How do Greeks turn leftovers into a favorite meal? Two words: french fries. From what I’ve seen, Greeks have an uncanny talent for pairing almost any leftover with fried potatoes — at any hour, with any main, or simply dipped in mayonnaise. In many households, a portion of leftover meat rarely appears without a side of fries. Sometimes the meat becomes the accompaniment and the fries take center stage. Leftovers from meatballs to beef patties, chops, roasts or chicken are often served with fried potatoes. It’s no wonder Greek kids adore their mamas.
When I made Beef with Green Beans recently I bought a way-too-large chuck roast, but Zoe recommended cooking the whole thing, then freezing any extra to reheat later and serve with french fries. That sounded practical — and delicious — so that’s exactly what I did.
There are several good ways to reheat leftover roast. If there’s sauce, warming the meat gently over low heat on the stove helps preserve moisture and flavor. The oven is also reliable for reheating larger pieces evenly, and the microwave works in a pinch for smaller portions. In this case I likely used the oven. To add a bit of color and freshness, I stirred in some frozen peas before serving — I find it hard to face a plate of meat and fries with nothing green. Zoe hesitated at the idea at first, then reminded me that we do make beef with peas sometimes, so it wasn’t such a strange addition after all. At least I avoided suggesting basil this time.