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Makaronia Me Kima Meat Question

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mastichas09

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Can you use different kinds of ground meat in Makaronia me Kima? I usually have only had it (outside of Greece) with beef. I've had it in Greece and it tastes different a little bit... is it possible it is a different meat? It didn't quite taste like lamb.

At home, can I use different meats? I don't always want to eat beef, but that is the easiest to find. I tried making it with ground turkey once and that was a disaster.
 
It was most likely ground beef. I have heard that pork mixed with beef gives it a better flavor, so it could have been that. Contrary to what people believe, Greeks don't eat lamb very often (it's mostly on Pascha and that's it).

Everything in Greece tastes different, which is why it's hard to replicate a recipe that will have the exact same taste that you experienced in Greece.
 
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mastichas09 said:
Can you use different kinds of ground meat in Makaronia me Kima? I usually have only had it (outside of Greece) with beef. I've had it in Greece and it tastes different a little bit... is it possible it is a different meat? It didn't quite taste like lamb.

At home, can I use different meats? I don't always want to eat beef, but that is the easiest to find. I tried making it with ground turkey once and that was a disaster.
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Stick with beef, make sure the ground beef you use has over 20% fat (that is what will flavour the entire thing). If you feel more fat is needed, use butter not olive oil. Be generous with Black pepper, oregano and or Rosemary (whichever you prefer and use).
 
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Thank you both for chiming in. This is great advice. You guys are right, everything tastes different in Greece! I will definitely stick to beef. I ended up trying lamb and it tasted off.
 
I would definitely make this with beef - I don't think lamb would taste right!
 
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