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redsoxdw_

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I want to lay out some meze for my next party. What do you guys think should go in it? Some thoughts:

  • A variety of different Greek olives.
  • Feta cheese, and maybe one other firm Greek cheese - what should I put here?
  • Stuffed grapeleaves
  • Pitakia
  • Bread and oil for dipping
  • Perhaps some tzatziki?
Interested to hear your advice on this. The party is about in two weeks so I have plenty of time.

greek-meze.jpg
 
Sounds good. I think this will also be of great help. Good luck with your meze!
 
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Greek Vibe….excellent article and Harris Alexiou is great! I would only add that sometimes in a cafe, mezes known as ποικιλία (pikilia) are served on platters like antipasti. They can be large or small depending on the number of people. In addition to the items mentioned, these can also include french fries (not traditional, but everyone likes them), rusk, pita,hard-boiled eggs, roasted or crisp veggies, and tzatziki or a spicy feta dip called Tirokafteri; the latter two can get a bit messy if people will be walking around. When buying ouzo, be sure to buy the best quality you can - especially if your guests are new to the drink. Ouzo from Lesvos is very good; Plomari and Barbayianni (green label) are two brands. It’s customary to drink it straight up, perhaps over an ice cube or two, but first-timers might wish to add water or some more ice! Whether you include a pitcher of water or not, the ouzo should be served quite chilled. Sounds like fun - enjoy!
 
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Greek Vibe….excellent article and Harris Alexiou is great! I would only add that sometimes in a cafe, mezes known as ποικιλία (pikilia) are served on platters like antipasti. They can be large or small depending on the number of people. In addition to the items mentioned, these can also include french fries (not traditional, but everyone likes them), rusk, pita,hard-boiled eggs, roasted or crisp veggies, and tzatziki or a spicy feta dip called Tirokafteri; the latter two can get a bit messy if people will be walking around. When buying ouzo, be sure to buy the best quality you can - especially if your guests are new to the drink. Ouzo from Lesvos is very good; Plomari and Barbayianni (green label) are two brands. It’s customary to drink it straight up, perhaps over an ice cube or two, but first-timers might wish to add water or some more ice! Whether you include a pitcher of water or not, the ouzo should be served quite chilled. Sounds like fun - enjoy!
 
Thank you, Deborah. Indeed, a very good point, yes meze is also known as poikilia only that the meze is usually a very small plate with a handful of items whereas a poikilia is a platter. But will add! Thank you. And yes, basically, all edibles that are available at home can become a meze! As for ouzo, only the best and slowly!
 

Is lamb or beef more traditional for giouvetsi?

I've been looking into traditional Greek giouvetsi recipes lately, and I'm curious about which meat is considered the most traditional. I've seen recipes that use lamb, others that call for beef, and even some that use chicken.

I love the idea of slowly cooking the meat in a rich tomato sauce with orzo until everything becomes tender and flavorful. However, I'm wondering whether lamb or beef would be the more authentic choice.

Is one traditionally preferred in certain regions of Greece? I've read that lamb is often associated with older Greek recipes, but beef seems to be very common in modern versions of giouvetsi.

I'm also curious whether the choice of meat changes the way the dish is prepared. Does lamb require different seasonings or cooking times than beef?

For those familiar with traditional Greek cooking, which version do you prefer, and which would you recommend trying first?

Do you put potatoes in your briam?

I've noticed that there are quite a few variations of briam, especially when it comes to which vegetables people include. One ingredient I'm particularly curious about is potatoes. Do you always put potatoes in your briam, or do you prefer making it without them?

I usually think of briam as a combination of zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and plenty of olive oil. I love how the potatoes absorb all those wonderful flavors as everything slowly roasts together in the oven.

However, I've seen recipes that leave the potatoes out entirely and focus more on the summer vegetables. I imagine that makes the dish a little lighter.

I'm also curious whether there are regional differences in how briam is prepared throughout Greece. Does your family have a particular way of making it? And what vegetables do you consider absolutely essential?

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?

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.

Do you make Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?
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