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mj_toronto8

Active member
Growing up, I didn't realize that capers were considered a part of Greek cuisine. It seems as if they grow well in Greece! I know that capers are often part of the village salad version that you can find on Santorini. How else are they used in Greek cuisine? I did some research and found some tips:
  • It seems that Greeks sometimes put them in stews?
  • I saw a recipe somewhere that it was a dish that had a tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, and there were capers in it
The issue is that I don't know if this is accurate, and I also don't know what the recipes are.
 
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Growing up, I didn't realize that capers were considered a part of Greek cuisine. It seems as if they grow well in Greece! I know that capers are often part of the village salad version that you can find on Santorini. How else are they used in Greek cuisine? I did some research and found some tips:
  • It seems that Greeks sometimes put them in stews?
  • I saw a recipe somewhere that it was a dish that had a tomato-based sauce with peppers and onions, and there were capers in it
The issue is that I don't know if this is accurate, and I also don't know what the recipes are.
The Greek caper is a culinary wonder and particularly the capers from Tinos and the Cyclades. It is used fresh in Greek salad or boiled vegetables as well as in red sauce for spaghetti, on pizza, in tuna salads and egg salad. On Tinos there is also a dip made with capers. You can learn more about its secrets above. Have in mind capers are salty so don't use salt when you add capers.
 
The Greek caper is a culinary wonder and particularly the capers from Tinos and the Cyclades. It is used fresh in Greek salad or boiled vegetables as well as in red sauce for spaghetti, on pizza, in tuna salads and egg salad. On Tinos there is also a dip made with capers. You can learn more about its secrets above. Have in mind capers are salty so don't use salt when you add capers.
Do you use the caper berries or the smaller, unripe capers that are often picked and brined? I have realized that there are uses for both...
 
Do you use the caper berries or the smaller, unripe capers that are often picked and brined? I have realized that there are uses for both...
All parts are used ... the leaves pickled and the berries in brine and then in salads and more
 
All parts are used ... the leaves pickled and the berries in brine and then in salads and more
I have never had caper leaves! Wow - I think I will have to track some of these down... capers are my favorite. I always keep on hand because they add something very special to the dishes I include them in.
 
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Do you make your pastitsio with a thick or thin layer of krema?

I've always preferred my pastitsio with a nice, thick layer of béchamel on top. To me, that's one of the best parts of the dish! I love when the krema is rich, creamy, and thick enough to hold its shape when you cut into the pastitsio.

The problem is that I've been having trouble getting my krema just right. Sometimes it comes out too thin, and other times the texture isn't quite as smooth as I'd like. I've tried adjusting the amount of flour and milk, but I still haven't found the perfect balance.

I'm curious how everyone else makes theirs. Do you prefer a thick layer of béchamel or just enough to cover the pasta? Does your family add eggs or cheese to the mixture?

I'd especially love to hear any tips for making a thick, smooth krema that sets beautifully when baked!

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.

What is the secret to making really good Greek lemon potatoes?

I've been making Greek lemon potatoes for years, and it's one of those dishes I make completely by feel. I don't measure anything, and I never really thought about how I make them because it's all second nature to me.

Recently, I tried teaching someone how to make them. Everything seemed straightforward while we were cooking together, but when they went home and tried making them on their own, all kinds of things went wrong! The potatoes weren't cooking evenly, the texture wasn't quite right, and the lemon flavor didn't come through the way it should.

It made me realize how much I rely on instinct when cooking traditional Greek food. I rarely write down recipes, so explaining every little detail is harder than I expected!

For those who make Greek lemon potatoes regularly, what tips would you give someone who's just learning?

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.

Do you put potatoes in your briam?

I've noticed that there are quite a few variations of briam, especially when it comes to which vegetables people include. One ingredient I'm particularly curious about is potatoes. Do you always put potatoes in your briam, or do you prefer making it without them?

I usually think of briam as a combination of zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and plenty of olive oil. I love how the potatoes absorb all those wonderful flavors as everything slowly roasts together in the oven.

However, I've seen recipes that leave the potatoes out entirely and focus more on the summer vegetables. I imagine that makes the dish a little lighter.

I'm also curious whether there are regional differences in how briam is prepared throughout Greece. Does your family have a particular way of making it? And what vegetables do you consider absolutely essential?
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