Do you use store-bought or make your own?

I’d love to hear how your family makes spanakopita and whether there is a particular version you consider the “right” one.

What is your favorite meat to cook on the grill Greek-style?

What is your favorite meat to cook on the grill Greek-style? I always think Greek grilling is at its best when the seasoning is fairly simple and the flavor of the meat still comes through.

Lamb is probably the first thing that comes to mind, especially chops seasoned with olive oil, lemon, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pork souvlaki is another favorite, and chicken can be excellent when it has had enough time to marinate. I also really enjoy biftekia on the grill, especially when they are seasoned with herbs and served with lemon potatoes, salad, or grilled pita.

I’d love to hear what everyone else prefers. Do you usually grill lamb, pork, chicken, sausages, or something else? Are there any particular marinades, seasonings, or family techniques you always use? And what sides do you normally serve with a Greek-style grilled meal?

What Greek Foods Do You Start Craving in the Fall?

I've been thinking more about seasonal eating lately, especially from a Greek perspective. Summer Greek food feels so naturally tied to the season with tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, fresh herbs, grilled foods, and plenty of fruit. But once the weather starts cooling down, I find myself wondering what traditional Greek foods really feel like fall.

Are there certain dishes you start making as soon as September or October arrives? I'm thinking of foods like fasolada, giouvetsi, trahana soup, baked dishes, savory pies, and recipes using apples, grapes, walnuts, chestnuts, pumpkin, or other fall ingredients.

I'd especially love to hear about foods that were seasonal in your family rather than dishes you ate year-round. Were there certain meals your yiayia or parents always started making when the weather changed?

What Greek foods make you think, "Okay, fall is officially here"?

Vegetarian Pastitsio Options?

I’ve been thinking about making a vegetarian version of pastitsio, but I’m not sure what would work best in place of the traditional meat sauce. I’d still like it to taste rich and satisfying and keep some of the character of the original dish rather than turning it into a completely different casserole.

Has anyone here made vegetarian pastitsio before? I was thinking lentils might work well because they would give the sauce some substance, especially with tomato, onion, cinnamon, and the other usual seasonings. Mushrooms also seem like they could add a nice savory flavor, either on their own or mixed with lentils. I’ve even seen versions using eggplant or zucchini.

I’d definitely keep the pasta and béchamel the same. What filling have you had the most success with? I’d especially love ideas that still taste traditionally Greek rather than just being a generic vegetarian pasta bake.

What to do with garden zucchini?

Every summer, I seem to end up with more zucchini from the garden than I know what to do with! Of course, in Greek cooking there are plenty of good options, but I’m always looking for new ideas once I’ve made the usual favorites a few times.

I tend to use zucchini for kolokithokeftedes, briam, stuffed zucchini, and simple sautéed dishes with olive oil and herbs. I also like adding it to vegetable pies or roasting it alongside potatoes and other summer vegetables. Still, when the garden is producing zucchini constantly, it’s easy to run out of inspiration.

What does everyone else do with an abundance of garden zucchini? Are there traditional Greek recipes you make every summer, especially ones that use a lot at once?

I’d also love ideas for preserving or freezing zucchini in a way that works well for Greek dishes later in the year.
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