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auroracoor1

Active member
I’m planning to make tzatziki for a party and would love some advice on making it ahead of time. I’ve noticed that when it sits in the fridge too long, the garlic can become really intense—sometimes even overpowering. I love a garlicky tzatziki, but I don’t want it to turn bitter or sharp by the time guests arrive.

How far in advance can I safely make tzatziki without the flavor becoming too strong or the texture going watery? Are there any tips for keeping it fresh—like straining the yogurt longer, or waiting to add the garlic or cucumber until the last minute?

Any tricks for keeping the flavor balanced if it’s stored overnight or for a full day?
 

Top 5 Favorite Greek Foods to Grill?

I absolutely love hosting summer dinner parties outside, there’s nothing better than good food, good company, and a warm evening breeze. I tend to stick with Greek food (with a few fun twists), and grilling has become my favorite way to cook when entertaining.

Here’s my current top 5 for the grill:
  1. Leg of lamb (slow and juicy!)
  2. Souvlaki (can’t go wrong)
  3. Grilled whole fish, Greek style with lemon and herbs
  4. Greek veggies in a grill pan—zucchini, peppers, onions, the works
  5. Pizza! Not traditional Greek, but it’s always a crowd pleaser
I’m always looking for new ideas to add to the lineup. What are your favorite Greek (or Greek-inspired) dishes to grill? I’d love to hear what others are making—especially things that feel festive, flavorful, and easy to serve outdoors. Open to everything from meats to cheeses to sides...

Handling dried gigantes?

I’m a huge fan of gigantes plaki and other dishes that use these giant beans. I am really struggling with the dried ones.

No matter how long I soak or boil them, they never seem to get quite soft enough. I’ve tried overnight soaking, longer cooking times, even baking soda in the soak water. Still hit-or-miss results. Sometimes they split before they soften, or the skins get tough.

I know canned gigantes exist, but I’d love to master the dried kind, especially for homemade plaki where texture really matters.

Any tips? Is there a soaking method or cooking trick that’s worked well for you? I am considering trying to get them soft in a pressure cooker, maybe that will help?

Understanding Greek Condiments

I’ve noticed that condiments in Greece can vary quite a bit depending on where you are. For example, when I visit Crete, there’s always fresh lemon on the table, and people use it on everything, from meat to greens. In other places, I see a lot of vinegar being used, especially with salads and fried foods.

It got me wondering, what are the most common condiments across different regions of Greece? Do Greeks ever use things like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise at home, or is that mostly in tourist areas?

I know olive oil and lemon are staples, but sometimes I see things on tables that surprise me. Just curious if there are certain traditional uses for these “modern” condiments or if it’s more regional/custom-based. Would love to hear your thoughts or family traditions!

Homemade Gyro Meat?

I absolutely love gyros, but I’ve never been a fan of the store-bought meat—it always tastes a bit too processed for me. I’m thinking about trying to make my own gyro meat at home, but I’m not sure where to start. Is it as simple as roasting a leg of lamb and carving thin slices? Or is there a better way to get that classic texture and flavor?

I’ve seen some people use a mix of lamb and beef, ground and packed tightly into a loaf pan. Others say the key is in the spices and pressing the meat after cooking. I’m open to experimenting, but I’d love to hear what’s worked for others.

Which Greek dishes did you love as a kid?

I’m planning a big Greek family gathering soon and there will be a lot of kids there—some of them pretty picky eaters! It got me thinking about what I used to love as a kid growing up in a Greek household.

Honestly, I was a super picky eater back then (hard to believe now!), but there were still a few dishes I always wanted seconds of. I remember loving things like koulourakia, fried meatballs (keftedakia), and avgolemono soup. Simple, comforting, and easy to eat.

Now I’m wondering, which Greek dishes did you love as a kid? I’d love to serve a few things at the gathering that will be hits with the younger crowd but still feel authentically Greek. Bonus points if they’re easy to prep ahead or good for a buffet-style setup.
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