Greek Food, Cooking and Recipe Community

Most Popular Types of Meat in Greece

1 - 5 of 5 Posts
T

toniiv

Active member
When I went to Greece I didn't see chicken much. I saw pork, goat, lamb, beef, and turkey the most, but I did see some chicken.

What types of meat are most popular? Does it depend on the region?

Mostly, I saw a TON of seafood last time I was there.
 
Pork and chicken. Greece is known for having really good pork.

Lamb and goat is actually not as wide spread unless you're in tourist locations. Greeks serve lamb for tourists because that's what they expect, but in reality, Greeks only eat lamb on Easter.


As far as seafood goes, none of it is fresh unless it's next to the sea. If you can't see the sea then you don't eat seafood, unless you're okay with eating frozen seafood. The reason people in Athens (and other cities on the sea) have trouble finding fresh seafood is because Greece doesn't allow commercial fishing the way the USA does, so you have small family owned businesses going out and catching what they can and then selling it.. because they don't catch as much as commercial fishermen, the fresh fish gets bought out very quickly, so now you're back to eating pork or chicken if you're on the mainland. On the islands there is more of a mix of seafood in your diet than on the mainland.
 
I have memories from the tiny island of Paxos where the chicken truck, filled to the brim with squawking birds, arrived in the village each week. My young daughter was horrified having only seen it previously, packaged in the supermarket. ellinasgolfer 0320 - great answer!
 
Lamb and goat are quite popular meats in Greece and are commonly featured in various dishes. Dishes like souvlaki (skewered and grilled meat), gyros (rotisserie-cooked meat), and moussaka (a layered casserole) often use lamb or goat meat. Chicken is indeed less prevalent than some of the other meats you mentioned, but it's still a part of Greek cuisine. You can find dishes like chicken souvlaki, and chicken-based stews, and if you're looking for a different preparation, you can even make delicious Greek chicken thighs in oven.
 
Last edited:
anthony.gaines said:
Lamb and goat are quite popular meats in Greece and are commonly featured in various dishes. Dishes like souvlaki (skewered and grilled meat), gyros (rotisserie-cooked meat), and moussaka (a layered casserole) often use lamb or goat meat. Chicken is indeed less prevalent than some of the other meats you mentioned, but it's still a part of Greek cuisine. You can find dishes like chicken souvlaki, and chicken-based stews, and if you're looking for a different preparation, you can even make delicious Greek chicken thighs in oven.
Click to expand...
No, they are not. You will not find lamb in a gyros or souvlaki. Just about every single souvlatzidiko you visit in Greece will only offer pork or chicken souvlakia/gyroi. I don't like to gate keep, but this is just wrong, especially for goat because even less people eat goat. Anyone who has ever lived in Greece knows this, and for some reason, people who were raised "Greek" and have never lived in Greece think Greeks love to eat lamb and goat as part of their regular diet, and it's just not true. The truth is that most people who claim to be Greek outside of Greece know little to nothing about the country (culture, food, language, everyday life) and misinformation gets spread all over the internet.
 
Last edited:
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Best Greek seafood dishes for summer grilling?

Summer is in full swing, and what better way to enjoy the season than firing up the grill? Which seafood dishes perfect for grilling. Greek cuisine's blend of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices makes it an ideal choice for light, summery meals, and I'm eager to hear your recommendations.

Do you have favorite Greek seafood recipes or dishes that shine especially bright when cooked over an open flame? Whether it's a classic recipe or a personal twist on traditional fare,I know about things like grilled octopus marinated in olive oil and oregano to the simplicity of shrimp saganaki.

Additionally, if you have preparation tips, marinade secrets, or any advice on grilling seafood the Greek way, please share. Thanks so much!

Different kinds of baklava to try?

I've recently found myself on a delicious quest to explore the world of baklava, that rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. I understand that baklava has roots in many culinary traditions across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, each bringing its own unique twist to this iconic dessert.

From what I’ve gathered, the variations of baklava are as numerous as they are delicious, differing in nuts, spices, types of syrup, and preparation methods. However, navigating through these variations is quite the challenge, and that’s where I’m seeking your collective wisdom!

I am curious what you guys think!

List of Different Greek Cooking Techniques

I hope you're all doing well! I've recently developed a deep appreciation for Greek cuisine and I'm eager to expand my cooking skills in this area. However, I'm realizing that I might be missing out on some traditional Greek cooking techniques that are essential for authentic dishes.

Could anyone kindly provide me with a list of cooking techniques commonly used in Greek cuisine? Whether it's grilling, baking, braising, or something more specific to Greek cooking, I'm eager to learn! Any insights, tips, or favorite methods would be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to your responses!

Here's what I can think of so far:

  • Frying - usually in olive oil, right? Things like Greek fries and kourabedies come to mind is being fried.
  • Grilling - souvlaki, chicken, etc
  • Sandwiches - gyros, making "toast" that you see on menus in Greece
  • Braising - like braised lamb?
  • On the spot - Lamb, goat
  • Baking - desserts and savory dishes
What have I missed?

Creative ideas for Easter lamb leftovers?

We cooked too much Easter lamb than we needed and have a ton leftover. I am sure I am not the only one! I am brainstorming ways to use the leftovers. Do you guys have anything to add?

1. Gyros with lamb (Tzatziki and all the trimmings!)
2. Lamb sandwiches
3. Stir fries
4. Lamb in rice and tomato sauce
5. Wraps
6. Omelets and scrambles (think steak and eggs, but with Greek flavors and of course lamb instead of steak)

grilled-lamb-chops.jpg

Bougatsa Recipe - Delicious Breakfast!

When I was in Greece, I loved having bougatsa for breakfast. I don't have it much when I am back home so I decided to learn how to make it. Here's the recipe I use:

I do have a question, I find using the puff pastry the easiest. However, what do they use in Greece?

Dough:
  • 1 package (about 17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Custard:
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup fine semolina flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Custard Filling:
    • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, semolina flour, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    • Gradually pour about 1/4 of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    • Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk, whisking constantly.
    • Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Bougatsa Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a clean surface. Brush melted butter generously over one sheet of puff pastry.
    • Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the buttered one. Brush the top with more melted butter.
    • Roll up the puff pastry sheets tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal portions.
  3. Assemble the Bougatsa:
    • Take one portion of the puff pastry and flatten it into a thin circle on a floured surface, using a rolling pin.
    • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled custard filling in the center of the pastry circle.
    • Fold the edges of the pastry circle over the custard filling, creating a sealed pouch. Place the filled bougatsa onto the prepared baking sheet.
    • Repeat this process with the remaining puff pastry portions and custard filling.
  4. Bake the Bougatsa:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bougatsa until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
    • Remove the bougatsa from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
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