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cubrinj

Active member
I’ve never tried making Lagana, the traditional Greek fried bread, but I'd like to. It’s always been a favorite at family gatherings, but I’ve only ever enjoyed it, not made it!

I’d love to get some tips from those of you who have experience making it. Here are a few questions I have:
  1. Dough texture: Should the dough be soft and sticky or more firm for easier frying?
  2. Frying advice: How do you ensure even frying and avoid the bread becoming greasy?
  3. Serving tips: My family loves savory flavors—what are the best toppings or pairings? (Though I wouldn’t mind trying a sweet version too!)
I’d appreciate any advice, recipes, or techniques to make it as authentic and delicious as possible. Ευχαριστώ πολύ!
 
Making lagana at home is fun but tricky. Here are some tips to help you nail it:
  1. Dough Texture: Aim for a soft but manageable dough—slightly sticky but not overly wet. This gives the bread its airy texture while making it easy to shape and fry.
  2. Frying Advice: Heat the oil to about 180°C (350°F) and test with a small piece of dough—it should sizzle immediately and rise to the surface. Use neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and turn the pieces frequently for even golden-brown results.
  3. Serving Tips: For savory, sprinkle with feta, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil. For a sweet version, honey and cinnamon taste great.
Let us know how it turns out!
 

Vegetarian Moussaka?

I’m hosting a dinner soon and want to make moussaka, but I’ve got a challenge: one of my guests is vegetarian (no meat, but they’re not vegan). I absolutely love the traditional version with ground meat, but I’d like to adapt it to be vegetarian-friendly without losing that hearty, satisfying flavor.

What are some good substitutes for the meat layer? I’ve heard about using lentils, mushrooms, or even a combination of both, but I’m not sure which would work best or how to season them to match the original dish’s depth of flavor. Should I add wine or spices like cinnamon and allspice to keep that authentic taste?

Orange-Scented Baklava Syrup

My family changed its baklava syrup during Christmas. It involved orange, cinnamon, maybe cloves. I don't quite remember and the recipe got lost! I've tried to figure out what everyone did. It may have died with my grandmother. Her sister is still alive but she never really cooked so has no clue.

I don't know where to start, but I've had a few failed attempts:

- Attempt 1 - Made syrup only from sugar and added orange zest, cinnamon stick, and a few cloves. It tasted bitter and too pungent.
- Attempt 2 - Reduced some of the sugar and water and added honey instead.
- Attempt 3 - Kept the sugar/honey proportions, eliminated the clove, and added an extra cinnamon stick.

Attempt 3 got closer. I feel like I am on a wild goose chase. Did anyone else's families change things up for their baklava around Christmas?

Favorite Greek Winter Meals?

I’ve been craving warm, hearty Greek dishes to enjoy during these chilly winter days. My absolute favorite is pastitsio—the layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel are pure comfort food! But let’s be honest, it can be quite time-consuming to make.

I’m looking for other Greek winter meal ideas that are just as satisfying but maybe a little quicker or easier to prepare. Do you have any go-to recipes for cold weather? Soups, stews, or baked dishes? Bonus points for recipes that bring those classic Greek flavors!

Would love to hear what’s cooking in your kitchen this winter. Let’s swap ideas and keep cozy with some delicious food! 😊

Greek Lentil Soup - Recipe Question

I have a question about a lentil soup recipe I've been using. A few questions actually. Here's the ingredients list:
  • 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes, grated)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1-2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
First of all, I don't always remember to rinse the lentils. Is that bad?

Second, I am debating whether the garlic cloves add anything to it, or if I should skip.

Third, I tend to add tomato paste sometimes. When I do, the vinegar tastes weird. Can I omit the vinegar in this case?

Thanks!

Tips on making Saganaki for a crowd

I’m planning a holiday party with around 15 guests, and I’m considering serving Saganaki. I absolutely love the idea of presenting this classic Greek dish, but I’m wondering if it might be too ambitious for a gathering of this size. Have any of you ever made Saganaki for a crowd? If it’s doable, I’d love to hear your tips for preparing it efficiently, especially since it’s traditionally served sizzling hot.

Also, if you have a foolproof recipe or suggestions for variations that work well for a larger group, I’d be incredibly grateful. Thanks in advance for your advice!
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