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nadellii

Active member
I have a spice cabinet filled with dried herbs, which I use. But I can't seem to live without my fresh herbs! They bring something different to each dish. My favorites, and how I like to use them:

Oregano

This is a staple and my favorite! I use both the dried and fresh equally, just for different situations. I tend to use the fresh as a finisher.

Dill

Dill is another herb that is common. t has a fresh, grassy, and slightly sweet flavor. I don't like it all the time, and I find the dried herb to be useless. If I use it, I only use the fresh. I tend to like it in vegetable dishes or dishes with Greens.

Parsley

Parsley is a versatile herb and I use it all the time. It has a fresh, slightly bitter taste, and is often used as a garnish or a flavor enhancer in salads, soups, and sauces.

Mint

This is my favorite fresh herb! I put it in all kinds of savory dishes, particularly those that involve ground meat.

Rosemary

Rosemary has a distinctive, fragrant, and robust flavor, and is used in a variety of Greek dishes.I tend to like it with poultry and sometimes when I make roasted potatoes.

What are your favorites?


fresh-oregano.jpg
 
This is my list - all of these have different purposes in my cooking:

1. Dill – Dill is a common herb used in Greek cuisine, and it’s often used to flavor seafood dishes. It pairs well with lemon, feta cheese, and olive oil.

2. Oregano – Oregano is a versatile herb that you can use in just about any Greek dish. It’s often used in salads and soups, and it pairs well with meats, fish, potatoes, and eggplant.

3. Mint – Mint is an herb that’s commonly used in Greek dishes to add freshness and zest. It’s often used in salads, soups, and meat dishes. Mint pairs well with lamb, yogurt, and lemon.

4. Basil – Basil is a fragrant herb that’s often used in salads, pasta dishes, and sauces. It pairs well with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.

5. Bay leaves – Bay leaves are a flavorful herb that’s often used in stews, soups, and pasta dishes. They pair well with meats, poultry, and seafood.

6. Cinnamon – Cinnamon is a spice that’s often used in sweet and savory Greek dishes. It adds warmth and sweetness to dishes like moussaka and pastitsio.

7. Coriander – Coriander is a fragrant herb that’s often used in Greek dishes to add depth and complexity. It’s often used in sauces, stews, and marinades.

8. Garlic – Garlic is a staple in Greek cuisine, and it’s often used in sauces, stews, and meat dishes. It pairs well with lemon, tomato, and feta cheese.

9. Rosemary – Rosemary is a fragrant herb that’s often used in roasted meats and potatoes. It pairs well with lemon and olive oil.

10. Thyme – Thyme is a versatile herb that’s often used in Greek dishes to add a savory note. It pairs well with lamb, chicken, and roasted vegetables.
 

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.

Tips to Prevent Phyllo from Drying Out?

I am not new with working with phyllo.

Lately, and I don't know why, the phyllo has been during out as I work with it. It's always store bought phyllo and it may be another brand than what I normally use, but I don't see how that could possibly make a difference.e Perhaps I am working slower. Maybe my kitchen is dryer.

All I know is that I would love some tips on how to prevent the phyllo from drying out! I asked around and people say to keep a wet towel over it. I tried that and the phyllo stuck to the towel so I am obviously missing an important detail.

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!

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?

What foods go best with ouzo?

I am curious - what goods go best with Ouzo? Traditionally, I don't actually pay attention.

From my understanding, Ouzo is traditionally enjoyed with small plates, similar to tapas, known as "mezedes" in Greece. Yet, I’m eager to hear from those who have either traveled to Greece or have an in-depth knowledge of Greek cuisine about what specific dishes you think would pair best with Ouzo. Are there specific flavors or types of dishes (seafood, meats, vegetables) that enhance the experience of sipping Ouzo?
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