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auroracoor1

Active member
I have been researching Santorini for various reasons. Mostly because I am fascinated, but also because I plan to visit. Is the food on the island similar to the rest of Greece? What should I look out for when I am there?

As far as I can tell the tomatoes are really special there, and I should order a lot of things that involve tomato. Can you guys think of anything else? I also want to find recipes for some of the main dishes so I can try them before my trip.
 
While tourist menus tend to be the same, each region and island group will offer local specialities. For breakfast one might be offered rice pudding in Molyvos or a tomato bread pudding in Santorini. You’re right to do research for the places you will visit and to be sure to order the specialties rather than let’s say…an omelette! Santorini’s soil produces excellent tomatoes and wine, but seriously, the food in every region is excellent. Just look for locally-grown and farm-to-table establishments as much as possible.
 
While tourist menus tend to be the same, each region and island group will offer local specialities. For breakfast one might be offered rice pudding in Molyvos or a tomato bread pudding in Santorini. You’re right to do research for the places you will visit and to be sure to order the specialties rather than let’s say…an omelette! Santorini’s soil produces excellent tomatoes and wine, but seriously, the food in every region is excellent. Just look for locally-grown and farm-to-table establishments as much as possible.
Yes! I want to look for the authentic food - I've noticed that tourist menus tend to be a little different. I want authentic experiences, and I've learned I need to have a few dishes in my mind to seek out, and then I also need to ask locals where they recommend going to find xxx dish - if I mention regional specialties they'll know I am serious about finding authentic places.
 
It has been a while since I went to Santorini but when I was there, I noticed a real difference between menus in areas, say near where the cruses docked, and menus in villages that were a bit ticked away. There seemed to be more regional specialties in the out of the way places, but the tourist menus had one or two offerings. My advice would be to spend some time exploring some of the lesser known villages.
 

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 herbs do you use when making Greek stuffed zucchini?

I've been thinking about making Greek stuffed zucchini (kolokithakia gemista), and I'm curious about which herbs everyone uses in the filling. I've seen quite a few variations, and it seems like the combination of herbs can really influence the overall flavor of the dish.

Some recipes use plenty of fresh dill and parsley, while others include mint or even a little oregano. I've also noticed that some people add green onions for extra flavor. I'm wondering whether certain herbs are considered more traditional, especially when making stuffed zucchini with rice and ground meat.

Do you use a combination of herbs, or do you prefer to keep the seasoning fairly simple? Does your family have a particular recipe that has been passed down through generations?

I'm especially interested in how the herbs complement the avgolemono sauce. What combination do you think gives Greek stuffed zucchini the best flavor?

What Is the Best Way to Serve Taramosalata?

I absolutely love taramosalata and have it pretty regularly at home, but I’m having some people over soon and was wondering about the best way to serve it when entertaining.

Normally I just eat it with some bread or pita, so I don’t really put much thought into presentation. For guests, though, I’d like to make it part of a nice Greek-style spread with a few other things on the table. I was thinking warm pita triangles, crusty bread, maybe some cucumber and other vegetables for dipping, but I’m curious what everyone else usually serves with it.

Do you drizzle a little olive oil over the top or add any kind of garnish? And are there particular meze that you think pair especially well with taramosalata?

I’d love some ideas for making it look a little more special while still keeping everything traditional and simple.

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?

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.
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