1 - 2 of 2 Posts

ssherie_

Active member
I’ve been on a serious Greek dessert kick lately and wanted to ask—what’s your favorite Greek custard dish? There are so many good ones out there, but I keep going back and forth between a few classics: bougatsa, galaktoboureko, and ekmek kataifi.

Bougatsa is so nostalgic for me—crispy phyllo, creamy custard, and a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon… perfect with coffee. But then galaktoboureko is another level with the semolina custard and that rich syrup. And ekmek? That creamy custard over syrupy kadaifi with whipped cream on top—just wow.

I’d love to hear what you all crave most when it comes to custard-based desserts. Are you loyal to one or do you switch it up depending on your mood? Also curious if anyone has family variations or tips for making them at home!
 
What a delicious dilemma! I honestly can’t choose just one—each has its own moment. Bougatsa is my go-to for a cozy morning with coffee; it’s simple, nostalgic, and that cinnamon-sugar topping hits just right. Galaktoboureko feels a bit more indulgent, especially when the phyllo is golden and the syrup is just the right amount. It’s often our “celebration” dessert.

But ekmek kataifi? That’s luxurious, especially because of the fluffy whipped part. I tend to make galaktoboureko most often at home—it holds up well and my family loves it.
 

How do you make your tzatziki creamier?

I make Greek food all the time, spanakopita, keftedes, souvlaki, you name it — but I’ve always taken the shortcut and bought my tzatziki ready-made. Lately I’ve been wanting to make it from scratch and get that rich, creamy texture you find in good tavernas.

I’ve tried a few recipes with strained Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, but mine keeps turning out too thin or slightly watery after a few hours. I strain the cucumber and even use full-fat yogurt, but it still doesn’t have that thick, velvety consistency.

So I’m curious — what’s your secret to creamier tzatziki? Do you use a specific brand of yogurt, or maybe add something like sour cream or labneh? Does chilling it overnight make a difference? I’d love to hear how you make yours stay thick, fresh, and perfectly balanced between tangy and smooth.

How do you cook okra without it turning slimy?

I grew up eating bamies all summer long in Greece, and it’s still one of my favorite dishes, especially when cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a touch of olive oil. But even after years of making it here in the U.S., I can’t seem to find a consistent way to keep the okra from turning slimy. Sometimes it comes out perfect, tender and flavorful with no stickiness, and other times it gets that slippery texture no matter what I do.

I’ve heard different tricks over the years: soaking in vinegar, roasting before stewing, not stirring too much, or using smaller pods. But none of them seem to work every time.

For those of you who also love traditional Greek bamies, what’s your secret? Is it all about the freshness of the okra, or is there a step in the cooking process that really makes the difference?

What Are You Baking This Holiday Season?

Every holiday season, my kitchen fills with the smell of butter, honey, and toasted nuts, it’s not Christmas without a tray (or three!) of melomakarona and kourabiedes cooling on the counter. I still remember rolling them by hand with my yiayia and dusting everything in sugar until the whole room sparkled.

Now that I bake on my own, I’ve started adding little twists, a drizzle of dark chocolate on the melomakarona, or orange zest in the dough. Some years I even make tsoureki for the holidays instead of waiting for Easter.

I’m curious — what are your Greek holiday baking traditions? Do you stay loyal to the classic recipes, or try modern variations? Any family stories behind your favorite sweets? I’d love to hear what’s in your oven this season and which recipes you can’t celebrate without.

Potatoes in Moussaka?

For some reason, my family’s version of moussaka has never included potatoes, and I’m starting to wonder if I’ve been missing something all these years! We’ve always layered it with eggplant, a bit of zucchini, meat sauce, and béchamel, no potatoes. But lately I’ve seen so many recipes (especially from northern Greece) that add a layer of sliced or fried potatoes at the bottom, and people swear it gives the dish more structure and heartiness.

For those who make moussaka regularly — do you include potatoes? If so, where do you place them in the layering: bottom, middle, or alternating with the eggplant? Do they change the texture or make it too heavy? I love the idea of experimenting but don’t want to lose that light, custardy feel of our version. I’d love to hear how your families make it and whether the potato layer is a must!

Greek things to do with butternut squash?

Hi everyone! I’m curious about traditional (or regional) Greek ways to cook with butternut squash. My aunt used to make an incredible kolokythopita with it — sweet, earthy, and a little reminiscent of butternut squash pie filling, but wrapped in crisp phyllo instead of a pastry crust. It was one of those dishes that tasted both rustic and festive at the same time.

I’m wondering what else Greeks typically do with butternut squash, especially in home cooking. Are there savory versions of the pie? Any stews, ladera, or casseroles that feature it? Does anyone use it in soups, risottos, or baked dishes? I’d also love to know if certain regions in Greece cook with butternut squash more often than others.

Would love to hear your ideas, family recipes, and regional traditions!
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