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blopez34

Active member
I’m trying to nail the classic Greek-style roasted chicken and potatoes, but I could use some advice. My marinade includes olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a touch of paprika. While the dish tastes good, I’m not getting the juicy chicken and crispy, flavorful potatoes I was hoping for.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor? Any tips to make the potatoes golden and crispy while staying soft inside? Also, is there a specific oven temperature or cooking method that brings out those signature Greek flavors?

I’d love to hear any family secrets, seasoning tricks, or techniques to take this dish to the next level. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
 
You’re off to a great start with your marinade! For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2-4 hours or overnight in the fridge. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.

To get juicy chicken and crispy potatoes, try these tips:

Oven Temperature: Roast at 425°F (220°C) for a great balance of browning and cooking through. Start covered with foil for the first 20-30 minutes to lock in moisture, then uncover to crisp up.

Potatoes: Cut them into wedges and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a bit of chicken broth before roasting. Place them around the chicken so they absorb the drippings. To make them crispier, roast them on a preheated tray or finish under the broiler.

Family Secret: Add a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to the marinade for a subtle warmth that elevates the dish.
 

How do you make your tzatziki creamier?

I make Greek food all the time, spanakopita, keftedes, souvlaki, you name it — but I’ve always taken the shortcut and bought my tzatziki ready-made. Lately I’ve been wanting to make it from scratch and get that rich, creamy texture you find in good tavernas.

I’ve tried a few recipes with strained Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, but mine keeps turning out too thin or slightly watery after a few hours. I strain the cucumber and even use full-fat yogurt, but it still doesn’t have that thick, velvety consistency.

So I’m curious — what’s your secret to creamier tzatziki? Do you use a specific brand of yogurt, or maybe add something like sour cream or labneh? Does chilling it overnight make a difference? I’d love to hear how you make yours stay thick, fresh, and perfectly balanced between tangy and smooth.

Potatoes in Moussaka?

For some reason, my family’s version of moussaka has never included potatoes, and I’m starting to wonder if I’ve been missing something all these years! We’ve always layered it with eggplant, a bit of zucchini, meat sauce, and béchamel, no potatoes. But lately I’ve seen so many recipes (especially from northern Greece) that add a layer of sliced or fried potatoes at the bottom, and people swear it gives the dish more structure and heartiness.

For those who make moussaka regularly — do you include potatoes? If so, where do you place them in the layering: bottom, middle, or alternating with the eggplant? Do they change the texture or make it too heavy? I love the idea of experimenting but don’t want to lose that light, custardy feel of our version. I’d love to hear how your families make it and whether the potato layer is a must!

Do I need to put cinnamon in makaronia me kima?

I’ve seen so many variations of makaronia me kima (Greek spaghetti with meat sauce), and the biggest debate always seems to be about cinnamon! Some people say it’s essential for that warm, distinctly Greek flavor, while others leave it out entirely, saying it makes the sauce taste too sweet.

I’ve tried both versions and can’t decide which one feels more authentic. The cinnamon adds depth and warmth, but sometimes I think it competes with the tomato and onion base. I’ve also seen recipes that use allspice, nutmeg, or a cinnamon stick instead of ground cinnamon for a milder aroma.

So now I’m curious, how do you make yours? Do you include cinnamon (or another spice) in your kima? And if you skip it, what do you add instead to get that rich, comforting flavor that makes this dish taste unmistakably Greek?

My Spanakopita Got Soggy - Help!

I’ve been making spanakopita for years, and it usually turns out perfectly crisp and golden, but the last two times, it came out soggy, especially on the bottom. The only thing I changed was the spinach brand. I started using a different baby spinach that looked really fresh, but I’m starting to wonder if that’s the culprit.

I sautéed and drained it like always, but it still seemed to release more liquid than usual once the pie baked. Could this be because baby spinach has a higher water content? Or maybe the new brand is prewashed and holding too much moisture? If this is really it, what do I do?

Advice for making good kreotipita?

I grew up eating kreatopita at family gatherings, but I’ve never actually made one myself, and now I’m determined to learn! I’m Greek and absolutely love it, especially when the filling is rich and flavorful but not too greasy, and the phyllo stays crisp.

I’ve seen so many variations: some use ground beef and pork together, others use chopped lamb or leftover roast. Some recipes add rice or eggs, others go heavy on herbs like mint and parsley. And don’t get me started on the cheeses, kefalotyri, graviera, feta… everyone seems to have their own twist.

If you make kreatopita regularly (or have a family recipe), I’d love to hear your advice. What makes the filling taste authentic? How do you layer and bake it so the phyllo doesn’t get soggy? Any regional secrets or “must-do” steps that make yours turn out amazing?
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