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kosta_karapinotis

Active member
I've recently discovered halloumi cheese, and I'm excited to incorporate it into my meals. I've heard that it features prominently in Greek cooking, but I'm not quite sure where to start. Could anyone here share some tips or recipes for using halloumi cheese in traditional Greek dishes?

I've tried grilling it and adding it to salads, which has been delicious! But I would love to know more authentic ways to use this fantastic cheese. Any advice on cooking techniques, flavor pairings, or specific Greek recipes would be greatly appreciated.
 
Halloumi is a fantastic cheese to explore! Besides grilling, you can use halloumi in a traditional Greek dish called "Saganaki." Simply pan-fry slices of halloumi until golden and crispy, then drizzle with lemon juice. It’s a delightful appetizer.

Another great option is to add halloumi to vegetable skewers with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. It pairs wonderfully with watermelon in a refreshing summer salad.

For a heartier meal, try making "Halloumi Souvlaki." Skewer the cheese with veggies and grill. Serve with pita, tzatziki, and a side of Greek salad. Enjoy your culinary adventures with halloumi!
 

Difference Between Galatopita and Galaktoboureko?

I’ve recently started exploring more traditional Greek desserts and keep coming across two that sound similar, galatopita and galaktoboureko. Both seem to involve a creamy, custard-like filling made with milk and semolina, but I’m a bit confused about what actually sets them apart.

From what I understand, galaktoboureko has phyllo on top and bottom and is soaked in syrup, kind of like a custard baklava. But then I saw recipes for galatopita that don’t use any phyllo at all—just the custard baked until golden, sometimes dusted with cinnamon.

Is that the main difference? Phyllo and syrup vs. no phyllo and more of a cake-like finish? Or are there regional variations where even galatopita can include phyllo?

I’d love to hear how you make (or eat!) these two desserts and which one you prefer. Are there any tips for getting that perfect texture?

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.

Making my own pita bread?

Hey everyone! I'm trying to master making my own Greek-style pita bread at home — the kind that's soft, fluffy, and bendable, perfect for wrapping around a gyro or to make like a souvlaki sandwich. I’ve tried a few recipes online, but my pitas either puff up too much like pocket bread or turn out too dry and crack when folded.

I want that classic street food style pita you get at souvlaki shops in Greece, no pocket, just tender and warm, able to soak up tzatziki without falling apart.

Does anyone have a go-to recipe or technique for making these at home? Should I use yogurt in the dough? What flour works best? And how do you cook them, skillet, oven, or griddle? When I've made them, they've had the wrong texture - way too hard. Am I overworking the dough?

Did you like Greek food as a kid?

I’m curious, did you enjoy Greek food growing up?

I mostly did, but I’ll admit there were some dishes I just couldn’t get into as a kid. Moussaka and pastitsio always felt too heavy or rich to me back then. I’d skip them at family gatherings, even though everyone else raved about them!

On the other hand, I absolutely loved souvlaki, dolmades, keftedes, and of course, anything with feta or lemon potatoes. Those felt easier to eat and were packed with flavor without being overwhelming.

Now as an adult, I’ve come to appreciate almost all of it — even the things I avoided as a child.

What about you? Were there any traditional Greek dishes you didn’t like as a kid but love now?

Summer Meze for a Guy's Night?

I’m hosting a casual guy’s night next weekend and want to keep the food simple but solid. Thinking of going all-in on a summer Greek meze spread instead of doing a big main course. Cold beers, good music, and a table full of small plates sounds perfect for the heat.

I’ve got a few ideas already: spicy tirokafteri, grilled loukaniko, some fried zucchini with skordalia, maybe dolmades and olives. I’ll probably throw some grilled pita on the side and maybe a Greek salad too.

But I’d love to hear your go-to suggestions. What would you put out on the table for a group of guys hanging out on a warm summer evening? Anything easy to prep ahead or serve at room temp would be great. Bonus points for meat-heavy meze or something you can grill.
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