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I’m on a culinary quest to master the art of making Loukaniko, the traditional Greek sausage that tantalizes taste buds with its savory blend of spices and herbs. I understand that each region and even each family might have their own special recipe passed down through generations.

Which leads me to my ask - could anyone who’s familiar with Greek cuisine share insights about the most common seasonings used in Loukaniko? I'm especially interested in any mix of spices that gives it that characteristic flavor profile.

I’ve done some preliminary research, but I’m looking for that firsthand knowledge. What's the blend that makes your Loukaniko stand out? Are there any particular secrets to perfect the authentic taste?
 
Try this - someone gave me this recipe once:
  • 2 pounds ground pork (you can also use a combination of pork and beef)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange peel
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Hog casings (available at butcher shops or online)
I don't have instructions. I am assuming you'd follow the directions on your sausage device thing if you have one? If not, I'd imagine you mix the ingredients and form them into patties or sausage shapes and cook. If you do it this way you won't need the casings.
 

Cooking Wild Greens Greek Style

I grew up eating wild greens (horta) the traditional Greek way—boiled until tender, then dressed simply with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt. It’s one of those comfort foods that reminds me of home, and I still make it this way all the time.

Lately, I’ve been wondering—do other people prepare horta differently? Are there any regional variations or little tricks that elevate the flavor? I’ve heard of some people sautéing the greens after boiling or adding garlic, but I’ve never tried it myself.

Also curious what kinds of greens you use. I usually go with dandelion or chicory, but sometimes I mix in kale or mustard greens if I can’t find the wild stuff.

Would love to hear how you make yours—same simple prep, or do you spice it up? Open to new ideas while still keeping that traditional feel!

Greek Open-Fire Grilling (Psistaria Style)

Hey all, just wanted to pick your brains a bit about psistaria-style open-fire grilling. I’ve been around it plenty (family feasts, Easter lamb, late-night souvlaki sessions), but lately I’ve been getting more hands-on and want to refine my setup and technique.

I’m curious what others are doing when it comes to charcoal vs wood, managing heat, and what cuts of meat you swear by for the grill. Are you marinating your lamb or pork overnight or keeping it simple with salt, lemon, and oregano? Do you use a rotating spit (souvla) or just go with grills and skewers?

Also wondering what extras you throw on—do you do loukaniko, whole veggies, bread on the coals?

Love hearing how others approach this. There’s nothing like psistaria vibes, especially with friends, cold beer, and that smoky air. Let’s swap notes and maybe inspire each other before summer kicks in!

What's your favorite Greek wine?

I’m looking to expand my Greek wine knowledge and would love your input—what’s your favorite Greek wine?

I’ve tried a few well-known ones like Assyrtiko from Santorini and Agiorgitiko from Nemea, and I really enjoyed them both. But I know there’s so much more out there, from island varieties to mountain-grown grapes and even sweet dessert wines like Vinsanto.

Whether it’s white, red, rosé, or something sparkling or rare, I’d love to hear what you love and why. Do you drink it with certain foods? Buy it locally or abroad?

I’m especially curious about regional wines I may not have heard of—always excited to discover a new favorite! Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Has anyone made Greek grilled octopus at home?

Every time I visit Greece, I fall in love all over again with grilled octopus—tender, smoky, perfectly charred, and drizzled with olive oil and lemon. But every time I try making it at home, it turns out tough and rubbery. I’m starting to wonder if the secret isn’t just in the cooking, but in how the octopus is prepped beforehand.

Does anyone know if the octopus sold in Greece is treated differently before hitting the grill? I’ve read that in Greece, they sometimes tenderize it by pounding it or drying it out in the sun. Are we missing that step here in the U.S.?

I’d love to recreate that amazing texture and flavor at home—so if you’ve had any success (or lessons learned), please share your tips! Do you boil it first? Freeze it? Grill it low and slow?

Greek Keto-Friendly Meals?

I’m Greek and absolutely love our food, but I’ve recently started following a keto lifestyle and I’m trying to figure out how to make it work with traditional Greek cuisine. So much of what I love—like spanakopita, yemista with rice, and baked pasta dishes—seems off-limits right now.

That said, I know there are tons of naturally keto-friendly options in our diet—grilled meats, seafood, olives, cheeses, veggies cooked in olive oil—but I’d love to hear how others are navigating this. Have you adapted any traditional recipes to make them keto? Any ideas for phyllo-free spanakopita or low-carb versions of classics?

I’d especially love tips on mezze options I can enjoy without going off track, or ideas for keto meals that still feel authentically Greek.
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