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dpappas87

Active member
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.
 
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?

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.

Lentil Dishes Beyond Lentil Soup

I’ve been cooking more lentils lately, mostly the classic Greek lentil soup, which I like a lot, but I know there has to be more out there. Lentils are one of those ingredients that feel very traditional and practical, inexpensive, filling, and honestly perfect for colder weather or fasting periods.

I’m curious what other Greek lentil dishes people make besides soup. Are there regional recipes, salads, or baked dishes that you recommend? I’ve heard of lentils served with vinegar and olive oil almost like a salad, and I’m wondering how common that is.

I’m especially interested in recipes that feel hearty and satisfying, not just light sides. Something you could put on the table as a main dish. How do you cook lentils?

Fasolakia with Frozen Vegetables?

I’ve always made fasolakia with fresh green beans, but recently I found out my cousin uses frozen ones, and I’m honestly a little skeptical. Part of what I love about fasolakia is the texture and the way the beans absorb the tomato, olive oil, and herbs during the long simmer. I keep thinking frozen vegetables might turn mushy or watery, or just not have the same flavor.

At the same time, I can see the convenience, especially when good fresh beans aren’t in season. So now I’m curious whether I’m being too rigid about it.

Has anyone here tried making fasolakia with frozen green beans? Did you change anything about the cooking method, like reducing liquid or cooking time? And did the final result still taste like proper fasolakia, or more like a shortcut version?

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.
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