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redsoxdw_

Active member
I have been coming across petimezi (grape molasses) in some traditional Greek recipes lately—mainly in older cookbooks or island dishes—and I’m curious how common it actually is in everyday Greek cooking. I know it has ancient roots and is used as a sweetener, but I’ve never really kept it in my pantry.

Do you use petimezi regularly? If so, what kinds of dishes do you add it to—just desserts, or savory dishes too? I’ve seen it mentioned in things like koulourakia, vinaigrettes, even over yogurt or cheese. Is it worth keeping a bottle on hand, or is this more of a specialty item that’s only used occasionally?
 

What to do with Gigantes?

I bought a big bag of gigantes beans (those giant Greek white beans) and usually just make the classic gigantes plaki—slow-cooked in tomato sauce with herbs and olive oil. It’s one of my favorite dishes, but I’m wondering what else I can do with them?

They’re already soaked and ready to go, but I’d love to try something new. Do you use gigantes in soups, salads, or stews? Could they work in a lemony avgolemono-style dish? Or maybe mashed like a spread?

I’m open to vegetarian or meat-based recipes, or even ideas for meze platters. Just trying to branch out from the one recipe I always go back to!

If you’ve got any favorite ways of preparing gigantes—or tips for seasoning them differently—I’d love to hear. Also curious if anyone has used them in more modern or fusion-style Greek dishes. Thanks in advance for the inspiration!

Pasta Sauce Made with Greek Yogurt?

I recently came across a recipe for a pasta sauce made with Greek yogurt, and it caught my attention because it sounds both creamy and healthy. I even spotted a version of it in an old Greek cookbook I have! Some recipes suggest thinning the yogurt with a bit of pasta water, adding lemon juice, grated cheese, garlic, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley.

I haven’t tried making it yet, but I’m really curious—has anyone here actually made a pasta sauce using Greek yogurt? Did it turn out well? Did you serve it hot or more like a pasta salad? I’m especially wondering how it holds up when mixed with hot pasta—does it curdle at all?

Would love to hear any tips, favorite combinations, or flavor additions you recommend. I’d love to try a Greek-inspired version for dinner this week! Thanks in advance for your advice.

Cooking Wild Greens Greek Style

I grew up eating wild greens (horta) the traditional Greek way—boiled until tender, then dressed simply with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt. It’s one of those comfort foods that reminds me of home, and I still make it this way all the time.

Lately, I’ve been wondering—do other people prepare horta differently? Are there any regional variations or little tricks that elevate the flavor? I’ve heard of some people sautéing the greens after boiling or adding garlic, but I’ve never tried it myself.

Also curious what kinds of greens you use. I usually go with dandelion or chicory, but sometimes I mix in kale or mustard greens if I can’t find the wild stuff.

Would love to hear how you make yours—same simple prep, or do you spice it up? Open to new ideas while still keeping that traditional feel!

Has anyone made Greek grilled octopus at home?

Every time I visit Greece, I fall in love all over again with grilled octopus—tender, smoky, perfectly charred, and drizzled with olive oil and lemon. But every time I try making it at home, it turns out tough and rubbery. I’m starting to wonder if the secret isn’t just in the cooking, but in how the octopus is prepped beforehand.

Does anyone know if the octopus sold in Greece is treated differently before hitting the grill? I’ve read that in Greece, they sometimes tenderize it by pounding it or drying it out in the sun. Are we missing that step here in the U.S.?

I’d love to recreate that amazing texture and flavor at home—so if you’ve had any success (or lessons learned), please share your tips! Do you boil it first? Freeze it? Grill it low and slow?

Greek Keto-Friendly Meals?

I’m Greek and absolutely love our food, but I’ve recently started following a keto lifestyle and I’m trying to figure out how to make it work with traditional Greek cuisine. So much of what I love—like spanakopita, yemista with rice, and baked pasta dishes—seems off-limits right now.

That said, I know there are tons of naturally keto-friendly options in our diet—grilled meats, seafood, olives, cheeses, veggies cooked in olive oil—but I’d love to hear how others are navigating this. Have you adapted any traditional recipes to make them keto? Any ideas for phyllo-free spanakopita or low-carb versions of classics?

I’d especially love tips on mezze options I can enjoy without going off track, or ideas for keto meals that still feel authentically Greek.
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