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dpappas87

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What is in season in Greece now? I know cabbage is and maybe citrus fruits... I want to start trying some dishes that are traditional to this time of year. I know people eat a lot of stews, like stifado. Those kinds of dishes are great once in a while, but not all the time. I love vegetables the best! Do Greeks eat foods like kale? Do they use other winter vegetables like parsnips?

I know that potatoes do well this time of year and are in season, and I know what I can do with them ... Any advice is appreciated!
 
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When I was living there we used to cook Bamiez(Ladies fingers with tomatoes, onions, garlic and lots of olive oil in the oven)..... Aubergines with Feta cheese, lots of tomatoes and onions in oven).... +also other strong cheeses from Crete,....Gigatez... giant beans baked in oven......Green beans in oven!... Abundance of vegetables available!... Look up some recipes with carrots,... different dishes with cabbages, cauliflower, celery...
. Kalley Mera from Thailand..... let us know what you are cooking... which part of the world are you writing from?
 
When I was living there we used to cook Bamiez(Ladies fingers with tomatoes, onions, garlic and lots of olive oil in the oven)..... Aubergines with Feta cheese, lots of tomatoes and onions in oven).... +also other strong cheeses from Crete,....Gigatez... giant beans baked in oven......Green beans in oven!... Abundance of vegetables available!... Look up some recipes with carrots,... different dishes with cabbages, cauliflower, celery...
. Kalley Mera from Thailand..... let us know what you are cooking... which part of the world are you writing from?
It sounds like winter produce in Greece is pretty similar to many climates. I am in New Hampshire and I doubt anything is really in season now, with it being so cold, but we get our produce from elsewhere so the stores stay stocked. Greece has such a lovely climate and beautiful food!
 
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Yes, Greeks eat a variety of winter vegetables like kale, parsnips, and potatoes. Dishes like stifado and other stews are great for this time of year, but there are also plenty of other dishes that feature winter vegetables. A great example is hortopita, which is a traditional Greek pie made with greens and feta cheese. You could also try making a winter salad with kale, potatoes, and other vegetables, or a simple side dish with boiled parsnips and butter. Whatever you make, I'm sure it will be delicious, especially if you use all the delicious seasonal vegetables!
Bakalyaro Skordhalia....(I used to love Skordhalia very much!) boiled beetroot with garlic....spanakopita.... baked potatoes in oven with tomatoes, onions, garlic and rosemary!.... Aubergines with tomatoes,Feta cheese, garlic and lots of Oregano and olive oil.... yummy!?
 
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Do You Make Avgolemono Thick or Brothy?

I usually prefer avgolemono somewhere in the middle. I don’t like it so thick that it feels almost like a cream soup, but I also don’t want it completely thin and brothy. For me, the best version has enough egg and lemon to give the broth some body while still keeping it light.

A lot probably depends on what kind of avgolemono you’re making, too. In chicken soup, I like it a little more brothy because I want the rice or orzo and chicken to still stand out. With something like lahanodolmades, I don’t mind the avgolemono sauce being thicker because it is coating the food rather than serving as the soup itself.

The lemon level matters just as much as the thickness. I like enough lemon to make it bright and noticeable, but not so much that it overwhelms everything else. I think balance is really the key.

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 secret to making really good Greek lemon potatoes?

I've been making Greek lemon potatoes for years, and it's one of those dishes I make completely by feel. I don't measure anything, and I never really thought about how I make them because it's all second nature to me.

Recently, I tried teaching someone how to make them. Everything seemed straightforward while we were cooking together, but when they went home and tried making them on their own, all kinds of things went wrong! The potatoes weren't cooking evenly, the texture wasn't quite right, and the lemon flavor didn't come through the way it should.

It made me realize how much I rely on instinct when cooking traditional Greek food. I rarely write down recipes, so explaining every little detail is harder than I expected!

For those who make Greek lemon potatoes regularly, what tips would you give someone who's just learning?

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?

How does your family season dolmades?

I’ve been thinking about how much dolmades can vary from one family to another, especially when it comes to seasoning. Even when the basic ingredients are similar, the flavor can be completely different depending on which herbs and spices are used.

How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?
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