Greek Spinach Rice with Feta and Lemon (Spanakorizo) - Food Wishes

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  • Опубліковано 15 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 309

  • @CrazyCodMusic
    @CrazyCodMusic 2 роки тому +132

    My heart flutters with pride every time Chef John uploads a recipe from my home country. Thanks, Chef John.

    • @CrazyCodMusic
      @CrazyCodMusic 2 роки тому +10

      @@Zipfei_Kloatscher Good response bud, you got me there. Pride in anything you're didn't directly cause is never allowed, that's a good modernist ideal. You're not supposed to tell anyone, but I invented spanakoryzo. Every time it's mentioned, I get a cut of the royalties.

    • @TheMonikaki
      @TheMonikaki 2 роки тому +5

      @@CrazyCodMusic you are the one I should blamed when I was young and my mom made us eat spanakorizo and we complained about the krats krats is made with out teeth 😂

    • @Zipfei_Kloatscher
      @Zipfei_Kloatscher 2 роки тому +2

      @@CrazyCodMusic
      Damn, I always remember a good friend asking who I think is more nationalistic about their country, Greeks or Turks. It's hard to tell, but either way, it's way too much and more than inappropriate. Sorry, dude... 😅😅😅

    • @alahatzaifat1872
      @alahatzaifat1872 2 роки тому +4

      @@CrazyCodMusic unless you are over 90, you did not invent spanakorizo...since my dear departed mother made it and she was 85 when she died... although her version was NOT this nerovrasto version here. Yes, I know this is the modern Greek one, but the traditional one was quite different.

    • @rodouladoulos1548
      @rodouladoulos1548 2 роки тому

      Love spanakorizo ....been eating it nearly all my life.....especially tasty with lots of lemon...Thanks chef !!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @veronicafriery-pillon8449
    @veronicafriery-pillon8449 2 роки тому +98

    Chef!! I love the "new" part in which you show all the ingredients ahead!!!
    Please please keep it going forward.
    It looks so amazing starting the recipes with the organisation like you did here....
    Can't wait for the next video.
    PS: I still would love to see your take on Gnocchi alla Sorrentino (my food wishes and the best comfort food you will have!)

  • @Mai_H1
    @Mai_H1 2 роки тому +78

    Now this is a real "one pot" recipe! Cheap, easy and quick as well! Thank you so much, will try it this week!

    • @Mai_H1
      @Mai_H1 2 роки тому +2

      I've made this twice since my last comment. Pretty obvious it was delicious!

    • @arthas640
      @arthas640 2 роки тому +2

      Its also super healthy and filling. White rice works better but brown rice makes it healthier and even more healthy

    • @allstarlord9110
      @allstarlord9110 Рік тому

      Almost every Greek recipe can be described exactly like that

  • @TheMonikaki
    @TheMonikaki 2 роки тому +42

    Greeting from Greece!!!
    I love it when i see greek food from Chef John.
    My suggestinon , put some tomato paste or fresh tomato, just a touch, and more spinach and make it more liquidy . Eat it with a big piece of feta drizled with olive oil and oregano and fresh baked bread for dipping the oil
    And as always, Enjoy!

    • @gusz4019
      @gusz4019 2 роки тому +9

      That’s the traditional version!! Yes. However this version might be nice as a little side dish instead of plain spinach. Greek cuisine is the best in the world for everyday eating.

    • @ree3.
      @ree3. 2 роки тому +5

      Yes that’s how my Yiayia would make it

    • @rodneymunch4934
      @rodneymunch4934 2 роки тому

      It is better without tomato flavor

  • @kimon114
    @kimon114 2 роки тому +1

    Σπανακόρυζο !!!! I grew up on this dish!!! Loved it, love it, and will love it for ever!!!! The epitome of Greek cuisine! Easy, simple, cheap and heavenly tasty. One of the very few recipes that no further improvement is possible!!!

  • @VolumeVox
    @VolumeVox 2 роки тому +2

    Every time I make one of chef John's recipies they come out amazing. I often treat my family members with my cooking, and they are always impressed.
    My husband is a proffecional chef, and I'm a hobby cook. My husband and I both think this is a great channel where you can learn to cook, or get inspired to try and make new foods. I recomment everyone to make the recipies you want to try on here. Thanks to the way chef John explaines how to make them, it never fails.
    Thanks Chef John for all the great recipies and keeping us inspired to make new foods.

  • @messey12
    @messey12 2 роки тому +11

    Awwww shyeah!
    I'm thankful for the consistency and certainty of Chef John's content. It's an anchor in this storm called life.

  • @alphafert608
    @alphafert608 2 роки тому

    A sharp knife is really one of the best kitchen tips. I do woodworking & found sharpening my chisels is relaxing so I got in the habit of keeping my knives really sharp. Now I love being able to accurately cut anything, never fighting through a cut & even dicing a soft tomato is easy.

  • @anodien1983
    @anodien1983 2 роки тому +4

    Dear chef John, I've loved your channel for years! I'm Greek, born and raised, so I must tell you that the authentic recipe does not include mint. And although I'm sure your spin tastes great, I feel I need to provide you with the proper recipe...
    olive oil
    1 onion
    1 clove of garlic
    salt
    pepper
    2 green onions
    1/2 a bunch of dill
    250gr glutinous rice
    150gr white wine
    1 litre of vegetable stock
    1kg spinach
    150gr grated tomatoes
    1 tsp tomato paste
    juice of two lemons
    We wilt the spinach by putting it in a bowl with some salt and rubbing it gently till it releases its moisture. We leave it alone for 10'-15' and then squeeze the water out of it and set it aside.
    We sauté the finely chopped onion and scallions, the minced garlic, salt and pepper on high heat.
    We then add the finely chopped dill and continue sautéing for a minute.
    We add the rice and again continue sautéing for another two minutes.
    We add the wine and once the alcohol evaporates we add the spinach, the tomato paste, the grated tomato, and the stock and we simmer on medium heat until the rice is fully cooked.
    After it's done, we turn off the heat and add the lemon juice.
    It should turn out quite saucy but not soup-y.
    We serve with freshly grated pepper, fresh bread and a chunk of feta cheese!

  • @jazzy_taste
    @jazzy_taste 2 роки тому +16

    Spinach, rice and feta is amazing combination, very common in Bulgaria. 😋

  • @marilyngranados5371
    @marilyngranados5371 Рік тому

    The flavors remind me so much of the food we had in Turkey when I was a child. Simple and amazing. The best way to cook. Let the food shine. Chef, you're the best. We love watching your videos faithfully. And yes, we speak along with you as you say "FRESHly ground black pepper" and "round the outside, round the outside", etc. So much fun. Thanks!!!

  • @truthtriumphant
    @truthtriumphant 2 роки тому +28

    I love Spanakorizo! I am biased, since I am of Greek heritage. Dimitra’s Dishes is another great channel that particularly focuses on Greek recipes. I hope you have more Greek recipes. Great video!

    • @cas4040
      @cas4040 2 роки тому +2

      I’m Sicilian/American, but I grew up with so many dishes so similar to this recipe and her dishes. I love Dimitra so much! She needs a shout out, so thank you for that!

    • @truthtriumphant
      @truthtriumphant 2 роки тому +3

      @@cas4040 Yes.. there are definite similarities between Greek and Italian cuisine for sure. Southern Italy ( Naples, Calabria, Sicily, etc.) was originally colonized by Greeks. I enjoy Italian cuisine as well!

    • @suegz139
      @suegz139 2 роки тому

      Love Dimitra's cooking 👍

  • @LazyHappyCooking
    @LazyHappyCooking 2 роки тому +1

    When I desperately needed spinach recipe because i have a dozen bunch of spinach, a youtube notification from you suddenly popped up! Oh i have all the ingredients except dill.. thanks chef john! I know you'll never fail me. I always search for your recipes first whenever I need one!

  • @pigmango
    @pigmango Рік тому

    Thank you so much Chef John. I made it exactly to your recipe. Even pickled onion. When I served it, I mixed through finely sliced fried Mediterranean sausages. This was a dish made in heaven. The recipe feeds six as a main meal (with a little space left for dessert).

  • @popigiatsidou
    @popigiatsidou 2 роки тому +1

    It's a dish that every child in Greece has It's memory from childhood. Especially all these times where we were sitting in the table with disappointment (in reality few children were eating it). My mother was telling me stories from Popay so it was easier to try it. As a mother of two, if your children don't eat it, try to add a little dill and add more rice in it. Extra tip: If you want to absorb all iron that contains, avoid feta cheese. Only 🍋. Definitely a very nutritious dish. Thank you Chef John.

  • @Sister-Kate
    @Sister-Kate 2 роки тому

    Thank you Chef John! This is the only way my husband will eat spinach and like it!

  • @giorgoszogas
    @giorgoszogas 2 роки тому +1

    One of the easiest and most common dishes in Greece. I love it with a fried egg on top and a big chunk of feta on the side, that was what my mother used to do to complete it. Mint is an interesting addition, never tried it before. Thanks for sharing.

  • @maelthrajaluk42
    @maelthrajaluk42 2 роки тому +6

    The simplicity of this recipe pairs well with the timing, since I'm in the midst of a move. This looks like it'll be a nice recipe to whip up while I'm packing!

  • @fafasedareloaded1558
    @fafasedareloaded1558 2 роки тому +9

    Oh, and I forgot... Though I love spanakorizo (mum's comfort food) I do prefer prasorizo, which is almost the same, but has leeks instead of spinach.... Either hot or cold... Delicious!

  • @taha2010ification
    @taha2010ification 3 місяці тому

    grateful for these videos. they make everything seem much simpler and many ooother cooking videos. thnx a buunch

  • @kalex888
    @kalex888 2 роки тому +3

    Spanakorizo (Σπανακόρυζο) Definitely delicious. My favorite dish as kid

  • @altrogeruvah
    @altrogeruvah 2 роки тому +24

    Spanakorizo is the first dish I taught my Japanese wife, along with gemista (stuffed tomatoes) and spetsofai (baked giant beans and sausages in tomato sauce). It will always reminds me of my mum's cuisine when I was growing up, can't take that away from me.

    • @sgtm74
      @sgtm74 2 роки тому +7

      thats not spetsofai its gigantes.
      spetsofai made from fried sausages with pepper and tomato sauce. Characteristic are the long, sweet peppers and the intense flavors of the village sausages, which are used

    • @altrogeruvah
      @altrogeruvah 2 роки тому +2

      @@sgtm74 Sorry, should have said "gigantes spetsofai", our local butcher used to call it that for years and it stuck with us in our household

    • @sgtm74
      @sgtm74 2 роки тому +1

      @@altrogeruvah still delicious my friend

  • @thepandaman7249
    @thepandaman7249 2 роки тому +10

    hello chef john, some greek insight over the dish: you definitely need to add a tbsp of tomato paste, and maybe 1/4 of a dry onion before the rice, then spinach, then water and all the herbs in the end! Also, you need to add a good half a cup of raw olive oil at the end! And that is the reason-or the excuse- to eat feta alongside the dish! Feta, freshly baked bread and a preserve(such as pickled anchovies, or salted olives, or dried salamis) are typical by-plates of the greek table when the dinner is a "ladero"(usually a veggie dish that is finished with a lot of olive oil.). Anyway, love the show, have a good one!

  • @katerinafelliou3833
    @katerinafelliou3833 2 роки тому +2

    Love love love spanakorizzo. Thanks for reminding us this wonderful food. A little raw olive oil at the end and freshly ground black pepper is a must.

  • @basiccooking1818
    @basiccooking1818 2 роки тому +1

    You are Alexander the Great of your rice and spinach plate!

  • @davidcarbone3385
    @davidcarbone3385 2 роки тому +1

    Glad Michele recommended this to you especially the Greek portion of me! And, I loved the mise en place opening of this video! Would be great if all future videos did that as well!

  • @sylviasee7147
    @sylviasee7147 2 роки тому +3

    Looks so good. I want to additionally top it with toasted chopped walnuts for a little crunch.

  • @kouklakee
    @kouklakee 2 роки тому +1

    Yay ! Spanakorizo ! Finally more to Greek food than just Gyros ! Bravo Sou ! Keep em coming ! 👍👍👍

  • @DianaAmericaRivero
    @DianaAmericaRivero 2 роки тому +1

    Spinach rice!? Gonna have to try this. One of the great things about living in a diverse place is that you get to learn about other cultures, so having Peruvian neighbors meant that we got to fall in love with and adopt their recipe for cilantro rice as our own. To this day, one of my fave childhood dishes.

  • @merylrose9406
    @merylrose9406 2 роки тому

    Made this tonight. Just a couple of modifications because I am the ruler of my rice. Was EPIC. Much swooning here. I used stock and put it on a bed of arugula and pea shoots…just for more veg. And topped with grilled shrimp. Also, I used French sheep feta cause I like it. More delicate and less salty. Was so amazing. Thank you!!

  • @Delta1Duck
    @Delta1Duck 2 роки тому

    Chef John, thank you…I am plating up this rice dish now and it is supremely delicious..I served it with your Greek beef stew recipe…YUMMIEE

  • @HLR4th
    @HLR4th 2 роки тому +5

    Perfect timing! Greek chicken was on the menu for the weekend, but I needed inspiration for a side! Thank you!

  • @SharonFoster852
    @SharonFoster852 2 роки тому

    Thank you! Spanakorizo and lentil soup are my two favorite Lenten dishes.

  • @Dubbadee124
    @Dubbadee124 2 роки тому +1

    just made this as a side for grilled lamb, absolutely amazing. I can't wait to make this again.

  • @KDexplorer
    @KDexplorer 6 місяців тому

    Tried this recipe today. It was amazing! Thank you for a no nonsense video 😊

  • @cland4140
    @cland4140 2 роки тому +3

    Thank you for another wonderful recipe to try. You’re my favorite online chef! 👩‍🍳

  • @jbsbigboy
    @jbsbigboy 2 роки тому

    I have made this recipe twice, and it is both easy to make and delicious. I used Carnaroli rice. Thanks Chef John!

  • @petrospalamarakis7549
    @petrospalamarakis7549 2 роки тому +1

    You might want to add a slightly whipped egg with
    lemon juice as a heavy garnish and if you want
    something lighter , also , very common here in
    Greece is whipped olive oil with lemon juice which you
    will find in every Greek Tavern , we love you Chef John !

  • @debbielente4766
    @debbielente4766 2 роки тому

    this has always been my favorite, thank you John, take care

  • @whatsaguygottado2669
    @whatsaguygottado2669 2 роки тому

    I particularly like when you set-out the Mes en plas, to give the cook an idea of volume, cut size, etc.

  • @adamolsen6411
    @adamolsen6411 Рік тому

    This was delicious! It may be only spinach and rice, but it turns out very tasty and hearty. I will make again.

  • @m.theresa1385
    @m.theresa1385 2 роки тому +7

    Perfectly perfect timing for my fishy Friday today. This’ll make a perfect side with some poached cod . Yum ! Thanks Chef John.

  • @Skauri
    @Skauri 2 роки тому

    Went on a Greek run for minute... love it

  • @mrsmith4u980
    @mrsmith4u980 Рік тому

    Cette recette est mon coup de coeur depuis quelques mois !! Thanks Chef

  • @eggnog7489
    @eggnog7489 2 роки тому +2

    Not much of a cook myself but oh man does this look really delicious & so simple I'll have to try it one day thanks chef John for making me hungry you never fail. Happy that!

    • @lisaboban
      @lisaboban 2 роки тому +1

      Seriously 10 years ago when I started watching Chef John I wasn't much of a cook either. But I tried a couple of recipes and it turns out I like to cook! I just never knew how! His recipes never fail if you follow them. Give it a try!

  • @smallgarlic8734
    @smallgarlic8734 2 роки тому +2

    It's always nice to see people from different countries appreciate our food, although as a kid I hated spanakorizo with the passion of a thousand burning suns! Nowadays I love it though!
    My mum adds some tomato paste in spanakorizo as well by the way! :)

  • @James.D
    @James.D 2 роки тому

    Chef John, I made this last night. It was an absolute grand slam. Everyone loved it including my three little girls.

  • @pollykent2100
    @pollykent2100 2 роки тому

    I made this last night and it was absolutely delicious, despite the fact that I did it all wrong, with leftover rice, fresh spinach dried dill, and so on. The combination was excellent, and I will definitely make it again. The right way maybe next time.

  • @johncollier1405
    @johncollier1405 2 роки тому +2

    This looks sooo delicious I cannot wait to prepare it and eat it with my girl tonight,thank you Chef John

  • @jghillas
    @jghillas 2 роки тому +1

    As a Greek-American this is one of my favorite dishes. I like to add a poached egg on top or a piece of grilled salmon and call it dinner.

  • @rvfreetraveler
    @rvfreetraveler 2 роки тому +2

    Another great recipe to try. Thanks Chef John.

  • @masudayuldasheva5382
    @masudayuldasheva5382 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much , Chef John .

  • @MartyFRsfNE
    @MartyFRsfNE Рік тому

    THAT’S what’s for dinner tonight! Grazie!

  • @Etherovamonas
    @Etherovamonas 2 роки тому +1

    You can swap a portion of the rice with black eyed peas. The starch and the bite from the peas makes it even better.

  • @joyjohnson8776
    @joyjohnson8776 2 роки тому

    I actually drooled, I want to eat that now.

  • @MrMegaGin
    @MrMegaGin 2 роки тому

    Never thought I'd see the typical boring Wednesday greek meal done by chef John
    Respect!!!

  • @purm0ndis
    @purm0ndis 2 роки тому

    Made this for easter, was well recieved, tasty as heck, and easy to make.

  • @lawrencetaylor4101
    @lawrencetaylor4101 2 роки тому

    I made this the other night and threw the plate in the fireplace at the end.
    My Greek friends will appreciate that.

  • @rashaunjones1027
    @rashaunjones1027 2 роки тому

    I am serving this for my spring dinner

  • @veevee111
    @veevee111 2 роки тому

    That's an awesome meal by itself, perfect for Lent. Thanks for sharing, Chef John 👍🏼

  • @volugthebeast
    @volugthebeast 2 роки тому

    Looking forward to trying this in my rice cooker! Thanks for sharing!

  • @lmnopgr
    @lmnopgr 2 роки тому +1

    yummmmm!!!! i’ve never heard of this and my family is going to be so excited!

  • @ShaelRiley
    @ShaelRiley 2 роки тому +6

    You are the Miami Vice of your Greek Spinach Rice.

  • @marwkra1521
    @marwkra1521 2 роки тому +5

    CHEF JOHN DID SPANAKORIZO!! YES!!

  • @amateurepicurean8168
    @amateurepicurean8168 2 роки тому

    Authentic recipe and the serving dish is a nice touch!

  • @skylee6707
    @skylee6707 2 роки тому

    I love you! 🥰😉your videos make me happy and I have made many of your recipes! These videos are perfect for making a recipe just how it is seen in the video. This was such a great idea and it’s wonderful how many people, including myself, that you and you’re team have truly helped in the kitchen ❤️ thank you for all of these great recipes and very informative and fun videos, truly they’ve been helping me so much!

  • @it4eric
    @it4eric 2 роки тому

    Chef John, I've made a similar recipe with Kale, minus the Mint but with Cilantro. Anyway, now I have to try Spanakorizo, thank you CJ!

  • @panagiotisomas8744
    @panagiotisomas8744 2 роки тому +2

    thats a great recipe but you should definately try adding an onion inside searing it then the spring onions and then the rice, you can also add some dry white wine there and start pour water little by little like you make a rissoto, before you cook the rice complitely you add the spinach, until the rice is cooked and add the fresh herbs and lemon zest. Then you will have the best spanakorizo in your life
    P.S. in every greek recipe we always use fresh olive oil before serving

  • @RameenFallschirmjager
    @RameenFallschirmjager 2 роки тому

    I'm gonna cook this for tonight's dinner!

  • @novalees
    @novalees 2 роки тому +1

    That looks soooo good! Will definitely try it! Thank you!

  • @MultiGemgirl
    @MultiGemgirl 2 роки тому

    I look forward to your videos every week

  • @tany2191
    @tany2191 2 роки тому

    finally know what to do with all my spinach and dill 🤩 Thanks chef!

  • @christianchauhan23
    @christianchauhan23 Рік тому

    That Great Greek Spinach 🍚 with Feta & 🍋 looks really good & delicious😋 & 🤍💙 all your videos mate👍

  • @chinesecabbagefarmer
    @chinesecabbagefarmer 2 роки тому

    Hey, thanks for all the hard work John. Love ya man

  • @marshall7781
    @marshall7781 2 роки тому

    Chef John is overpowered, it's confirmed!

  • @ruprect1
    @ruprect1 2 роки тому

    This greek style rice is always delicious. A Spanish version, cilantro pesto rice, is worth a try as well.

  • @josephparent2628
    @josephparent2628 2 роки тому

    Literally made this the other day. Excellent dish

  • @azoe6764
    @azoe6764 2 роки тому

    Three ingredients I use (fresh spinach, onion and rice) and then serve it with Greek yogurt. Right before I serve it I throw some lemon juice in it. I don't use mint or dill but I will try now. I've never heard of adding mint or dill.
    I don't use chicken broth at all I use regular water because the chicken flavor overpowers everything.

  • @NtGism
    @NtGism 2 роки тому +1

    I actually hate my mother's spanakorizo(who is a great home cook generally) so I've never actually tried to make it myself. I may have to try Chef John's recipe now.

  • @theoperapianist
    @theoperapianist 2 роки тому

    I'm sooo happy i found this channel for my new hobby! Thank you so much for your delicious recipes explained so wonderfully and fun! Subscribed and will try falafel, your recipe from 7 years ago!

  • @gusz4019
    @gusz4019 2 роки тому

    Nice to see your version of some Greek recipes. Spinach pie has a completely different flavour profile. You should make it.

  • @homechef1
    @homechef1 2 роки тому

    I love this recipe thank you for sharing it, real bravo 👏

  • @cathyleslie568
    @cathyleslie568 2 роки тому

    Looks fantastic!! I love spinach and feta!!!

  • @nancyk7954
    @nancyk7954 2 роки тому

    Looks wonderful. I imagine this would be good hot or cold. If there were left overs, I think this would make a nice lunch, adding the fresh squeezed lemon just before it was time to eat.

  • @charlesbailey6914
    @charlesbailey6914 2 роки тому

    Great recipe. Also cooking your Pasta ala Genovesse today for Sunday. Smelling really yummy. 🙏 Thanks

  • @Shuggies
    @Shuggies 2 роки тому

    We actually use Med grain rice for Sushi and it works wonderfully... but we rinse all the starch off first and it still works great and a good bit cheaper also.

  • @soykac
    @soykac 2 роки тому

    I was looking up this recipe last week.

  • @alman666
    @alman666 2 роки тому +1

    Are you going to do Pastitsio anytime soon, Chef John? I'd love to see your take on that wonderful dish.

  • @CaptainMcAwesomepan
    @CaptainMcAwesomepan 2 роки тому +1

    Did Chef John just make an Eminem reference?! I didn't know if I could love this man any more than I already did, but apparently I can and do

  • @kevinslittlekitchen1152
    @kevinslittlekitchen1152 2 роки тому

    It looks really delicious

  • @linhager12
    @linhager12 2 роки тому

    Going to have to try that one!!!!! Thank you!!!!

  • @Frog_king11
    @Frog_king11 2 роки тому

    My mother salutes you!

  • @pinkskitchen
    @pinkskitchen 2 роки тому

    This looks very healthy my friend. TFS. Stay connected 😊

  • @marilynsnider8183
    @marilynsnider8183 2 роки тому

    Looks very interesting. I'll plan on making this soon.

  • @cutepumpkin4744
    @cutepumpkin4744 2 роки тому +1

    I appreciate the vegetarian recipe! Looks great.

  • @sofiekaterina
    @sofiekaterina 2 роки тому +2

    My grandma adds leek as well and you can put vegetable stock in instead of water for extra flavour.
    Used to hate this as a kid because I hated spinach (despite loving spanakopita- i don’t get it either) but have grown to love it now. Also using baby spinach rather than silverbeet might be an interesting change.

    • @dylan__dog
      @dylan__dog 2 роки тому +1

      spinach is one of those foods that people dont really appreciate until they grow up a little bit, a kid's sense of taste is a lot different than that of an adult

  • @RobBerks
    @RobBerks 2 роки тому

    Masterful Kurtis Blow reference 👏🏻

  • @bierbrauer11
    @bierbrauer11 2 роки тому

    My herbs are crushed like my soul
    (Ok that got a bit dark). Thanks again Chef John, I’ll have to give this one a shot!

  • @ioannismarkoulakis4978
    @ioannismarkoulakis4978 2 роки тому

    Truely a recipy that I could never eat while growing up.
    Maybe I will try to give is another chance.

  • @christriky7506
    @christriky7506 3 місяці тому

    Hi Chef John, my mom makes it like u, some add tomato paste but my mom doesn’t. I would say I prefer it without so I guess the tomato paste is optional as I know many people that don’t add it. And when u serve, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side