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acamp7

Active member
As Ive traveled the world a bit, I noticed that so many different countries have rice pudding!! So my question is....is there anything that makes the Greek variation special/different? Because from the pictures, everyones rice pudding pretty much looks like this lol

Rizogalo.jpg
 
Great question! I have only had Greek rice pudding, so I am not sure and look forward to other replying on this one :)
 
Every country seems to put its own touches on one of the World’s favorite comfort foods….rice pudding. The major differences are: the type of rice used (or available), the method of cooking (stove top or baked), the binding ingredient (milk, eggs, cornstarch etc.) and perhaps most important, the seasonings and accompaniments used. For example I’ve made a Lebanese rice pudding with rose water and almonds. An Indian pudding might contain cardamom and raisins; an Italian pudding could even contain coffee and chocolate! While most rice pudding recipes are very similar to the Greek in their use of cinnamon, what surprised me most about the Greek version was that it was often served in the villages warm for breakfast….like waiting for the fresh donuts!! 😋
 
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Every country seems to put its own touches on one of the World’s favorite comfort foods….rice pudding. The major differences are: the type of rice used (or available), the method of cooking (stove top or baked), the binding ingredient (milk, eggs, cornstarch etc.) and perhaps most important, the seasonings and accompaniments used. For example I’ve made a Lebanese rice pudding with rose water and almonds. An Indian pudding might contain cardamom and raisins; an Italian pudding could even contain coffee and chocolate! While most rice pudding recipes are very similar to the Greek in their use of cinnamon, what surprised me most about the Greek version was that it was often served in the villages warm for breakfast….like waiting for the fresh donuts!! 😋
Great point!! What type of rice do you recommend? And what type of rice do Greeks use?
 
The Greek version is pretty simple. Usually rice, milk, honey or sugar, cinnamon. I have seen recipes with orange peel, maybe some mahleb or vanilla. Other countries have similarities, some even do it the same way. Some versions use other types of milk, like coconut milk (I think I saw that in a Thai restaurant). The nice thing about this dish is that it is pretty versatile.
 

What are the most famous Greek cheeses?

I've recently embarked on a culinary quest to explore the rich and diverse world of Greek cheeses. From the tangy feta found in traditional Greek salads to the sizzling delights of halloumi, Greece's cheese culture seems incredibly vast and flavorful. 🇬🇷

I'm reaching out to this knowledgeable community to ask: What are the most famous Greek cheeses that you've tried or heard of?

Are there any particular varieties that are a must-try or any hidden gems that rarely escape the borders of Greece? And if you have any delicious recipes or pairings to share, I'd love to hear about those too!

Traditional Greek soups in Greece?

Most of the Greeks I know are from the United States - so it's been a few generations since a lot of them spent extended time in Greece.

From what I understand, Greek cuisine kind of changes. From what I can tell, in the United States, the most popular soup is Egg and Lemon soup (avgolemono) but in Greece, I don't see to as much or rather, hear of it as much.

What are the most popular soups in Greece?

Getting souvlaki tender?

How do you make tender Greek souvlaki? I've attempted various recipes, marinated for different durations, and experimented with both high and low cooking temps, but I seem to be missing the mark for that mouth-watering tenderness commonly found in authentic Greek souvlaki.

Has anyone found a particular method or ingredient that makes a significant difference in achieving that ideal tenderness?

I use ladolemono, a marinate it overnight in ziplock baggies (after I cut the meat in cubes) and then I add them to the skewers and cook them on the grill. I typically use chicken.

Enjoying Cooking with Greek Honey

One of the things I love most about Greek honey is its versatility. You can use it in so many different ways in the kitchen. I've drizzled it over Greek yogurt for breakfast, mixed it into salad dressings for a touch of sweetness, and even used it as a glaze for roasted vegetables. The depth of flavor it adds to dishes is truly remarkable.

But perhaps my favorite way to use Greek honey is in baking. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to cakes, cookies, and pastries. I recently made a batch of baklava using Greek honey, and it was a game-changer. The honey soaked into the layers of phyllo dough, creating a sweet and sticky treat that was absolutely irresistible.

I go out of my way to buy it - if I can't find it locally, I get it online. When I go to Greece, I get some in Greece, too.

What do you love to use Greek honey for?

greek-honey.jpg

No Meat Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) Recipe

It has taken me a long time to get vegetarian dolmades to the point where I enjoy them. Here is my recipe. It uses a lot of oil, so strict fasters shouldn't eat them. But most people aren't super strict so I would even say these are good for lent!

Ingredients:​

  • 1 jar of grape leaves (about 60-70 leaves)
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water

Instructions:​

  1. Prepare the Grape Leaves:
    • If using grape leaves preserved in brine, rinse them well under cold water to remove excess salt. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cold water. Trim off any stems.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  3. Fill and Roll the Grape Leaves:
    • Place a grape leaf flat on a clean work surface, shiny side down, with the stem end facing you. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the rice filling onto the center of the leaf, near the stem end.
    • Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a small cylinder.
    • Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling, arranging the rolled dolmades seam-side down in a large pot or deep skillet, packing them snugly together.
  4. Cook the Dolmades:
    • Once all the dolmades are rolled and packed in the pot, drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
    • Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the dolmades.
    • Place a heatproof plate or lid directly on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged during cooking.
    • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the grape leaves are tender.
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