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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!
 

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.

Getting souvlaki tender?

How do you make tender Greek souvlaki? I've attempted various recipes, marinated for different durations, and experimented with both high and low cooking temps, but I seem to be missing the mark for that mouth-watering tenderness commonly found in authentic Greek souvlaki.

Has anyone found a particular method or ingredient that makes a significant difference in achieving that ideal tenderness?

I use ladolemono, a marinate it overnight in ziplock baggies (after I cut the meat in cubes) and then I add them to the skewers and cook them on the grill. I typically use chicken.

Greek grilling advice and tips?

It's getting warm out and time to break out the grill! I am interested in how do Greek people in Greece grill? I've had so many delicious grilled foods in Greece, I am having a hard time getting the same flavors here in the United States.

I've tried my hand at a few recipes, aiming to capture that authentic taste, but I feel like there's a deeper level of technique and tradition that I'm just not hitting. From choosing the right ingredients to mastering the grill itself, I know there’s a wealth of subtleties that can turn a good dish into a great one.

Do they use certain marinades or techniques? I've watched people in Greece grill - they don't even really follow recipes.

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I've recently embarked on a culinary quest to explore the rich and diverse world of Greek cheeses. From the tangy feta found in traditional Greek salads to the sizzling delights of halloumi, Greece's cheese culture seems incredibly vast and flavorful. 🇬🇷

I'm reaching out to this knowledgeable community to ask: What are the most famous Greek cheeses that you've tried or heard of?

Are there any particular varieties that are a must-try or any hidden gems that rarely escape the borders of Greece? And if you have any delicious recipes or pairings to share, I'd love to hear about those too!

Enjoying Cooking with Greek Honey

One of the things I love most about Greek honey is its versatility. You can use it in so many different ways in the kitchen. I've drizzled it over Greek yogurt for breakfast, mixed it into salad dressings for a touch of sweetness, and even used it as a glaze for roasted vegetables. The depth of flavor it adds to dishes is truly remarkable.

But perhaps my favorite way to use Greek honey is in baking. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor to cakes, cookies, and pastries. I recently made a batch of baklava using Greek honey, and it was a game-changer. The honey soaked into the layers of phyllo dough, creating a sweet and sticky treat that was absolutely irresistible.

I go out of my way to buy it - if I can't find it locally, I get it online. When I go to Greece, I get some in Greece, too.

What do you love to use Greek honey for?

greek-honey.jpg
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