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xmelissaa

Active member
I have been told that Greek fries are so good because of the olive oil. Obviously, I agree - but I think there is more to the story.

I remember my yiayia cutting the potatoes and then putting the slices in water for an about twenty minutes. She'd take them out of the water, blog away the water, and THEN fry them.

Is this a standard practice? Could this by why her fries are crispier than mine? Also, she obsessed over using the freshest potatoes she could find.
 
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I have been told that Greek fries are so good because of the olive oil. Obviously, I agree - but I think there is more to the story.

I remember my yiayia cutting the potatoes and then putting the slices in water for an about twenty minutes. She'd take them out of the water, blog away the water, and THEN fry them.

Is this a standard practice? Could this by why her fries are crispier than mine? Also, she obsessed over using the freshest potatoes she could find.
Yes, it is the olive oil for the most part. But, I also do the water trick. I think that's the secret. I learned that from my Yiayia as well.
 
I have been told that Greek fries are so good because of the olive oil. Obviously, I agree - but I think there is more to the story.

I remember my yiayia cutting the potatoes and then putting the slices in water for an about twenty minutes. She'd take them out of the water, blog away the water, and THEN fry them.

Is this a standard practice? Could this by why her fries are crispier than mine? Also, she obsessed over using the freshest potatoes she could find.
HI! It's definitely good-quality olive oil, but my Yiayia taught me another hack. After letting them soak for about 15 minutes, she would rinse them in water to try and remove as much starch as possible. Then she would pat them dry and then fry them!
 

Best Greek Snacks?

I’m curious about Greek snacking culture. When I think of Greece, I picture big meals and meze, but what about everyday snacks? What do Greeks typically grab when they’re on the go or craving something light between meals?

I’ve heard that koulouri (the sesame-covered bread ring) is a breakfast favorite, and I know tiropita (cheese pie) and spanakopita (spinach pie) are popular. But what else? Are there any must-try traditional snacks? Do Greeks snack on nuts, olives, or dried fruits often? What’s the most common sweet snack—loukoumades, baklava, or something else?

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been to Greece or is familiar with Greek food. What are the best Greek snacks to try, whether homemade or from a bakery/street vendor?

What is your favorite Greek tea?

One of my favorite things to bring back from Greece is tea! I always make sure to stock up on Mountain Tea (Tsai Tou Vounou) because I love its earthy, floral taste and all the health benefits it offers, especially for immunity and digestion. However, I’ve been wondering if I should be looking at other types of Greek teas to bring back as well.

I know Greece has a rich variety of herbal teas, from chamomile (χαμομήλι) to sage (φασκόμηλο) and even the famous dittany of Crete (δίκταμο), which is known for its medicinal properties. I’d love to hear from others who bring tea back from Greece—what are your favorites? Are there any lesser-known Greek herbal teas that you recommend?

Greek-Style Hummus Recipe

I love hummus, but I’ve noticed that many recipes use spices like cumin and paprika, which aren’t really common in Greek cuisine. I’m looking for a Greek-inspired hummus recipe—something that keeps the flavors fresh, bright, and true to Mediterranean ingredients.

Would you recommend skipping the tahini and using more olive oil and lemon? Maybe adding Greek yogurt for creaminess? What about incorporating oregano or feta for a more authentic twist?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you have a go-to Greek-style hummus recipe (or even just a tip to make it taste more Greek), please share. I would appreciate it!

Best Greek Lamb Dishes for Easter?

I’m getting ready for Greek Easter and planning my menu, but I need to order my lamb soon since it’s hard to find where I live. Most people here don’t eat much lamb, so it has to be special-ordered.

I’d love some recommendations—what are the best lamb dishes for Easter? Should I go for the classic whole roasted lamb on the spit, or would a slow-roasted lamb dish like arni kleftiko or arni sto fourno (lamb in the oven with potatoes) work just as well? How about cooking a leg, maybe grilling it?

I want to keep it traditional, but I also need something practical since I don’t have access to a whole lamb. Any advice on cuts of meat, cooking methods, and essential Greek Easter flavors would be super helpful

Greek Boiled Greens (Horta Vrasta))

My family loves to eat this when the weather starts warming up. I thought I'd share a simple recipe:

Ingredients:
  • 1–2 large bunches of leafy greens (see types below)
  • Sea salt
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: a clove of garlic in the boiling water (for aroma)
Instructions:

Start by cleaning the greens. Trim away any tough stems or wilted leaves, then rinse the greens well in cold water. It’s best to do this in a large bowl or basin, changing the water several times to remove any dirt or sand that might be hiding between the leaves. Once clean, set them aside.

Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. If you like a subtle hint of garlic, you can add a whole clove to the water for extra aroma. Carefully add the greens to the pot—if they don’t all fit at once, add them in batches as they wilt down. Let them boil uncovered for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of greens and how tender you like them. They should be fully cooked but still have a nice vibrant green color.

When the greens are tender, use tongs or a strainer to remove them from the water and let them drain well.
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