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blopez34

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I found some Myzithra cheese in a Greek market - to my knowledge, I have never had it before. Or, it could be that I don't know much about it.

How do Greeks typically use this cheese? I tastes some, and it is on the harder side. I can picture it being grated and tasting great on pasta. Other than that, how is it I used? Are there any dishes that include it?
 
I found some Myzithra cheese in a Greek market - to my knowledge, I have never had it before. Or, it could be that I don't know much about it.

How do Greeks typically use this cheese? I tastes some, and it is on the harder side. I can picture it being grated and tasting great on pasta. Other than that, how is it I used? Are there any dishes that include it?
Myzithra is a very sharp cheese, it's not for eating, like some feta, which stands fine on its own. Best use I know for myzithra is on Greek macaroni, with the kappama sauce, cinnamon and myzithra. Think that's the way it's mostly used, but probably good along with anything that has kappama.
 
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Myzithra is a very sharp cheese, it's not for eating, like some feta, which stands fine on its own. Best use I know for myzithra is on Greek macaroni, with the kappama sauce, cinnamon and myzithra. Think that's the way it's mostly used, but probably good along with anything that has kappama.
Thank you, I will first try it with Greek macaroni dishes and see how I like it. I tried having a little bit by itself and it was strong - so seems better in small amounts?
 
It's not an "eating" cheese, like others that taste good on their own. You can be generous with it on Greek macaroni. Not sure if it's been mentioned here but along with kappama sauce, brown butter is wonderful on Greek macaroni, and, of course, the myzithra.
 
I love, love it on pasta dishes with a sturdy tomato sauce, and I even sneak onto some rice dishes. I also sometimes add just a tiny amount in my tiropita - it gives it a little something extra!
 
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I love, love it on pasta dishes with a sturdy tomato sauce, and I even sneak onto some rice dishes. I also sometimes add just a tiny amount in my tiropita - it gives it a little something extra!
What a great idea in the tiropita! Never thought of it and will give it a try--and in some rice. Thanks!
 

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.

Do you put potatoes in your briam?

I've noticed that there are quite a few variations of briam, especially when it comes to which vegetables people include. One ingredient I'm particularly curious about is potatoes. Do you always put potatoes in your briam, or do you prefer making it without them?

I usually think of briam as a combination of zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and plenty of olive oil. I love how the potatoes absorb all those wonderful flavors as everything slowly roasts together in the oven.

However, I've seen recipes that leave the potatoes out entirely and focus more on the summer vegetables. I imagine that makes the dish a little lighter.

I'm also curious whether there are regional differences in how briam is prepared throughout Greece. Does your family have a particular way of making it? And what vegetables do you consider absolutely essential?

My Family’s Keftedes Recipe

Keftedes are one of those foods that always remind me of family gatherings. Everyone seems to make them a little differently, but this is the basic version my family has always used.

For about a pound of ground beef, we add one small grated onion, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, a little fresh mint, one egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, oregano, and a small splash of red wine vinegar. Sometimes we add a little grated garlic as well.

The important part is mixing everything well and then letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator for a little while before shaping the keftedes. We make them fairly small, roll them lightly in flour, and fry them in olive oil until browned on the outside and cooked through.

We usually serve them with lemon, potatoes, salad, or tzatziki.

How does your family make keftedes? I’m especially curious about which herbs and seasonings everyone uses. Thought I'd share!

Do you make Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?

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?
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