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dimi_pat

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I've seen so many different recipe variations of tzatziki, and I really don't know what's most traditional and authentic. I have noticed that many restaurants in the United States add dill to the sauce, but that it's not super common in Greece. Does anyone know what is more traditional? Is the dill version from a specific region in Greece? I like the sauce with and without it, but I am just curious.
 
I don't really like dill so I never make my tzatziki with it. I know a lot of Greeks in the US who love dill and they put it in everything!
 
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I don't really like dill so I never make my tzatziki with it. I know a lot of Greeks in the US who love dill and they put it in everything!
I personally like both versions. But I have never seen it with dill in Greece. Not sure why though.
 
My family do not garlic. My tzatziki consists of Greek yoghurt, mint, olive oil and salt. Dill is used in Greek salad, lamb baking.
At the end of the day, oregano, rosemary and dill re the popular erbs of choice in Greek cooking. How you use them is personal taste. Patisqua
 
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My family do not garlic. My tzatziki consists of Greek yoghurt, mint, olive oil and salt. Dill is used in Greek salad, lamb baking.
At the end of the day, oregano, rosemary and dill re the popular erbs of choice in Greek cooking. How you use them is personal taste. Patisqua
I've never thought of not adding tzatziki! It will save my breath for sure!
 
I've never thought of not adding tzatziki! It will save my breath for sure!
Try it. My sister is allergic to garlic. We're the only Greek house in the world that doesn't have onions and garlic in the house.
 
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Try it. My sister is allergic to garlic. We're the only Greek house in the world that doesn't have onions and garlic in the house.
That is a shame! Do you find that the food tastes just as good?
 
Does dill grow well in Greece? I noticed here that Dill tends to struggle when it's hot out. I've had it both with and without dill and they're both good - just different. I don't make it with dill because it is not easy for me to find, and I also have never had it in Greece with dill.
 

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.

How Much Garlic in a Batch of Tzatziki?

How much garlic do you usually put in a batch of tzatziki? I think I may be using a little too much. I usually make mine with about 2 cups of Greek yogurt and 4 cloves of garlic, along with cucumber, olive oil, and the other usual ingredients.

It tastes great when I first make it, but we usually take about three days to finish the batch. By the second or third day, the garlic flavor and smell become really strong. Some people in my household love that and don’t mind it at all, but others think it becomes a bit overpowering. I’m starting to agree that four cloves might be too much, especially since the garlic seems to get stronger as it sits.

What do you all do? How many cloves would you use for about 2 cups of Greek yogurt?

Do you make Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?

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.

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!
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