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ssherie_

Active member
I’ve recently started making loukoumades at home, and they’ve quickly become a family favorite. While the classic honey and cinnamon topping is always a hit, I’m eager to experiment with some new and creative flavors.

I’d love to hear your ideas for interesting toppings or flavor combinations to take my loukoumades to the next level. Have you tried drizzling them with chocolate, caramel, or perhaps something fruity like berry compote? Maybe a savory twist could work—feta and herbs, perhaps?

I’m open to sweet, savory, or even unconventional suggestions. Whether it’s a unique drizzle, an unexpected sprinkle, or a creative dipping sauce, I’m all ears!

Can’t wait to hear your suggestions and give them a try. Let’s get creative with these delicious little bites!
 
Loukoumades are such a fun treat to experiment with! Here are a few creative topping ideas to try:
  1. Chocolate Hazelnut Drizzle: Melt Nutella or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the loukoumades, then sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts or pistachios for a crunchy finish.
  2. Salted Caramel and Sea Salt: Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce and top with a light sprinkle of sea salt—sweet and salty perfection.
  3. Berry Compote: Make a quick compote with mixed berries, a bit of sugar, and lemon juice. Drizzle it over the loukoumades and finish with powdered sugar.
  4. Savory Twist: Try crumbled feta, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of thyme or za’atar for a Mediterranean-inspired savory version.
  5. Matcha Glaze: Mix matcha powder with powdered sugar and a little milk for a unique green tea glaze.
Let us know which combinations you try!
 

Navigating Dairy-Free in Greece

I’m traveling to Greece this summer with a family member who needs to be completely dairy-free—no cow’s milk, cheese, or yogurt. They’re unsure if they can tolerate sheep or goat dairy, so to be safe, they plan to avoid it entirely.

I know Greek cuisine has plenty of naturally dairy-free options, but I’d love advice from anyone who has navigated this before. Are tavernas familiar with dairy allergies? How easy is it to request dishes without feta or butter? Are there any traditional Greek dishes we should watch out for that might have hidden dairy?

What is your favorite way to cook loukaniko?

I recently picked up some loukaniko from a local Greek market, and I’m looking for the best way to cook it. I’ve had it grilled at tavernas before, but I want to know how you guys prepare it at home to get that perfect balance of crispy outside and juicy inside.

Do you:
  • Grill it whole over charcoal for that smoky flavor?
  • Pan-fry it with a little olive oil and maybe some wine or ouzo?
  • Roast it in the oven with potatoes and herbs?
  • Slice it up and add it to stews, lentils, or pasta dishes?
Also, do you have any favorite seasonings or sides that pair well with it? I’m thinking of serving it with some tzatziki or maybe some sautéed greens. Would love to hear your go-to methods!

Your favorite foods for lenten fasting?

With Lent approaching, I’m looking for some delicious and satisfying meals that fit within the traditional fasting guidelines. I know Greek cuisine has a lot of great options for this time of year, but I’d love to hear your go-to Lenten dishes!

I already know about classics like fava, fasolada (bean soup), and taramasalata, but I’d love to discover more recipes—especially ones that are easy to prepare and keep me full. Do you have any favorite legume-based meals, seafood dishes, or creative veggie recipes that work well for fasting?

Also, any favorite desserts or snacks that are Lenten-friendly? I’ve heard of halva and olive oil-based baked goods, but I’d love to try new ideas.

Looking forward to your recommendations! Thanks

Cooking Peloponnese Specialties at Home?

I recently traveled to the Peloponnese and absolutely fell in love with the food. From the incredible olive oil of Kalamata to hearty dishes like lamb kleftiko and lahanodolmades, everything was delicious. Now that I’m back home, I’d love to recreate some of the region’s specialties in my own kitchen.

Which traditional Peloponnesian dishes are the easiest to make at home? I’m especially interested in recipes that don’t require hard-to-find ingredients. Are there any must-try stews, simple meze, or seafood dishes that capture the flavors of the region? Also, any tips for making authentic sauces or using Greek herbs would be greatly appreciated!

Looking forward to hearing your recommendations—especially from anyone who has experience cooking these dishes. Thanks!

Stifado Recipe (Made with Beef)

Ingredients:​

  • 2.2 lbs beef chuck or stewing beef, cut into large chunks
  • 3 ½ cups pearl onions (or small shallots), peeled
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • ¾ cup red wine
  • 1 ¾ cups (14 oz can) chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3-4 whole cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground allspice
  • ½ tsp ground cumin (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • 1 cup beef broth or water

Instructions:​

1. Prepare the Beef:​

  • Pat the beef dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.

2. Cook the Onions:​

  • Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot.
  • Sauté the pearl onions until caramelized (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Deglaze and Simmer:​

  • Pour in the red wine vinegar and red wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  • Let the alcohol cook off for 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and all spices (cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, oregano, allspice, and cumin).
  • Return the beef to the pot, mix well, and bring to a boil.

4. Slow Cook:​

  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more broth or water.
  • The stew is ready when the beef is fall-apart tender and the onions are soft.

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