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nm1999

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What do you usually serve for desserts at Greek Easter? I'm invited to a socially distanced Greek Easter gathering but I've never been to an easter party before, and I want to bring a dessert. Thanks
 
Greek Easter is an all-you-can-eat feast so I recommend to bring something refreshing that will go well with the lamb in your stomach!
If you can find baklava, ravani or "portokalopita" (served with ice cream) it would be great. Personally, I would enjoy more a strawberry shortcake or a lemon meringue tart.
 
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Greek Easter is an all-you-can-eat feast so I recommend to bring something refreshing that will go well with the lamb in your stomach!
If you can find baklava, ravani or "portokalopita" (served with ice cream) it would be great. Personally, I would enjoy more a strawberry shortcake or a lemon meringue tart.
Ravani is a great option! It's a bit more light and perfect to pair with heartier meats
 
This year Easter falls in Autumn (fall). We do things a bit different in our home. After our Easter prayer, we break our eggs and the feast begins. Kastellorizian pilafi and gemisi are a MUST at our Easter feast. We cater for all our guests. This year vegetarian curry including roti, organic beef casserole and chicken for the white meat only eaters. Haloumi cake, spanakopita, bread (of course) and the usual dolmades, tzatziki, fetta, olives, salad. For desert (including port, coffee and tea) we serve tsoureki, kouranbries, koulourakia, fruit platter and ice cream. Galatobouriko.and baklava. Easter cake - usually chocolate cake with lots of cream decorated by the little ones with candy and chocolate eggs. If you go home hungry - it your own fault! Lots of take away containers on hand.
 
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This year Easter falls in Autumn (fall). We do things a bit different in our home. After our Easter prayer, we break our eggs and the feast begins. Kastellorizian pilafi and gemisi are a MUST at our Easter feast. We cater for all our guests. This year vegetarian curry including roti, organic beef casserole and chicken for the white meat only eaters. Haloumi cake, spanakopita, bread (of course) and the usual dolmades, tzatziki, fetta, olives, salad. For desert (including port, coffee and tea) we serve tsoureki, kouranbries, koulourakia, fruit platter and ice cream. Galatobouriko.and baklava. Easter cake - usually chocolate cake with lots of cream decorated by the little ones with candy and chocolate eggs. If you go home hungry - it your own fault! Lots of take away containers on hand.
Sounds so tasty!!
 
What do you usually serve for desserts at Greek Easter? I'm invited to a socially distanced Greek Easter gathering but I've never been to an easter party before, and I want to bring a dessert. Thanks
What do you usually serve for desserts at Greek Easter? I'm invited to a socially distanced Greek Easter gathering but I've never been to an easter party before, and I want to bring a dessert. Thanks
 
Koulourakia seems to be a dessert that is at all Greek Easter gatherings. There's a good recipe for that on the Food Section of greekboston.com . There are lots of different recipes out there. Once you try different ones, you'll come up with your own personal preference. It is very likely the hostess has already made some as that's one thing that can be made in advance. That being said, ANY dessert fits the bill if you're coming to our house! I often makes the likes of baklava, but I found that not necessary.
 
I love the traditional Greek desserts and cookies, you really can't go wrong with any of them. Koulourakia is the traditional Easter cookie. I am also a chocolate fiend so anything that features chocolate, even though it isn't traditionally Greek, has a special place in our dessert spread.
 

No Meat Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) Recipe

It has taken me a long time to get vegetarian dolmades to the point where I enjoy them. Here is my recipe. It uses a lot of oil, so strict fasters shouldn't eat them. But most people aren't super strict so I would even say these are good for lent!

Ingredients:​

  • 1 jar of grape leaves (about 60-70 leaves)
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water

Instructions:​

  1. Prepare the Grape Leaves:
    • If using grape leaves preserved in brine, rinse them well under cold water to remove excess salt. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cold water. Trim off any stems.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  3. Fill and Roll the Grape Leaves:
    • Place a grape leaf flat on a clean work surface, shiny side down, with the stem end facing you. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the rice filling onto the center of the leaf, near the stem end.
    • Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a small cylinder.
    • Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling, arranging the rolled dolmades seam-side down in a large pot or deep skillet, packing them snugly together.
  4. Cook the Dolmades:
    • Once all the dolmades are rolled and packed in the pot, drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
    • Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the dolmades.
    • Place a heatproof plate or lid directly on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged during cooking.
    • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the grape leaves are tender.

How to learn about different regional cuisines in Greece?

I have learned so much about Greek cuisine by being on this forum! I know that there are standard recipes that everyone seems to cook.

For example, you can get souvlaki all over. Everyone seems to serve a village salad with slight variations. Most regions seem to make moussaka. There are tons of others.

I have also noticed that each region has their own specialties. How do you go about learning about them?

greek-salad.jpg

Making traditional loukaniko question

I’m on a culinary quest to master the art of making Loukaniko, the traditional Greek sausage that tantalizes taste buds with its savory blend of spices and herbs. I understand that each region and even each family might have their own special recipe passed down through generations.

Which leads me to my ask - could anyone who’s familiar with Greek cuisine share insights about the most common seasonings used in Loukaniko? I'm especially interested in any mix of spices that gives it that characteristic flavor profile.

I’ve done some preliminary research, but I’m looking for that firsthand knowledge. What's the blend that makes your Loukaniko stand out? Are there any particular secrets to perfect the authentic taste?

Best meze to serve at Easter?

What is the best Greek meze to serve for Greek Easter? I want dishes that will wow my guests and make this Easter unforgettable. I’m looking for meze that are both traditional and have that ‘wow’ factor in terms of visual appeal and taste. I’d appreciate if you could share your favorites and perhaps some personal tips or recipes that make them stand out.

Here’s what I’m considering so far, but I’d love your input:
  • Tzatziki - A refreshing yogurt, cucumber, and garlic dip.
  • Spanakopita - Hearty spinach and feta pie encased in flaky pastry.
  • Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves) - A tangy and herb-infused delight.
  • Feta cheese. A classic - I sometimes drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
  • Olives. No meze spread is complete without olives.
What else should I put out? Or is that enough? We're having about 20 people.

What do you think of Gyro variations?

There are some gyro shops near me in the United States and they seem to be putting a different spin on the classic dish. There are some variations. What do you guys think of the variations?

I don't recall seeing these variations in Greece, but I could be wrong. Variations such as - gyros made with different meats, like chicken, those made with Greek meatballs, souvlaki, etc.

And what do you think of putting fries in Gyros? I do see that in Greece.
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