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dpappas87

Active member
My family used to make Greek fried bread all the time when I was growing up, and I’ve been trying to recreate it recently. The flavor is there, but mine keeps turning out soggy instead of crisp on the outside and soft inside like I remember.

I’m wondering if I’m using too much oil or maybe not enough heat? How much oil do you usually put in the pan when making it? Do you shallow fry it or just lightly coat the bottom? I’ve tried a few times now, and the bread seems to soak up the oil instead of frying properly.

I also wonder if the dough itself could be the issue. Maybe it’s too wet or too thick?

Would love any advice from people who grew up making this or still make it regularly. Tips on oil temperature, dough texture, or even what type of pan works best would really help!
 
  • Fix Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough 360 F /180 C If the oil is too cold, the bread absorbs it; too hot, and it burns outside before cooking inside.
  • Use a Wire Rack: Never place hot fried bread directly on a flat plate or paper towels, as this traps steam and makes it soggy. Use a wire rack.
  • Don't Overcrowd: Fry in batches. Too many pieces lower the oil temperature rapidly.
  • Don't Over-mix Dough: If the dough is too wet/sticky, add a small amount of flour, but handle gently to avoid a tough, dense, and soggy product.
  • Drain Properly: Blot the top with a paper towel after removing from the oil to remove excess oil
 
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  • Fix Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough 360 F /180 C If the oil is too cold, the bread absorbs it; too hot, and it burns outside before cooking inside.
  • Use a Wire Rack: Never place hot fried bread directly on a flat plate or paper towels, as this traps steam and makes it soggy. Use a wire rack.
  • Don't Overcrowd: Fry in batches. Too many pieces lower the oil temperature rapidly.
  • Don't Over-mix Dough: If the dough is too wet/sticky, add a small amount of flour, but handle gently to avoid a tough, dense, and soggy product.
  • Drain Properly: Blot the top with a paper towel after removing from the oil to remove excess oil
Great tips! Couldn't have said it any better. :)
 

Greek cooking without a recipe?

I've been thinking about how much traditional Greek cooking relies on instinct rather than following exact recipes. Some of the Greek dishes I learned to make were taught to me by feel, with someone showing me what to do rather than measuring everything out.

I actually enjoy cooking this way, but I've noticed that it can make certain dishes difficult to recreate consistently! Sometimes everything comes together perfectly, and other times I wonder what I did differently.

I'm curious how others approach this. Did you learn Greek cooking by watching your yiayia, mother, or other relatives? Do you measure ingredients, or do you just know when something looks, smells, or tastes right?

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?

Favorite Greek Cheeses Beyond Feta

Feta gets most of the attention when people talk about Greek cheese, but there are so many other varieties worth trying. I’m curious which Greek cheeses everyone enjoys most beyond feta.

Graviera is one of my favorites because it works so well on a cheese plate, grated over dishes, or just eaten with bread. Kasseri is another one I really like, especially melted. I’ve also been interested in trying more regional cheeses like metsovone, manouri, kefalotyri, and formaela.

Some Greek cheeses seem to be much easier to find outside Greece than others, so I’d also love to know which ones people regularly buy and where they usually find them.

What Greek cheeses do you keep coming back to? Are there certain ones you associate with a particular region, dish, or family tradition? And if someone has mostly eaten feta, which Greek cheese would you recommend they try next?

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.
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