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mj_toronto8

Active member
I’ve had fries all over the world, but nothing compares to the fries in Greece! Whether they’re served with souvlaki, as part of a meze spread, or just on their own with feta and oregano, Greek fries are something special. They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and have an incredible flavor.

I’ve tried making them at home, but they never quite turn out the same. I know that a lot of places in Greece use fresh potatoes, and I’ve heard they sometimes fry them in olive oil. Is that the secret? Should I be double-frying them like Belgian fries? And what type of potatoes work best?

Also, how do I season them properly to get that authentic taste? Do Greek restaurants use a specific type of oregano or other spices?
 
You're absolutely right—Greek fries are on another level! The secret is a combination of fresh potatoes (often locally grown), olive oil, and proper seasoning. Many Greek tavernas use yellow-fleshed potatoes, like Yukon Gold, for their creamy interior and crispy exterior.

Frying in olive oil is key! While extra virgin olive oil has a lower smoke point, many Greeks use it for frying because it adds a rich, authentic flavor. A double-fry method works well—first at a lower temperature (about 325°F) to cook them through, then a second fry at a higher temp (375°F) to get them crispy.

For seasoning, Greek oregano is a must—it has a more robust, earthy flavor than regular oregano. A sprinkle of sea salt and a light dusting of paprika also enhances the taste. If you want them truly authentic, top with crumbled feta and a squeeze of lemon juice.
 

Favorite classic taverna dishes to make at home?

One of my favorite parts of visiting Greece is sitting at a taverna table and ordering a mix of classic dishes to share. There’s something about that combination of simple ingredients, olive oil, herbs, and slow cooking that feels both comforting and special at the same time. It always makes me want to recreate those meals once I’m back home.

I’m curious which classic taverna dishes people like to make in their own kitchens. Do you go for things like moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki, or grilled fish? Are there certain appetizers or meze that you’ve found are surprisingly easy to prepare at home? I’ve had good luck with dishes like tzatziki, horiatiki salad, and baked feta, but I’d love to expand my repertoire.

Are there any taverna favorites that turned out better homemade than you expected? Or ones that are worth the effort because they bring back that authentic atmosphere? I’d love ideas and inspiration.

Making a Greek Salad with Lettuce?

Most people think that horiatiki doesn't have lettuce, but depending on the region, do you know that I have seem them with lettuce? I get the feeling that what we outside of Greece think of as horiatiki isn't white it. When I go to Greece in the height of summer, it doesn't have lettuce. When I go outside of that, it might have lettuce. What is actually going on here?

That being said, I often see a "Green Salad" on menus. And a variation of cabbage salad, similar to the kind I make at home, but at home I only use cabbage and in Greece I see it with other ingredients like shaved carrots. I have even seen Greek cabbage salad served on a bed of lettuce! What is actually going on here? What is the real story with lettuce usage in Greece?

Making Smaller Batch Patstitsio

I love pastitsio, but I’ve run into a practical problem, the traditional recipes make a lot of food. Even using a standard 9×13 pan ends up being more than I really need, especially when I’m just cooking for myself or one other person. Sometimes I just want enough for dinner (maybe with one leftover portion), not a full tray that lasts for days.

Has anyone had success making smaller batch pastitsio? Do you simply scale the ingredients down and use a smaller baking dish, or are there adjustments that help the layers hold together better when it’s made in a smaller quantity? I’ve wondered about using loaf pans, square pans, or even individual portions, but I’m not sure how that affects cooking time or texture.

I’d love to hear what has worked for others who still want the full pastitsio experience without committing to a huge pan every time.

Looking for Go-To Greek Lenten Recipes

I’ve been trying to expand what I cook during Lent, and I realized I tend to rotate through the same few meals every year. Things like fasolada, lentils, simple vegetable dishes, and occasionally some seafood, but I know there’s a much bigger tradition out there.

What I’m especially curious about are the recipes people actually grew up eating at home, not just the well-known ones you see online. The kinds of dishes that feel satisfying and comforting even without meat or dairy. I’ve heard there are some wonderful regional specialties too, especially with legumes and greens.

What are your go-to Lenten meals? Anything that feels essential in your family or region that you’d recommend trying?

List of My Favorite Greek Foods

I thought it would be fun to share my favorite Greek foods! I would love to hear about yours, as well.


Fasolakia - Particularly made with Green beans

Avgolemono - my favorite comfort food soup!

Traditional gyros - Made just like they are in Greece

Horiatiki - only the freshest produce (especially tomatoes) and best feta goes in mine

Koulourakia - such a great simple thing to have on hadn't to serve guests and eat with coffee

Moussaka - an absolute pain for me to make, I have a restaurant nearby that makes THE BEST

Stuffed grape leaves - also time consuming, but I love making them with fresh grape leaves

Fakes - I love lentil soup

Greek bread! - I figured out how to make it like it is in Greece.



Of course, those are just my top choices. I love most Greek foods, to be honest.
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