1 - 8 of 8 Posts

dpappas87

Active member
Hey guys, what are some must haves for a big mezze platter? I’m having my in-laws over and the LOVE mezze. I’m not even planning on cooking any actual dishes, just some small appetizers, dips and stuff like taht. What do you guys recommend?
 
Where to begin LOL!

Here are some that I would include if having a party and want some Greek mezze: Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Tiropira, Spanakopita (really any pita :)). Although many would include dolmades as a main dish, I think it could work as an appetizer or mezze.

stuffed-grape-leaves-720x480.jpeg​

 
  • Like
Reactions: dpappas87
Where to begin LOL!

Here are some that I would include if having a party and want some Greek mezze: Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves), Tiropira, Spanakopita (really any pita :)). Although many would include dolmades as a main dish, I think it could work as an appetizer or mezze.

View attachment 80​

Thanks, I wouldn't even think to include dolmades as an appetizer either! Do you make them yourself? Or do you buy them canned?
 
I’m sure you know of the classics like babaghanoush, tzatziki, olive spread, pita bread and that type of stuff. I love adding hummus and spinach/artichoke dip. It’s not traditionally Greek, but I love it! :)
 
My favorite is to serve spanakopita because it is always a show stopper. I also like to make a hummus dip where I take hummus and top it with feta cheese, chopped tomatoes, Greek olives, a sprinkling of oregano. It's an easy way to elevate store bought hummus, and it tastes great when served with pita chips.

spanakopita-recipe-scaled.jpg
 
Taramosalata and beet tzatziki are lesser known but delivious mezze! I love the vibrant color of the beet tzatziki its so pink! Add some walnuts and it delish
 
  • Like
Reactions: kosta_karapinotis
Taramosalata and beet tzatziki are lesser known but delivious mezze! I love the vibrant color of the beet tzatziki its so pink! Add some walnuts and it delish
Those are great ones!!!! Thanks!
 
I’m more of a meat guy so when I make mezze I like to add smaller peices of meat like cut up loukaniko (sausage) or skewers of grilled chicken. It’s nice to eat with pita bread and any of the dips, anything can really become mezze when its plated on little dishes. Good luck!
 

Greek cooking without a recipe?

I've been thinking about how much traditional Greek cooking relies on instinct rather than following exact recipes. Some of the Greek dishes I learned to make were taught to me by feel, with someone showing me what to do rather than measuring everything out.

I actually enjoy cooking this way, but I've noticed that it can make certain dishes difficult to recreate consistently! Sometimes everything comes together perfectly, and other times I wonder what I did differently.

I'm curious how others approach this. Did you learn Greek cooking by watching your yiayia, mother, or other relatives? Do you measure ingredients, or do you just know when something looks, smells, or tastes right?

Favorite Greek Cheeses Beyond Feta

Feta gets most of the attention when people talk about Greek cheese, but there are so many other varieties worth trying. I’m curious which Greek cheeses everyone enjoys most beyond feta.

Graviera is one of my favorites because it works so well on a cheese plate, grated over dishes, or just eaten with bread. Kasseri is another one I really like, especially melted. I’ve also been interested in trying more regional cheeses like metsovone, manouri, kefalotyri, and formaela.

Some Greek cheeses seem to be much easier to find outside Greece than others, so I’d also love to know which ones people regularly buy and where they usually find them.

What Greek cheeses do you keep coming back to? Are there certain ones you associate with a particular region, dish, or family tradition? And if someone has mostly eaten feta, which Greek cheese would you recommend they try next?

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?

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?

Do you make your pastitsio with a thick or thin layer of krema?

I've always preferred my pastitsio with a nice, thick layer of béchamel on top. To me, that's one of the best parts of the dish! I love when the krema is rich, creamy, and thick enough to hold its shape when you cut into the pastitsio.

The problem is that I've been having trouble getting my krema just right. Sometimes it comes out too thin, and other times the texture isn't quite as smooth as I'd like. I've tried adjusting the amount of flour and milk, but I still haven't found the perfect balance.

I'm curious how everyone else makes theirs. Do you prefer a thick layer of béchamel or just enough to cover the pasta? Does your family add eggs or cheese to the mixture?

I'd especially love to hear any tips for making a thick, smooth krema that sets beautifully when baked!
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top