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cubrinj

Active member
I love making skordalia, but I always struggle to get that ultra-creamy, smooth texture like the ones I’ve had at authentic Greek tavernas. Mine tends to turn out either too thick or a bit grainy.

I usually make it with potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, but I’ve heard some people use bread instead of potatoes. Does that make a difference in texture? Also, is there a trick to emulsifying the olive oil properly? I worry that I might be adding it too quickly or at the wrong time.

Would love to hear your best tips and techniques for achieving that silky, luscious consistency. Do you have any family secrets or traditional methods that make a difference?
 
Well...my Church family says I make the best. I like Yukon Gold potatoes ( because of their color and creaminess ) , white vinegar , my best olive oil ( for it's taste and color ) , sea salt and freshly ground black pepper ( some use white pepper but I don't like the smell of white pepper ) . Don't over cook your potatoes , just fork tender ! I use my food processor and place all ingredients except for the white vinegar ; I just add little by little until I get that tang. Maybe cutback on the amount of potato. I make up a few jars and place in the fridge and bring out as I need it and serve at room temp.
 
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You can also make skordalia with walnuts and bread which is what my grandmother used to do instead of potatoes.
 
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Well...my Church family says I make the best. I like Yukon Gold potatoes ( because of their color and creaminess ) , white vinegar , my best olive oil ( for it's taste and color ) , sea salt and freshly ground black pepper ( some use white pepper but I don't like the smell of white pepper ) . Don't over cook your potatoes , just fork tender ! I use my food processor and place all ingredients except for the white vinegar ; I just add little by little until I get that tang. Maybe cutback on the amount of potato. I make up a few jars and place in the fridge and bring out as I need it and serve at room temp.
This sounds fantastic - the church family knows a good thing when they see it! Your recipe looks fantastic.

Some tips:

Getting that ultra-creamy skordalia is all about technique! If you're using potatoes, make sure they’re fully cooked and mashed while warm to avoid a grainy texture. A ricer or sieve helps achieve smoothness. The bread version (soaked and squeezed dry) creates a lighter, silkier consistency—definitely worth trying!

For emulsification, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously mixing (a food processor or mortar and pestle works best). If added too fast, it can separate. Also, use cold water or a splash of ice-cold vinegar to help loosen and smooth it out.
 

How does your family season dolmades?

I’ve been thinking about how much dolmades can vary from one family to another, especially when it comes to seasoning. Even when the basic ingredients are similar, the flavor can be completely different depending on which herbs and spices are used.

How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?

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.

What Is the Best Way to Serve Taramosalata?

I absolutely love taramosalata and have it pretty regularly at home, but I’m having some people over soon and was wondering about the best way to serve it when entertaining.

Normally I just eat it with some bread or pita, so I don’t really put much thought into presentation. For guests, though, I’d like to make it part of a nice Greek-style spread with a few other things on the table. I was thinking warm pita triangles, crusty bread, maybe some cucumber and other vegetables for dipping, but I’m curious what everyone else usually serves with it.

Do you drizzle a little olive oil over the top or add any kind of garnish? And are there particular meze that you think pair especially well with taramosalata?

I’d love some ideas for making it look a little more special while still keeping everything traditional and simple.

What is your favorite Greek potato dish?

Potatoes show up in so many Greek meals, and I think they are often at their best when they soak up plenty of olive oil, lemon, herbs, and cooking juices.

Greek lemon potatoes are probably the first thing that comes to mind for me. I love when they are roasted until they are soft inside, a little crisp around the edges, and full of lemon and oregano. Potatoes cooked alongside chicken or lamb are also hard to beat because they absorb so much flavor from the pan.

I also enjoy simple boiled potatoes dressed with olive oil, lemon, parsley, and salt, especially with fish or grilled meat.

What Greek potato dish do you make most often? Do you prefer lemon potatoes, potatoes roasted with meat, fried potatoes, or something else? And is there a particular seasoning or family method that makes your version especially good?

What is the secret to making really good Greek lemon potatoes?

I've been making Greek lemon potatoes for years, and it's one of those dishes I make completely by feel. I don't measure anything, and I never really thought about how I make them because it's all second nature to me.

Recently, I tried teaching someone how to make them. Everything seemed straightforward while we were cooking together, but when they went home and tried making them on their own, all kinds of things went wrong! The potatoes weren't cooking evenly, the texture wasn't quite right, and the lemon flavor didn't come through the way it should.

It made me realize how much I rely on instinct when cooking traditional Greek food. I rarely write down recipes, so explaining every little detail is harder than I expected!

For those who make Greek lemon potatoes regularly, what tips would you give someone who's just learning?
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