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I don't know if I am missing something, but Feta doesn't seem to cook well. I noticed that it gets warm, but doesn't really melt. It maintains a similar shape that it had when it was not cooked.

In particular, when I make something like Briam, I like to add feta cheese.

Usually I sprinkle it on the top before covering it and baking it in the oven. And them, it's just a little odd.

I guess what I am looking for is something that melts better for a dish like this, but still has a similar flavor.
 
You're right—feta doesn’t melt like other cheeses! Because it’s a brined cheese, feta retains its shape even when heated, which can feel a bit odd in dishes like briam. If you’re looking for a cheese that melts better while still offering a similar tangy flavor, try manouri or kefalotyri. Both are Greek cheeses with a creamy texture and can melt more smoothly than feta.

Alternatively, you could crumble feta on the dish after it's baked, allowing it to soften slightly without expecting it to melt fully. Another trick is to mix feta with a small amount of cream or yogurt to create a creamy texture while keeping the flavor. This will blend more into the dish while maintaining that signature taste.
 

Greek Rice Dishes to Try?

I’ve been diving into Greek cooking lately and noticed that while rice does appear in some dishes, there also seems to be a strong use of orzo (kritharaki) and other small pastas in traditional meals. It got me wondering—do Greeks use rice a lot in their everyday cooking, or is pasta more common?

For example, I’ve seen rice in dishes like gemista (stuffed vegetables) and avgolemono soup, but then orzo shows up in things like giouvetsi or even baked with shrimp and tomato. Do some regions or families prefer one over the other?

I’d love to try making more authentic Greek rice dishes—can anyone recommend some must-tries? Maybe even some lesser-known ones beyond the usual? I’m especially curious about pilafs, rice-based casseroles, or stews that feature rice as a main ingredient.

Simple Saganaki Recipe - Greek Fried Cheese

I usually just like to order this when I go out, but I found this recipe and thought I'd give it a try. It was surprisingly easy! I wanted to share:

Ingredients:
  • 1 block of firm Greek cheese (about ½ inch thick): kefalotyri, kasseri, or graviera work best
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
  • Olive oil (for frying)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
  1. Rinse the cheese slice quickly under water – this helps the flour stick.
  2. Dredge the cheese in flour on all sides, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat olive oil in a small nonstick or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
  4. Once hot, add the cheese and fry for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
  5. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
I don't do the Ouzo part by the way, so I left it out I don't like the flavor of it and I fin the fire to be a little scary!

Best Meat for Soutsoukakia?

I’m planning to make soutzoukakia smyrneika this weekend — one of my absolute favorite Greek comfort dishes. I’ve had it with different types of ground meat over the years (sometimes beef, sometimes a mix), but I want to get it just rightthis time and could use your advice.

What’s the best type of meat to use for authentic, flavorful soutzoukakia? Should I go with 100% beef, a beef-pork combo, or even add a bit of lamb? Or purely lamb? I’m also curious how the fat content affects the final result — do you go lean or a little more fatty?

Bake or Fry Keftedes (meatballs)?

I’ve been making keftedes (Greek meatballs) for years now, and I’m curious, do you prefer baking or frying them?

Traditionally, I know frying is the classic method. They are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. But lately I’ve been trying to cut down on oil and mess, so I’ve been baking them more often. They still taste great, but I’m wondering if I’m missing out on that “authentic” flavor or texture that only frying gives.

Do you notice a big difference in taste or texture between baked and fried? Does your family swear by one method over the other? Frying is pretty easy for me but I am looking to maybe cut down on oil.

Can you make stifado with Octopus?

I’ve made beef and rabbit stifado plenty of times, but I recently heard someone mention an octopus version and now I’m intrigued. Has anyone here actually tried making octopus stifado? I imagine the texture and cooking time would be really different from meat, but I love the idea of combining that tender, slow-cooked octopus with the rich, cinnamon-spiced tomato sauce and pearl onions.

Would you cook the octopus separately first and then add it to the sauce? Or do you let it stew the whole time like you would with beef or rabbit? I have vaguely heard of it being possible to make this with octopus. Now that it's summer I am in the mood to eat lots of seafood.
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