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dimi_pat

Active member
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!
 
Absolutely love gigantes! Besides the classic plaki, I’ve used them in a few different ways that turned out great. They’re great tossed into a lemony soup with dill and spinach (a vegetarian twist on avgolemono without the egg), or in a Mediterranean-style salad with roasted red peppers, capers, red onion, and a simple vinaigrette. For a meze platter, try smashing them into a garlicky bean purée. It's kind of like a Greek hummus with lemon, olive oil, and oregano.

I’ve also baked them with lamb in a tomato-cinnamon sauce for a hearty stew. As for fusion, I once made gigantes tacos with pickled onions and feta—surprisingly tasty! Their creamy texture makes them perfect for absorbing bold flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
 

Moussaka without béchamel sauce?

I’ve never been a fan of béchamel. The texture and heaviness just don’t do it for me—even though I know it’s a classic part of moussaka. That said, I really want to try making a version of moussaka without the béchamel topping. Has anyone tried this before? Is there a good substitute that still gives that nice “top layer” without the creaminess of béchamel?

I’ve heard of some people using mashed potatoes or even a simple tomato-based topping instead. Others have mentioned using yogurt or cheese as a lighter alternative. I’d love to hear if anyone has experimented with different versions and how they turned out—did it still taste like moussaka?

Also, does skipping the béchamel affect how the layers hold together or how it bakes? Any tips, tricks, or favorite recipes would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

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!

Different kinds of Greek Olives?

Hi everyone! I’m Greek and absolutely love Kalamata olives—they’ve always been my go-to. But lately, I’ve been thinking about how many other types of Greek olives there must be that I’ve barely explored. I know I’ve tasted different kinds while traveling through various regions of Greece, especially in Crete and the Peloponnese, but I never really paid attention to the names or varieties.

I’d love to learn more about the different types of Greek olives out there—like what they’re called, where they’re from, how they’re cured, and what they taste like. Are there any lesser-known ones I should try? Maybe some that are milder, spicier, or especially good for cooking or snacking?

If you have favorites beyond Kalamata or know of any regional varieties worth seeking out, please share! I'd love to expand my olive knowledge (and my mezze platter). Thanks so much in advance!

Greek Open-Fire Grilling (Psistaria Style)

Hey all, just wanted to pick your brains a bit about psistaria-style open-fire grilling. I’ve been around it plenty (family feasts, Easter lamb, late-night souvlaki sessions), but lately I’ve been getting more hands-on and want to refine my setup and technique.

I’m curious what others are doing when it comes to charcoal vs wood, managing heat, and what cuts of meat you swear by for the grill. Are you marinating your lamb or pork overnight or keeping it simple with salt, lemon, and oregano? Do you use a rotating spit (souvla) or just go with grills and skewers?

Also wondering what extras you throw on—do you do loukaniko, whole veggies, bread on the coals?

Love hearing how others approach this. There’s nothing like psistaria vibes, especially with friends, cold beer, and that smoky air. Let’s swap notes and maybe inspire each other before summer kicks in!

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!
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