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dimi_pat

Active member
Now that the holidays are winding down, I realize that I haven't been paying attention to my health and have been eating a lot of really decadent foods. I have also gained five pounds. So, I plan to eat a lot lighter after new Year's is over. I made a list of some great foods to focus on.

Greek Salad:
Greek salad is a staple in traditional Greek cuisine. It is known for its simplicity, freshness, and nutritional value. A Greek salad typically consists of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and kalamata olives, all drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. This salad is a great way to add more vegetables to your diet and start your meal on a healthy note.

Grilled Fish:
Greek cuisine is famous for its seafood dishes. Fish is a great source of lean protein, omega-3 fats, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Grilled fish is a healthy option that can be flavored with a variety of Greek spices and herbs, such as oregano, dill, and thyme. Add a side of roasted or grilled vegetables, and you have a delicious and healthy meal.

Lentil Soup:
Lentil soup is another staple in Greek cuisine. It is a hearty and healthy soup that is loaded with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Lentil soup is easy to make, and you can add various vegetables and spices, such as onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. It is a perfect meal for those cold winter evenings, and it keeps you full for hours.

Stuffed Vegetables:
Stuffed vegetables are another popular Greek dish that is both healthy and flavorful. Greek stuffed vegetables can be made with various vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchinis, and tomatoes. The filling usually consists of rice, herbs, onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables. You can add some feta cheese on top for extra flavor. They are perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Greek Yogurt:
Greek yogurt is a healthy and delicious alternative to regular yogurt. It is low in calories and high in protein, making it a perfect snack or meal replacement. Greek yogurt can be used for various dishes such as sauces, dips, and even desserts. You can add some honey, nuts, or fruits to add extra flavor to your Greek yogurt.

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I agree with all this. I would add:

Horta - Boiled Greens:

Horta is a traditional Greek dish that is made by boiling greens such as dandelion leaves, spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. Horta is incredibly easy to prepare, and you only need to boil the greens in water for a few minutes until they are tender. You can then add some olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to the mix to enhance the flavor.

Greek Cabbage Salad

The Greek cabbage salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The ingredients used in this salad include shredded cabbage, and maybe other vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese if I feel like adding them. It's great as a standalone meal or pair it with some grilled chicken or chickpeas for a complete and balanced dish.

Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that consists of skewered meat and vegetables that are grilled to perfection. You can use chicken, beef, lamb, or pork for your protein source, and add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the skewers.
 

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 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.

What is your favorite Greek potato dish?

Potatoes show up in so many Greek meals, and I think they are often at their best when they soak up plenty of olive oil, lemon, herbs, and cooking juices.

Greek lemon potatoes are probably the first thing that comes to mind for me. I love when they are roasted until they are soft inside, a little crisp around the edges, and full of lemon and oregano. Potatoes cooked alongside chicken or lamb are also hard to beat because they absorb so much flavor from the pan.

I also enjoy simple boiled potatoes dressed with olive oil, lemon, parsley, and salt, especially with fish or grilled meat.

What Greek potato dish do you make most often? Do you prefer lemon potatoes, potatoes roasted with meat, fried potatoes, or something else? And is there a particular seasoning or family method that makes your version especially good?

What herbs do you use when making Greek stuffed zucchini?

I've been thinking about making Greek stuffed zucchini (kolokithakia gemista), and I'm curious about which herbs everyone uses in the filling. I've seen quite a few variations, and it seems like the combination of herbs can really influence the overall flavor of the dish.

Some recipes use plenty of fresh dill and parsley, while others include mint or even a little oregano. I've also noticed that some people add green onions for extra flavor. I'm wondering whether certain herbs are considered more traditional, especially when making stuffed zucchini with rice and ground meat.

Do you use a combination of herbs, or do you prefer to keep the seasoning fairly simple? Does your family have a particular recipe that has been passed down through generations?

I'm especially interested in how the herbs complement the avgolemono sauce. What combination do you think gives Greek stuffed zucchini the best flavor?

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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