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xmelissaa

Active member
I have decided to grill the leg of lamb this year. I plan to get a bone-in leg so I know it will probably take a while.

We just aren't having enough people to do it on a spit.

I plan to prep the seasoning the night before and then grill it. The seasoning will be oil, lemon, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic.

Does anyone have a better way? Any tips?
 
That sounds amazing—grilling a bone-in leg of lamb is such a showstopper! Your seasoning blend is spot-on—classic Greek flavors that really shine when given time to marinate. One tip: if you can, pierce the lamb and insert slivers of garlic directly into the meat before marinating. It infuses flavor deep inside and gives incredible aroma.

Also, try to bring the lamb to room temp before grilling to ensure even cooking. If your grill has a lid, use indirect heat and cook it low and slow to keep it juicy—then finish with a quick sear to get that gorgeous crust. A meat thermometer is your best friend here; aim for 130–135°F for medium-rare, then let it rest at least 20 minutes before slicing.

No spit? No problem. You’re going to wow everyone. Let us know how it turns out!
 

Getting to Know Northern Greek Foods

I’m likely visiting parts of Northern Greece next year and realized how little I know about the food there compared to the islands. Most of my Greek food experiences have been island-based, lots of seafood, grilled dishes, simple vegetables, olive oil-forward meals, which I love.

But I keep hearing that Northern Greek cuisine is quite different: heartier, more meat-based, colder-weather food, stronger flavors, maybe more Balkan or Asia Minor influence. I’m especially curious about what people actually eat day to day, not just the famous dishes.

If you’re from Northern Greece or have spent time there, what foods should I expect to see regularly? Are there specific stews, breads, cheeses, or vegetable dishes that feel distinctly northern? And how different does it feel from island cooking once you’re there? I’d love to understand the regional food culture a bit before I go.

Greek Dishes Common in Restaurants?

When people think of Greek food, the same handful of dishes seem to show up on restaurant menus again and again — moussaka, souvlaki, spanakopita, horiatiki, maybe pastitsio. They’re all good, but they don’t always feel like the full picture of Greek cooking.

I’m curious what others think about the gap between restaurant Greek food and what’s actually cooked at home or in smaller local tavernas. Are there dishes you see everywhere in restaurants that Greeks don’t really eat that often? On the flip side, what are some everyday or regional dishes that rarely make it onto menus?

I’ve noticed that many restaurant dishes are heavier, more standardized, and designed to be familiar, especially for visitors. But some of the most memorable meals I’ve had in Greece were incredibly simple and not something I could easily “order” elsewhere.

What Greek dishes do you associate most with restaurants, and which ones do you wish were better represented?

What traditional Greek foods do you still cook at home?

Lately I’ve been realizing how much my everyday cooking has drifted away from traditional Greek food. I still love it just as much, but instead of making it at home, I often end up going out to Greek restaurants for the dishes I really crave.

There are a few things I still make regularly, though. Spanakopita is one that never fully left my kitchen, and there are a handful of simple, familiar flavors I return to when I want something comforting. But many of the dishes I grew up loving — the ones that feel more involved or time-consuming — have slowly turned into “restaurant foods” for me instead of home foods.

It made me curious about how this plays out for other people. Which traditional Greek dishes do you still cook at home on a regular basis? Are there foods you love but mostly eat out now instead? And what determines whether something stays part of your home cooking versus becoming a special treat?

Greek Islands Food Traditions?

I love using travel in Greece as an excuse to explore regional food traditions, and lately I’ve been thinking about focusing more intentionally on the islands. I’ll likely be in Greece for about a month next summer, and I’d love to shape at least part of the trip around what each island is known for culinary-wise.

I know Crete has its own distinct style, and I’ve heard that places like Naxos, Syros, and Lesvos each have specialties that don’t always show up on mainland menus. But I’m sure I’m only scratching the surface.

If you’ve spent time on specific islands, what dishes really stood out to you? Are there traditional pies, seafood preparations, cheeses, sweets, or local products that feel essential to try in certain places? I’m especially curious about foods that are still made in homes or small tavernas rather than just tourist restaurants. Curious what you guys think!

Favorite Way to Make Giouvetsi?

Giouvetsi has always felt like one of those dishes that’s simple on paper but somehow deeply personal once you start talking about how it’s made. I’ve seen it done with beef, with lamb, even occasionally with chicken, and the seasoning seems to vary from house to house. Some people lean heavier on cinnamon and allspice, while others keep it more tomato-forward and savory.

I’m curious how others like to prepare it. Do you brown the meat first and then finish it in the oven with the kritharaki, or do you cook it more slowly on the stovetop? Do you add grated cheese at the end, and if so, which kind?

Is there a version that feels most “right” to you, or one you grew up with that you still prefer?
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