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nadellii

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Greece has so many comfort foods that are home cooked with love and care. In my personal opinion, some of the best Greek comfort foods are pastitsio and makaronia mai kima. These are traditional Greek dishes that are usually only found in Greek homes and are rarely eaten at tavernas. Pastitsio and makaronia mai kima are also the favorites of many Greek children, including myself, so that’s why I always find myself going back to them. What are your favorite Greek comfort foods?
 
I've never heard of makaronia mai kima, but makaronia me kima is a good one :p... For me it's souvlakia (aka gyros), kalamakia (aka souvlaki).
 
I've never heard of makaronia mai kima, but makaronia me kima is a good one :p... For me it's souvlakia (aka gyros), kalamakia (aka souvlaki).
Obviously didn't grow up as a Greek.
Maybe grown up on hamburgers and hotdogs only
 
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I thought they were directly translating each letter: μαι --> mai, meaning "with"
No, μαι = είμαι, and you will sometimes see it written as μαι if the word before it ends in a vowel. For example θα είμαι (I will be) -> θα 'μαι. So writing "makaronia mai kima" reads like "spaghetti I am ground beef"

The word for "with" in Greek is "με" (me) or "μαζί" (mazi) depending on what you want to say.

Υποτίθεται ότι θα έτρωγα δύο σουβλάκια με τζατζίκι και πατάτες, αλλά δεν είχα καιρό. - I was supposed to eat two gyros with tzaziki and potatoes, but I didn't have time. (souvlaki = gyros to an Athenian)

Θες να πας στο εμπορικό κέντρο μαζί μου; - do you want to go to the mall with me?
 
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No, μαι = είμαι, and you will sometimes see it written as μαι if the word before it ends in a vowel. For example θα είμαι (I will be) -> θα 'μαι. So writing "makaronia mai kima" reads like "spaghetti I am ground beef"

The word for "with" in Greek is "με" (me) or "μαζί" (mazi) depending on what you want to say.

Υποτίθεται ότι θα έτρωγα δύο σουβλάκια με τζατζίκι και πατάτες, αλλά δεν είχα καιρό. - I was supposed to eat two gyros with tzaziki and potatoes, but I didn't have time. (souvlaki = gyros to an Athenian)

Θες να πας στο εμπορικό κέντρο μαζί μου; - do you want to go to the mall with me?
Great explanation!
 
Great explanation!
Thanks. I have taught Greek and I've taught English (both for fun). You gotta keep things simple and provide explanations for everything.
 
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Thanks. I have taught Greek and I've taught English (both for fun). You gotta keep things simple and provide explanations for everything.
Where did you teach Greek? At a local Greek school?
 
Where did you teach Greek? At a local Greek school?
No, I taught Greek in my city, and sometimes I did it online with people who spoke Spanish but wanted to learn Greek (I saw this as a way to improve my Spanish. I.e. you teach me Spanish and ill teach you Greek). It was all for free, especially the online classes.
 
Lucky it was for free, your Greek grammar and the use of Greek words, not the best.
 
Lucky it was for free, your Greek grammar and the use of Greek words, not the best.
Μάλιστα... εφόσον τα ελληνικά σου είναι τέλεια, πες μου εσύ τον σωστό τρόπο να πω την πρόταση.
 
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Greece has so many comfort foods that are home cooked with love and care. In my personal opinion, some of the best Greek comfort foods are pastitsio and makaronia mai kima. These are traditional Greek dishes that are usually only found in Greek homes and are rarely eaten at tavernas. Pastitsio and makaronia mai kima are also the favorites of many Greek children, including myself, so that’s why I always find myself going back to them. What are your favorite Greek comfort foods?
I totally agree, Greece does have some of the best comfort foods! Makaronia me kima is one of my personal favorites. I also love Avgolemono soupa, and spaghetti made with a sauce made of Greek yogurt, cheese, garlic...
 
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I totally agree, Greece does have some of the best comfort foods! Makaronia me kima is one of my personal favorites. I also love Avgolemono soupa, and spaghetti made with a sauce made of Greek yogurt, cheese, garlic...
Avgolemono is a classic! It's the best food when youre sick as well
 
Avgolemono is a classic! It's the best food when youre sick as well
I totally agree! I tend to want it most when I am not feeling well.
 
I love Avgolemono when I am sick, as well, and other Greek soups. For me, soup is the perfect comfort food.
 

Essential Greek Pantry Staples - Your Recommendations?

I've recently developed a keen interest in Greek cuisine and I'm on a mission to incorporate more of its flavors into my daily cooking. Given the vast knowledge pool here, I thought this would be the perfect place to ask about must-have Greek pantry staples.

From what I gather, olive oil, olives, and feta cheese seem like obvious essentials. But I'm curious about the less obvious, yet equally important ingredients that could elevate my dishes with authentic Greek flavors.

Are there specific herbs, spices, or any other pantry items that are staples in Greek cooking? Additionally, if there are brands or types of these ingredients that you swear by, I'd love to hear about those too.

greek-food-pantry-items.jpg

Best meze to serve at Easter?

What is the best Greek meze to serve for Greek Easter? I want dishes that will wow my guests and make this Easter unforgettable. I’m looking for meze that are both traditional and have that ‘wow’ factor in terms of visual appeal and taste. I’d appreciate if you could share your favorites and perhaps some personal tips or recipes that make them stand out.

Here’s what I’m considering so far, but I’d love your input:
  • Tzatziki - A refreshing yogurt, cucumber, and garlic dip.
  • Spanakopita - Hearty spinach and feta pie encased in flaky pastry.
  • Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves) - A tangy and herb-infused delight.
  • Feta cheese. A classic - I sometimes drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
  • Olives. No meze spread is complete without olives.
What else should I put out? Or is that enough? We're having about 20 people.

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

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.

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?
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