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Question About Making Keftedes

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kcixcy

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I have been trying to develop an intuitive feel for Greek cooking. One of the dishes I have been trying to test these principals on is keftedes. I have made them a few different ways ... First of all, sometimes I use different meats or different combinations of meats. I have used beef, pork, lamb, and combinations of these. I am the same way with herbs used in the mix - sometimes I use spearmint, parsley, oregano, I tried dill once (didn't like it).

I have done so much experimenting that I have lost sight ... what are Greek keftedes really? Talking with people, I realize that the recipes differ greatly depending on the family.
 
kcixcy said:
I have been trying to develop an intuitive feel for Greek cooking. One of the dishes I have been trying to test these principals on is keftedes. I have made them a few different ways ... First of all, sometimes I use different meats or different combinations of meats. I have used beef, pork, lamb, and combinations of these. I am the same way with herbs used in the mix - sometimes I use spearmint, parsley, oregano, I tried dill once (didn't like it).

I have done so much experimenting that I have lost sight ... what are Greek keftedes really? Talking with people, I realize that the recipes differ greatly depending on the family.
Click to expand...
Add hamburg, egg and sliced bread to a bowl. Add spearmint and parsley. Mix by hand. Pick up 2 inch balls. Fry in olive oil. That's what Ma did. Simple and simply delicious. :)
 
Jawge said:
Add hamburg, egg and sliced bread to a bowl. Add spearmint and parsley. Mix by hand. Pick up 2 inch balls. Fry in olive oil. That's what Ma did. Simple and simply delicious. :)
Click to expand...
That sounds so good! Very traditional.
 
I would say that we always need spearmint and onions, and sometimes parsley. I use bread or bread crumbs. I have baked them but it isn't the same. To me, they need to be fried.
 
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What is your favorite Greek potato dish?

Potatoes show up in so many Greek meals, and I think they are often at their best when they soak up plenty of olive oil, lemon, herbs, and cooking juices.

Greek lemon potatoes are probably the first thing that comes to mind for me. I love when they are roasted until they are soft inside, a little crisp around the edges, and full of lemon and oregano. Potatoes cooked alongside chicken or lamb are also hard to beat because they absorb so much flavor from the pan.

I also enjoy simple boiled potatoes dressed with olive oil, lemon, parsley, and salt, especially with fish or grilled meat.

What Greek potato dish do you make most often? Do you prefer lemon potatoes, potatoes roasted with meat, fried potatoes, or something else? And is there a particular seasoning or family method that makes your version especially good?

Do You Put Cinnamon in Your Keftedes?

I’m curious how everyone here makes keftedes, especially when it comes to cinnamon. I know some Greek families add a little cinnamon to the meat mixture, while others would never think of putting it in.

In my experience, even a small amount can change the flavor quite a bit. It gives the keftedes a warmer, slightly sweeter spice in the background, but I can also see how it might not be for everyone. I’ve had versions that lean more heavily on oregano, mint, parsley, garlic, and onion instead.

Do you put cinnamon in your keftedes? If you do, how much do you usually use, and was that something your family always did? I’d also be curious to know if it varies depending on what part of Greece your family comes from.

Would love to hear how everyone seasons theirs and what you consider essential for really good keftedes.

Greek cooking without a recipe?

I've been thinking about how much traditional Greek cooking relies on instinct rather than following exact recipes. Some of the Greek dishes I learned to make were taught to me by feel, with someone showing me what to do rather than measuring everything out.

I actually enjoy cooking this way, but I've noticed that it can make certain dishes difficult to recreate consistently! Sometimes everything comes together perfectly, and other times I wonder what I did differently.

I'm curious how others approach this. Did you learn Greek cooking by watching your yiayia, mother, or other relatives? Do you measure ingredients, or do you just know when something looks, smells, or tastes right?

How does your family season dolmades?

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How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?

Do you make your pastitsio with a thick or thin layer of krema?

I've always preferred my pastitsio with a nice, thick layer of béchamel on top. To me, that's one of the best parts of the dish! I love when the krema is rich, creamy, and thick enough to hold its shape when you cut into the pastitsio.

The problem is that I've been having trouble getting my krema just right. Sometimes it comes out too thin, and other times the texture isn't quite as smooth as I'd like. I've tried adjusting the amount of flour and milk, but I still haven't found the perfect balance.

I'm curious how everyone else makes theirs. Do you prefer a thick layer of béchamel or just enough to cover the pasta? Does your family add eggs or cheese to the mixture?

I'd especially love to hear any tips for making a thick, smooth krema that sets beautifully when baked!
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