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dpappas87

Active member
This is a refreshing and easy salad to make when you're looking for something to snack on in the summer.

  • 8 tablespoons lemon juice (about 4 fresh lemons)
  • 6 bay leaves
  • 2 pounds fresh octopus
  • 1 cups Greek olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 cups of fresh cut vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers
  • 1 recipe prepared ladolemono
  • 3 tablespoons chopped, fresh parsley
 
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Reactions: kosta_karapinotis
This is a refreshing and easy salad to make when you're looking for something to snack on in the summer.

  • 8 tablespoons lemon juice (about 4 fresh lemons)
  • 6 bay leaves
  • 2 pounds fresh octopus
  • 1 cups Greek olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 cups of fresh cut vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers
  • 1 recipe prepared ladolemono
  • 3 tablespoons chopped, fresh parsley
What are the directions? Im dying to enjoy an octopus salad like the ones I had when visiting Crete
 
This looks delicious! I don't always find octopus, but when I do it is a real treat.
 
I love this salad, it's always delicious when I eat it, but I have never made it at home. Thanks for the recipe!
 

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.

What herbs do you use when making Greek stuffed zucchini?

I've been thinking about making Greek stuffed zucchini (kolokithakia gemista), and I'm curious about which herbs everyone uses in the filling. I've seen quite a few variations, and it seems like the combination of herbs can really influence the overall flavor of the dish.

Some recipes use plenty of fresh dill and parsley, while others include mint or even a little oregano. I've also noticed that some people add green onions for extra flavor. I'm wondering whether certain herbs are considered more traditional, especially when making stuffed zucchini with rice and ground meat.

Do you use a combination of herbs, or do you prefer to keep the seasoning fairly simple? Does your family have a particular recipe that has been passed down through generations?

I'm especially interested in how the herbs complement the avgolemono sauce. What combination do you think gives Greek stuffed zucchini the best 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!

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?

My Family’s Keftedes Recipe

Keftedes are one of those foods that always remind me of family gatherings. Everyone seems to make them a little differently, but this is the basic version my family has always used.

For about a pound of ground beef, we add one small grated onion, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a little fresh mint, one egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and a small splash of red wine vinegar. Sometimes we add a little grated garlic as well.

The important part is mixing everything well and then letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator for a little while before shaping the keftedes. We make them fairly small, roll them lightly in flour, and fry them in olive oil until browned on the outside and cooked through.

We usually serve them with lemon, potatoes, salad, or tzatziki.

How does your family make keftedes? I’m especially curious about which herbs and seasonings everyone uses. Thought I'd share!
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