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blopez34

Active member
So, what do Greeks typically eat for their New Year's celebrations? I know, it is a bit of a generalization, but I am trying to plan a menu for my next major Greek meal. I know that not everyone in Greece eats the same thing. I will, of course, be serving Vasilopita as part of my dinner party. Here's what I was thinking:

  • Vasilpita - I'll hide a coin inside like I am supposed to...
  • Moshari Kokkanisto - beef stew with wine
  • Cabbage salad
  • Lemon potatoes
Did I miss anything that would go well for New Year's?
 
Menu looks great. You could add an app like tzatziki with pita chips or a tirokauteri. Also a pita would be a great addition as well. A spanakopita or if u wanted something quick a tiropita.
 
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We had on New Years Day, macaronatha with chicken kappama. The macaroni is a thick tubular type, topped with sauce from the kappama and mizithra cheese. Chicken kappama is chicken stewed in tomato sauce with a some cinnamon.

dimitrasdishes.com has nice recipe for the chicken. The macaroni had sauce from kappama on it and some cinnamon.
 
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I ended up making a spanakopita to go with the spread. Luana, I love the idea of serving chicken kapama - maybe I will cook that soon, and definitely a strong possibility for next year!
 
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I ended up making a spanakopita to go with the spread. Luana, I love the idea of serving chicken kapama - maybe I will cook that soon, and definitely a strong possibility for next year!
I think the menu looks great, too. I didn't do anything for New Year's this year, but if I were to have people over in the future I would serve something similar.
 

What do you think of Gyro variations?

There are some gyro shops near me in the United States and they seem to be putting a different spin on the classic dish. There are some variations. What do you guys think of the variations?

I don't recall seeing these variations in Greece, but I could be wrong. Variations such as - gyros made with different meats, like chicken, those made with Greek meatballs, souvlaki, etc.

And what do you think of putting fries in Gyros? I do see that in Greece.

Cumin in Greek Cooking?

When I was in Greece, I bumped into a "spanakopita" in like a turnover style dough. It didn't have cheese and was spiced with cumin. I hadn't realized people use Cumin in Greece until I tasted it in this dish. I was kind of confused.

Do people actually use cumin in Greek cooking? None of the old recipes I have mention it. Could it be a more modern influence?

Mediterranean Diet Tied to Lower Blood Pressure, Greek Study Shows!

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?

No Meat Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) Recipe

It has taken me a long time to get vegetarian dolmades to the point where I enjoy them. Here is my recipe. It uses a lot of oil, so strict fasters shouldn't eat them. But most people aren't super strict so I would even say these are good for lent!

Ingredients:​

  • 1 jar of grape leaves (about 60-70 leaves)
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water

Instructions:​

  1. Prepare the Grape Leaves:
    • If using grape leaves preserved in brine, rinse them well under cold water to remove excess salt. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cold water. Trim off any stems.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  3. Fill and Roll the Grape Leaves:
    • Place a grape leaf flat on a clean work surface, shiny side down, with the stem end facing you. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the rice filling onto the center of the leaf, near the stem end.
    • Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a small cylinder.
    • Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling, arranging the rolled dolmades seam-side down in a large pot or deep skillet, packing them snugly together.
  4. Cook the Dolmades:
    • Once all the dolmades are rolled and packed in the pot, drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
    • Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the dolmades.
    • Place a heatproof plate or lid directly on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged during cooking.
    • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the grape leaves are tender.
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