What is gamopilafo?
Gamopilafo literally refers to wedding pilaf and is closely associated with Cretan celebrations. Its defining feature is rich meat broth, which gives the rice its characteristic depth.
Ingredients for 4
- 300 g medium-grain rice
- 1.2 litres strong lamb, goat or chicken broth
- 40 g butter or stakovoutyro-style butter if available
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper
- Cooked meat from the broth, optional
Prepare the broth
The broth is the most important part of the dish. Traditionally it comes from slowly cooked meat.
Cook the rice
- Bring the broth to a gentle boil.
- Add the rice and stir.
- Cook until the rice is tender but still holds its shape.
- Add butter near the end of cooking.
- Finish with lemon juice and adjust the seasoning.
Texture matters
Gamopilafo should be rich and moist rather than dry like a separate-grain pilaf.
How to serve it
Serve immediately, ideally with pieces of the meat used to create the broth.
Use Ago Planner to discover local experiences and build food into your Crete itinerary.