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nadellii

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I usually use the same recipe all the time - the one my mother showed me. But the other day, I didn't have enough of one of the ingredients (she uses cottage cheese and I didn't have enough) so to substitute I used a little soft goat cheese that I had in he fridge. It was yummy! It got me thinking that I don't always need to use the same recipe, right? I can do different things? I am curious the ingredients in your filling (you don't need to give me proportions, I am just curious what you use). I use cottage cheese and imported feta (except that one time where I had to use some goat cheese).
 
I usually use the same recipe all the time - the one my mother showed me. But the other day, I didn't have enough of one of the ingredients (she uses cottage cheese and I didn't have enough) so to substitute I used a little soft goat cheese that I had in he fridge. It was yummy! It got me thinking that I don't always need to use the same recipe, right? I can do different things? I am curious the ingredients in your filling (you don't need to give me proportions, I am just curious what you use). I use cottage cheese and imported feta (except that one time where I had to use some goat cheese).
I wonder if the soft goat cheese added a different flavor! I feel like there's wiggle room with tiro pita... as long as the overall amounts are the same, I bet it will taste great!
 
I usually use the same recipe all the time - the one my mother showed me. But the other day, I didn't have enough of one of the ingredients (she uses cottage cheese and I didn't have enough) so to substitute I used a little soft goat cheese that I had in he fridge. It was yummy! It got me thinking that I don't always need to use the same recipe, right? I can do different things? I am curious the ingredients in your filling (you don't need to give me proportions, I am just curious what you use). I use cottage cheese and imported feta (except that one time where I had to use some goat cheese).
There is definitely room to experiment. Traditional tiropita is all about feta being the main star. That dosent mean that there aren’t versions of of tiropita with other cheeses. For instance, there is kasseropita (Kasseri cheese a Greek cheese that is a springy-textured, stringy cheese). I usually sub Gruyère cheese when I can’t find it.
 
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There is definitely room to experiment. Traditional tiropita is all about feta being the main star. That dosent mean that there aren’t versions of of tiropita with other cheeses. For instance, there is kasseropita (Kasseri cheese a Greek cheese that is a springy-textured, stringy cheese). I usually sub Gruyère cheese when I can’t find it.
I never thought to sub gruyere cheese! That's a good tip, I will keep that in mind. Could you make tiropita with feta only? I didn't realize!
 
My mother always used a combination of Farmers cheese and Feta, it was always delicious!
 
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My mother always used a combination of Farmers cheese and Feta, it was always delicious!
Interesting, what is farmer's cheese? I might try this.
 
farmers cheese is similar to a cottage cheese but it's smooth and firmer so it holds up well and is a different texture. It blends well with other cheeses.
 

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!

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.

How does your family season dolmades?

I’ve been thinking about how much dolmades can vary from one family to another, especially when it comes to seasoning. Even when the basic ingredients are similar, the flavor can be completely different depending on which herbs and spices are used.

How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?

Do You Make Avgolemono Thick or Brothy?

I usually prefer avgolemono somewhere in the middle. I don’t like it so thick that it feels almost like a cream soup, but I also don’t want it completely thin and brothy. For me, the best version has enough egg and lemon to give the broth some body while still keeping it light.

A lot probably depends on what kind of avgolemono you’re making, too. In chicken soup, I like it a little more brothy because I want the rice or orzo and chicken to still stand out. With something like lahanodolmades, I don’t mind the avgolemono sauce being thicker because it is coating the food rather than serving as the soup itself.

The lemon level matters just as much as the thickness. I like enough lemon to make it bright and noticeable, but not so much that it overwhelms everything else. I think balance is really the key.

What Is the Best Way to Serve Taramosalata?

I absolutely love taramosalata and have it pretty regularly at home, but I’m having some people over soon and was wondering about the best way to serve it when entertaining.

Normally I just eat it with some bread or pita, so I don’t really put much thought into presentation. For guests, though, I’d like to make it part of a nice Greek-style spread with a few other things on the table. I was thinking warm pita triangles, crusty bread, maybe some cucumber and other vegetables for dipping, but I’m curious what everyone else usually serves with it.

Do you drizzle a little olive oil over the top or add any kind of garnish? And are there particular meze that you think pair especially well with taramosalata?

I’d love some ideas for making it look a little more special while still keeping everything traditional and simple.
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