Greek feast

[TemporaryName123]

Hi all,

I’m hosting 7 friends in a few weeks, and I always do a ‘theme’ (I’ve previously done tapas, Italian etc). This time it’s Greek!

I’m thinking….

Slow roast Greek lamb (served shredded in a large dish, with a touch of pomegranate mollases stirred through just before serving, not strictly Greek but game changing!)

Lemon and garlic Greek potatoes (might deep fry these before serving for extra crispiness!)

Greek salad

Loaded Greek Dipping Oil

Homemade Hummus & Tzatsiki

Toasted pitta wedges

Is there anything missing? Anything you’d leave out/add?

TIA

Halloumi if there are non meat eaters?

Spanokopita? Some stuffed vine leaves? It all sounds great though.

It sounds sooo good! Do you think you could squeeze in an eighth person????? 😉

@Offredismysister Oooh halloumi! How could I forget halloumi! What type of way do you think I should serve? Like pan fried and honeyed? I like the idea of spanakopita @murasaki , is this something easily prep able? Want to have as much ‘done’ as possible that day, then just serve up when guests seated!

@dizzydizzydizzy you are too kind! My friends are used to me doing arguably more ‘complicated’ meals so want to keep this simple and was worried it mightn’t be as ‘impressive’ so your response fills me with hope! X

Actually here’s another one…what dessert would you do? Doesn’t necessarily have to be Greek, but would be good if it had similar vibes (light, bright…)

What about Portokalopita with ice cream?

I've just made a Greek Orange Cake which was lovely. Serve it with a little Greek yoghurt. If you Google the recipe comes up.

Or peaches poached in Metaxa.

For dessert Greek fruit jelly or something with honey served with a strong coffee (as these things are very sweet!)

God that sounds utterly delicious!

( Don't announce anything as 'loaded' or 'dirty' though - so off putting! )

Other than that, sounds divine and I doubt I would have room for pudding!

Oh maybe a corner for that Greek orange cake and yoghurt though

I once made spanakopita from Vefa's kitchen cook book- apparently the bible of Greek cuisine.

It took hours, and hours and hours of work.

End result was nice but not worth the effort.( and I rarely say that about food)

Vine leaves easier, and yes grilled halloumi with honey

Olives! You can't do a Greek mezze without olives.

I also love baba ganoush, which you can also make ahead.

Don't give yourself too much work though. Olives are a good shout. Concentrate on doing a few dishes superbly well.

Do you have a source for retsina?

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/crispy-greek-style-pie

This can be made in advance, bake it until light brown and then chill or freeze. Use a square or rectangle tin- so much easier when using filo which isn't round!
I don't soak the spinach, goes too soggy, I sauté some spring onions and wilt the spinach down a bit with those.

I do a light dessert which is soft fruit (I usually do raspberries), topped with equal parts Greek yoghurt and whipped double cream mixed together. Sprinkle dark brown sugar over the top.

Not authentic obviously but I would say "in the spirit" and not too heavy after all the savoury deliciousness 😋

Yes, both prepable and can be served cold.

Oooh ! Thank you for that. My friend loves it so I should try again. I like the addition of lamb/chicken also.

I love Greek food
I have made this pie which is really nice.
https://www.lemonandolives.com/mykonos-onion-pie/
Also as something a bit different from Halloumi is Saganaki cheese if you can find it in an international type supermarket. You just damp it and coat with a tiny bit of flour before frying it. I really want a Greek feast now!

For@Raera

I think you need some stuffed vegetables, large tomatoes, peppers, courgettes, stuff with a rice and mixed vegetable filling with plenty of tomato sauce and a drizzle of good olive oil. Bake in advance, and serve at room temperature.

I don’t eat meat (fish and seafood though) - Greek is my favourite!
I must know what Greek dipping oil is though OP? 😋

What is Loaded Greek Dipping Oil?

Oooh guys….youre in for a treat: dishedbykate.com/greek-bread-dipping-oil/