1 - 6 of 6 Posts
I have been having trouble with frozen phyllo - it sticks when I take it out of the package. I will try to switch to a different brand, but I am wondering if I should actually give making my wn phyllo a try? Do you guys have any tips for me?

I found this recipe - does it look good to you guys? I have never done this before:

 
Frozen phyllo dough should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator, and then the next day left out at room temp for about 2 hours. That should make it easier to use and handle, and do work quickly as it dries out quickly, so the faster you put your dish together, the easier it will be to work with.
 
  • Like
Reactions: axariotisxy
I agree - definitely make sure that the phyllo is thawed overnight in the refrigerator. I would try that before making your own phyllo.
 
  • Like
Reactions: axariotisxy
It must be thawed overnight in the 'fridge, or you'll never be able to do anything with it. You can leave at room temperature for about 2 hours before using. It helps to work quickly, that way it won't dry out much, and you can place a damp dish towel underneath wax paper of the phyllo. If you have excess for the size pan you're using, just fold it over, If it's small, piece together some other sheets to fill in. It does not need to be neat and tidy, work swiftly, brush with butter, and keep going. It doesn't matter how you piece it together, as after it's baked it will all be smooth.

Have all ingredients ready to use before starting assembling with the phyllo. I can usually assemble a pan of baklava in about 10 minutes. If a sheet cracks or breaks, it doesn't matter, just put another one over it. If you're making baklava, score the pieces before baking, so when you pour syrup over it, it will sink in to all pieces. For spanakopita or any other type of pita, you don't need to score.
 
  • Like
Reactions: axariotisxy
Luana, thanks for all the help. I did exactly what you said, and the problems I had been having with phyllo stopped! I never realized that the way it's thawed makes such a huge difference.
 
Luana, thanks for all the help. I did exactly what you said, and the problems I had been having with phyllo stopped! I never realized that the way it's thawed makes such a huge difference.
You're very welcome! Glad I could help. I don't think there's any info on the box of phyllo. I learned this from one of my aunts, or I wouldn't have known it either. It also helps to have all ingredients ready to go before you start with the phyllo. I can assemble a pan of baklava in about 10 minutes, once the nuts are chopped, then I start with the phyllo and brushing with butter, and work quickly. Phyllo dough is very forgiving. If a sheet breaks, just piece together, after its baked, you would never know it.
 

How to learn about different regional cuisines in Greece?

I have learned so much about Greek cuisine by being on this forum! I know that there are standard recipes that everyone seems to cook.

For example, you can get souvlaki all over. Everyone seems to serve a village salad with slight variations. Most regions seem to make moussaka. There are tons of others.

I have also noticed that each region has their own specialties. How do you go about learning about them?

greek-salad.jpg

Can you make your own rusks?

I love Cretan Dakos!
There's something about the combination of the crunchy rusk soaked with the juice of ripe tomatoes, topped with fresh cheese and olive oil, that has me hooked!

However, given that I live in an area where it's challenging to find authentic Cretan rusks, I'm contemplating on whether I can bake my own at home. I'm curious if anyone here has attempted to make rusks suitable for dakos from scratch.

I know I can order then online. I tried this, and they didn't survive the shipping too well.

Traditional Greek soups in Greece?

Most of the Greeks I know are from the United States - so it's been a few generations since a lot of them spent extended time in Greece.

From what I understand, Greek cuisine kind of changes. From what I can tell, in the United States, the most popular soup is Egg and Lemon soup (avgolemono) but in Greece, I don't see to as much or rather, hear of it as much.

What are the most popular soups in Greece?

Best meze to serve at Easter?

What is the best Greek meze to serve for Greek Easter? I want dishes that will wow my guests and make this Easter unforgettable. I’m looking for meze that are both traditional and have that ‘wow’ factor in terms of visual appeal and taste. I’d appreciate if you could share your favorites and perhaps some personal tips or recipes that make them stand out.

Here’s what I’m considering so far, but I’d love your input:
  • Tzatziki - A refreshing yogurt, cucumber, and garlic dip.
  • Spanakopita - Hearty spinach and feta pie encased in flaky pastry.
  • Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves) - A tangy and herb-infused delight.
  • Feta cheese. A classic - I sometimes drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
  • Olives. No meze spread is complete without olives.
What else should I put out? Or is that enough? We're having about 20 people.

Stuffed grape leaves - how much filling?

I haven't made stuffed grape leaves in a while and I have some questions.

First of all, I am having a hard time judging how much filling to put in each leaf? I have a friend who helped me and tried to explain. She'd put a teaspoon of filling in the leaf, then add or subtract more after looking at it. She's quick rolling, and I have no idea how she knows how much filling.

And she really couldn't explain it - just said that you have to look at it and it's by feel. It sounds like my yiayia and she's younger than me! I told her that and she just shrugged. She tried to talk me through it as we were rolling together but it seemed so random to me.
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top