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axariotisxy

Active member
I had this recently in a restaurant and I loved it. I tried this recipe recently and it was good! I might add a little more spice next time, but I like mine hot.

Ingredients​

  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for a creamier texture)
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 1 small red chili pepper, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions​

  1. Blend the feta:
    • In a food processor, add the crumbled feta, olive oil, and yogurt (if using).
    • Blend until creamy but slightly textured.
  2. Add flavor:
    • Mix in red wine vinegar, chili pepper (or flakes), paprika, oregano, and garlic.
    • Blend again until smooth and well combined.
  3. Adjust consistency:
    • If too thick, drizzle in a little more olive oil or a splash of water.
  4. Serve:
    • Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with extra olive oil.

It seems like a lot of ingredients but once I had all the ingredients laid out, it came together fast. I served it with pita bread.
 
This sounds delicious! I love how versatile spicy whipped feta can be—you can tweak the spice level and even experiment with different flavors. Adding extra chili or a dash of cayenne could bring even more heat if you like it really spicy!

One variation I’ve tried is adding a bit of honey or roasted red peppers for a balance of sweet and spicy—it gives it a deeper, more complex flavor. A little fresh lemon zest can also brighten it up nicely.

Serving it with warm pita is a great choice, but I also love it as a spread on grilled meats or as a dip for veggies. It pairs so well with roasted eggplant or even crispy fries.

Thanks for sharing your experience!
 

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?
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