Recipes Tagged: Greek

Displaying all recipes that include the tag: Greek.

Title ↕	Description ↕	Tags ↕
Classic Greek Avgolemono Sauce	This versatile Greek sauce, made with eggs and lemon, can enhance...	Greek, sauce, lemon, egg, Mediterranean, easy, quick, soup enhancer	{"title":"Classic Greek Avgolemono Sauce","description":"This versatile Greek sauce, made with eggs and lemon, can enhance a variety of dishes including soups, meats, dolmades, and fish. Its creamy texture and vibrant lemon flavor make it a staple in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.","short_description":"Versatile Greek egg and lemon sauce for enhancing soups and meats.","full_ingredient_list":["3 eggs","2 lemons, juiced","1 cup hot broth from your cooking dish","1 teaspoon flour (optional)","Salt and pepper to taste"],"components":[{"name":"Avgolemono Sauce","ingredients":[{"name":"eggs","quantity":"3","preparation_notes":"cracked and whisked until frothy","substitutions":[]},{"name":"lemons, juiced","quantity":"2","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"hot broth from your cooking dish","quantity":"1 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"flour","quantity":"1 teaspoon","preparation_notes":"optional","substitutions":[]},{"name":"salt","quantity":"to taste","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"pepper","quantity":"to taste","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["whisk","bowl","ladle"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until frothy.","tips":"Ensure the eggs are well-whisked to prevent curdling."},{"step_number":2,"description":"If using, add 1 teaspoon of flour and continue beating.","tips":"Flour can help thicken the sauce, but is optional."},{"step_number":3,"description":"Stop beating and add in the lemon juice.","tips":"Incorporate the lemon juice gradually for even mixing."},{"step_number":4,"description":"Ladle two portions of hot broth from your dish slowly into the egg mixture while stirring continuously to temper the eggs.","tips":"This is crucial to avoid curdling."},{"step_number":5,"description":"Return the Avgolemono mixture to the main dish and stir well.","tips":"Ensure the mixture is well incorporated to thicken the dish naturally."}]}],"prep_time":"10 minutes","cook_time":"N\/A","total_time":"10 minutes","servings":"Varies","tags":["Greek","sauce","lemon","egg","Mediterranean","easy","quick","soup enhancer"],"notes":"Avgolemono sauce must be integrated with a dish that contains enough hot liquid for tempering the eggs.","background":"Avgolemono is a traditional Greek sauce known for its tart and creamy attributes, used widely across Mediterranean cuisine.","dietary_info":["contains eggs"],"flavor_profile":{"sweet":1,"savory":3,"sour":7,"bitter":1,"umami":2},"geographic_region":"Greek","occasion":"Everyday","skill_level":"Beginner","cost_estimate":3,"recommended_pairings":["Dolmathes","Chicken Soup","Fish Dishes"]}
Lamb Gyros with Homemade Pita and Tahini Yogurt Sauce	Enjoy a taste of Greece with this succulent homemade lamb gyros, ...	Greek, lamb, pita bread, homemade, main course	{"title":"Lamb Gyros with Homemade Pita and Tahini Yogurt Sauce","description":"Enjoy a taste of Greece with this succulent homemade lamb gyros, complemented by freshly made pita and a delectable tahini yogurt sauce.","prep_time":"20 minutes","cook_time":"1 hour 20 minutes","total_time":"1 hour 40 minutes","servings":"4 people","tags":["Greek","lamb","pita bread","homemade","main course"],"notes":"Make the yogurt sauce first to let it chill while preparing the rest.","components":[{"name":"Tahini Yogurt Sauce","ingredients":[{"name":"Greek yogurt","quantity":"200g (7oz)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"tahini","quantity":"2 tbsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"olive oil","quantity":"2 tbsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"lemon","quantity":"juice of \u00bd","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"parsley","quantity":"2 tbsp chopped","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"garlic","quantity":"1 clove minced","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"salt","quantity":"1 tsp or to taste","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["bowl"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Mix yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and parsley in a bowl.","tips":"Keep it refrigerated until needed."}]},{"name":"Pita Bread","ingredients":[{"name":"bread flour","quantity":"300g (2 \u00bd cups)","preparation_notes":"plus more to dust","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Greek yogurt","quantity":"130g (scant 1 cup)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"water","quantity":"120 ml (\u00bd cup)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"olive oil","quantity":"3 tbsp","preparation_notes":"plus more to fry","substitutions":[]},{"name":"sugar","quantity":"1 tbsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"dry active yeast","quantity":"1 tsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"salt","quantity":"1 tsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["bowl","stand mixer (optional)","dough hook (optional)","non-stick frying pan"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a bowl.","tips":"If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Add water, yogurt, and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together and knead lightly until well combined.","tips":"Cover the dough and let rise for an hour."},{"step_number":3,"description":"Knead the risen dough briefly on a floured surface. Form into a log and cut into six pieces.","tips":"Keep unused dough covered with a damp cloth."},{"step_number":4,"description":"Roll each piece into a flat circle, adding flour if needed to prevent sticking.","tips":"Separate rolled pitas with greaseproof paper."},{"step_number":5,"description":"Heat a frying pan and cook each pita for a couple of minutes on each side until colored.","tips":"Keep warm before serving."}]},{"name":"Lamb Gyro","ingredients":[{"name":"half shoulder of lamb","quantity":"1 kg (2 lb 2oz)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"oregano","quantity":"1 tbsp","preparation_notes":"preferably Greek","substitutions":[]},{"name":"onion granules","quantity":"1 tbsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"sweet paprika","quantity":"\u00bd tbsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"olive oil","quantity":"2 tbsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"white wine vinegar","quantity":"2 tbsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"salt","quantity":"1 tsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"ground black pepper","quantity":"\u00bd tsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["oven","foil","digital thermometer (optional)"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Mix oregano, onion granules, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub seasoning onto lamb.","tips":"Use fresh oregano for a more aromatic flavor."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Coat lamb with olive oil and vinegar. Marinate for at least an hour.","tips":"Longer marination improves flavor."},{"step_number":3,"description":"Preheat oven to 170C \/ 325 F. Cook lamb covered with foil for an hour, then another 20 minutes uncovered.","tips":"Use a digital thermometer to ensure lamb reaches 70\u00b0C for medium-well doneness."},{"step_number":4,"description":"Let lamb rest covered with foil for 30 minutes. Slice thinly, removing fat and add some pan juices.","tips":"This step is crucial for juicy lamb."}]},{"name":"To Serve","ingredients":[{"name":"large tomatoes","quantity":"2","preparation_notes":"sliced thinly","substitutions":[]},{"name":"red onion","quantity":"1","preparation_notes":"sliced very thinly","substitutions":[]},{"name":"parsley","quantity":"2 tbsp chopped","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":[],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Mix sliced onion with parsley and tomatoes.","tips":"Serve immediately with warm pita and lamb."}]}],"full_ingredient_list":["200g Greek yogurt","2 tbsp tahini","4 tbsp olive oil","juice of \u00bd lemon","4 tbsp chopped parsley","1 clove garlic","2 tsp salt","300g bread flour","130g Greek yogurt","120 ml water","1 tbsp sugar","1 tsp dry active yeast","1 kg half shoulder of lamb","1 tbsp oregano","1 tbsp onion granules","\u00bd tbsp sweet paprika","2 tbsp white wine vinegar","\u00bd tsp ground black pepper","2 large tomatoes","1 red onion"]}
Honey Walnut Baklava with Lemon Syrup	This baklava recipe features layers of crisp, flaky phyllo dough,...	dessert, Greek, Middle Eastern, holiday	{"title":"Honey Walnut Baklava with Lemon Syrup","description":"This baklava recipe features layers of crisp, flaky phyllo dough, buttery chopped walnuts, and a beautifully balanced honey-lemon syrup. Perfect for a party or as a delectable homemade treat.","components":[{"name":"Syrup","ingredients":[{"name":"granulated sugar","quantity":"1 cup","preparation_notes":null,"substitutions":[]},{"name":"honey","quantity":"1\/2 cup","preparation_notes":null,"substitutions":[]},{"name":"lemon juice","quantity":"2 Tbsp","preparation_notes":"juice of 1\/2 lemon","substitutions":[]},{"name":"water","quantity":"3\/4 cup","preparation_notes":null,"substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["medium saucepan"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Combine sugar, honey, lemon juice, and water in a medium saucepan.","tips":null},{"step_number":2,"description":"Bring to a boil over medium\/high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.","tips":null},{"step_number":3,"description":"Reduce heat to medium\/low and boil for an additional 4 minutes without stirring.","tips":null},{"step_number":4,"description":"Remove from heat and let syrup cool while preparing baklava.","tips":null}]},{"name":"Baklava","ingredients":[{"name":"phyllo dough","quantity":"16 oz","preparation_notes":"thawed by package instructions","substitutions":[]},{"name":"unsalted butter","quantity":"1 1\/4 cups","preparation_notes":"melted","substitutions":[]},{"name":"walnuts","quantity":"1 lb","preparation_notes":"finely chopped","substitutions":["pecans","pistachios"]},{"name":"ground cinnamon","quantity":"1 tsp","preparation_notes":null,"substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["9x13 non-stick baking pan","food processor","damp towel","pastry brush"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Preheat oven to 325\u02daF.","tips":null},{"step_number":2,"description":"Trim phyllo dough to fit the baking dish and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.","tips":null},{"step_number":3,"description":"Butter the bottom and sides of a 9x13 non-stick baking pan.","tips":null},{"step_number":4,"description":"Pulse walnuts in a food processor about 10 times until coarsely ground. Mix with ground cinnamon in a bowl.","tips":null},{"step_number":5,"description":"Place 10 sheets of phyllo dough in the pan one at a time, brushing each with melted butter after placing it.","tips":null},{"step_number":6,"description":"Spread about 3\/4 cup of walnut mixture over the phyllo layer.","tips":null},{"step_number":7,"description":"Add 5 more buttered phyllo sheets, a layer of nuts, and repeat the process four times, ending with 10 buttered phyllo sheets on top.","tips":null},{"step_number":8,"description":"Cut into 1 1\/2 inch strips and then diagonally to create diamond shapes.","tips":null},{"step_number":9,"description":"Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes until golden brown.","tips":null},{"step_number":10,"description":"Immediately pour cooled syrup over hot baklava after baking; let it sit uncovered to cool completely.","tips":"For best results, let the baklava sit for 4-6 hours or overnight to allow the syrup to soak in."}]}],"full_ingredient_list":["16 oz phyllo dough","1 1\/4 cups unsalted butter","1 lb walnuts","1 tsp ground cinnamon","1 cup granulated sugar","2 Tbsp lemon juice","3\/4 cup water","1\/2 cup honey"],"prep_time":"1 hour","cook_time":"1 hour 15 minutes","total_time":"2 hours 15 minutes","servings":"30 pieces","tags":["dessert","Greek","Middle Eastern","holiday"],"notes":"For garnish, you may drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle chopped walnuts on top. Store at room temperature covered with a tea towel for up to 2 weeks."}
Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki	Enjoy the flavors of Athens with this authentic chicken souvlaki,...	Greek, Grilling, Gluten Free	{"title":"Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki","description":"Enjoy the flavors of Athens with this authentic chicken souvlaki, perfectly marinated and served with warm pita and Tzatziki sauce.","prep_time":"20 minutes","cook_time":"5 minutes","total_time":"25 minutes (plus marinating time)","servings":"10 to 12 skewers","tags":["Greek","Grilling","Gluten Free"],"notes":"This recipe allows flexibility in marinating time, and the cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Recommended accompaniments include Greek salad and hummus.","full_ingredient_list":["10 garlic cloves, peeled","2 tbsp dried oregano","1 tsp dried rosemary","1 tsp sweet paprika","1\/4 cup Greek extra virgin olive oil","1\/4 cup dry white wine","Juice of 1 lemon","2 bay leaves","2 1\/2 lb organic boneless skinless chicken breast","Greek pita bread","Tzatziki Sauce","Sliced tomato","Cucumber","Onions","Kalamata olives","Kosher salt","Black pepper"],"components":[{"name":"Souvlaki Marinade","ingredients":[{"name":"Garlic cloves","quantity":"10","preparation_notes":"peeled","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Dried oregano","quantity":"2 tbsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Dried rosemary","quantity":"1 tsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Sweet paprika","quantity":"1 tsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Greek extra virgin olive oil","quantity":"1\/4 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Dry white wine","quantity":"1\/4 cup","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["more lemon juice","white wine vinegar"]},{"name":"Lemon juice","quantity":"Juice of 1","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Bay leaves","quantity":"2","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Kosher salt","quantity":"1 tsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"Black pepper","quantity":"1 tsp","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["Small food processor"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"In the bowl of a small food processor, combine garlic, oregano, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice. Pulse until well combined.","tips":"Do not add the bay leaves yet."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and add bay leaves. Pour marinade over the chicken. Toss to coat and cover tightly. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.","tips":"For quicker preparation, marinate the chicken at room temperature for 30 minutes."}]},{"name":"Chicken Skewers","ingredients":[{"name":"Organic boneless skinless chicken breast","quantity":"2 1\/2 lb","preparation_notes":"cut into 1 1\/2 inch pieces","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["Grill or griddle","Skewers"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 to 45 minutes.","tips":"This helps prevent them from burning on the grill."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers.","tips":""},{"step_number":3,"description":"Prepare an outdoor grill or griddle. Brush the grates with a little oil and heat over medium-high.","tips":"You can alternatively cook the chicken in batches on a griddle."},{"step_number":4,"description":"Place chicken skewers on the grill, cooking until well browned and internal temperature reaches 160\u00b0F. Turn skewers to cook evenly.","tips":"The chicken will continue to cook to 165\u00b0F as it rests."}]}]}
Simple Lamb and Potato Moussaka	A quick and delightful version of Moussaka using potatoes instead...	Main Course, Greek, Family-Friendly	{"title":"Simple Lamb and Potato Moussaka","description":"A quick and delightful version of Moussaka using potatoes instead of aubergines, spiced with cinnamon and oregano, and topped with a creamy cheese sauce.","full_ingredient_list":["5-6 large potatoes, peeled and finely sliced","2-4 tablespoons olive oil or rapeseed oil","1 onion, peeled and chopped","1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped","500 g (1 pound) lean ground lamb mince","1 teaspoon cinnamon","1 teaspoon dried oregano","1 teaspoon tomato paste or puree","1 can chopped plum tomatoes","200 g (1 cup) cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche","50 g (1\/2 cup) grated cheddar cheese","50 g (1\/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese","A dash of milk","1 egg, beaten","Butter for greasing the baking dish","Sea salt","Freshly ground black pepper"],"components":[{"name":"Moussaka Base","ingredients":[{"name":"large potatoes","quantity":"5-6","preparation_notes":"peeled and finely sliced","substitutions":[]},{"name":"olive oil or rapeseed oil","quantity":"2-4 tablespoons","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"onion","quantity":"1","preparation_notes":"peeled and chopped","substitutions":[]},{"name":"garlic","quantity":"1 clove","preparation_notes":"peeled and chopped","substitutions":[]},{"name":"lean ground lamb mince","quantity":"500 g (1 pound)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["cooked lentils"]},{"name":"cinnamon","quantity":"1 teaspoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"dried oregano","quantity":"1 teaspoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"tomato paste or puree","quantity":"1 teaspoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"chopped plum tomatoes","quantity":"1 can","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"sea salt","quantity":"","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"freshly ground black pepper","quantity":"","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["Large flat pan","Kitchen paper"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan and brown potato slices, in batches, until slightly golden. Set aside on kitchen paper.","tips":"You can skip this browning step for a quicker version."},{"step_number":2,"description":"In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil, cook onions and garlic until soft and golden. Add lamb and increase heat to brown.","tips":""},{"step_number":3,"description":"Add cinnamon, oregano, tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, and season. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.","tips":""}]},{"name":"Cheese Sauce","ingredients":[{"name":"cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche","quantity":"200 g (1 cup)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"grated cheddar cheese","quantity":"50 g (1\/2 cup)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"grated Parmesan cheese","quantity":"50 g (1\/2 cup)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"milk","quantity":"a dash","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"egg","quantity":"1","preparation_notes":"beaten","substitutions":[]},{"name":"butter","quantity":"","preparation_notes":"for greasing","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["Saucepan","Whisk"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Gently heat the cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche and stir in cheeses until melted. Add milk to loosen the sauce and remove from heat.","tips":""},{"step_number":2,"description":"Allow to cool slightly, then whisk in the beaten egg.","tips":""}]}],"prep_time":"40 minutes","cook_time":"40 minutes","total_time":"1 hour 20 minutes","servings":"4-6","tags":["Main Course","Greek","Family-Friendly"],"notes":"To freeze: Bake, cool completely, portion, wrap, and freeze. Reheat thoroughly before serving."}
Baklava Cheesecake	A delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and the classic baklava ...	dessert, fusion, Greek, Middle Eastern	{"title":"Baklava Cheesecake","description":"A delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and the classic baklava dessert, this pie features a baklava-style phyllo crust filled with a vanilla and lemon-flavored cheesecake, topped off with a sweet honey syrup.","full_ingredient_list":["20 phyllo sheets (227g)","226g ghee or melted butter","1 cup pistachios, finely chopped or ground","1 cup pecans, finely chopped or ground","1\/4 cup sugar (brown or granulated)","1 teaspoon ground cinnamon","452g cream cheese (two bricks)","1 cup granulated sugar (200g)","1\/2 teaspoon fine sea salt","2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract","1\/2 cup sour cream or labneh (120g)","2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest of one lemon","2 large eggs at room temperature","1\/2 cup sugar (for syrup, 100g)","1\/4 cup water (60g)","1\/4 cup honey (85g)","a few drops of fresh lemon juice (optional)"],"components":[{"name":"Baklava Crust","ingredients":[{"name":"phyllo sheets","quantity":"20","preparation_notes":"thawed if frozen","substitutions":[]},{"name":"ghee or melted butter","quantity":"226g","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":["clarified butter","regular butter"]},{"name":"pistachios, finely chopped or ground","quantity":"1 cup","preparation_notes":"toasted if raw","substitutions":[]},{"name":"pecans, finely chopped or ground","quantity":"1 cup","preparation_notes":"toasted if raw","substitutions":["walnuts"]},{"name":"sugar","quantity":"1\/4 cup","preparation_notes":"brown or granulated","substitutions":[]},{"name":"ground cinnamon","quantity":"1 teaspoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["springform pan (9 or 10 inches)","parchment paper","brush for ghee"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Thaw the phyllo sheets in the refrigerator if they are frozen.","tips":"Work quickly with phyllo to prevent drying."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Preheat the oven to 325\u00b0F (165\u00b0C). Brush the bottom and sides of the springform pan with melted ghee or butter.","tips":"Use parchment paper on the bottom for easier removal."},{"step_number":3,"description":"Layer the first 10 sheets of phyllo in the pan, each brushed with ghee, arranging them in a circular fashion to cover the entire bottom and sides.","tips":"Overlap the sheets slightly for even coverage."},{"step_number":4,"description":"Mix the chopped nuts, 1\/4 cup sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.","tips":"Ensure the nuts are finely chopped for an even layer."},{"step_number":5,"description":"Spread half of the nut mixture over the phyllo in the pan. Continue layering with 5 more phyllo sheets, brushed with ghee, and then the remaining nut mixture.","tips":"Layer the final 5 sheets of phyllo on top, brushing each with ghee."}]},{"name":"Cheesecake Filling","ingredients":[{"name":"cream cheese","quantity":"452g","preparation_notes":"at room temperature","substitutions":[]},{"name":"granulated sugar","quantity":"1 cup","preparation_notes":"fine","substitutions":[]},{"name":"fine sea salt","quantity":"1\/2 teaspoon","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"pure vanilla extract","quantity":"2 teaspoons","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"sour cream or labneh","quantity":"1\/2 cup (120g)","preparation_notes":"at room temperature","substitutions":[]},{"name":"freshly squeezed lemon juice","quantity":"2 teaspoons","preparation_notes":"plus zest of one lemon","substitutions":[]},{"name":"large eggs","quantity":"2","preparation_notes":"at room temperature","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["mixing bowl","hand mixer or stand mixer","rubber spatula","sieve for straining"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Beat the cream cheese with sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.","tips":"Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Add sour cream, lemon juice, and zest, and beat until combined.","tips":"Scrape down the sides of the bowl for even mixing."},{"step_number":3,"description":"Beat in eggs one at a time until just incorporated. Do not overmix.","tips":"Pour the batter through a sieve to remove any lumps."}]},{"name":"Honey Syrup","ingredients":[{"name":"sugar","quantity":"1\/2 cup (100g)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"water","quantity":"1\/4 cup (60g)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"honey","quantity":"1\/4 cup (85g)","preparation_notes":"","substitutions":[]},{"name":"fresh lemon juice","quantity":"a few drops","preparation_notes":"optional","substitutions":[]}],"tools_and_equipment":["small pot","stove"],"instructions":[{"step_number":1,"description":"Combine sugar, water, and honey in a pot over medium-low heat.","tips":"Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves."},{"step_number":2,"description":"Cook the syrup for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.","tips":"Syrup should be pourable but not too thick. Remove from heat and add lemon juice if using."}]}],"prep_time":"40 minutes","cook_time":"1 hour","total_time":"1 hour 40 minutes","servings":"12","tags":["dessert","fusion","Greek","Middle Eastern"],"notes":"Store cheesecake in the refrigerator and serve chilled. Garnish with additional nuts if desired."}