Name: Attica Grill Ladorigani (Λαδορίγανη)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: About 240ml, enough for 1kg meat or vegetables
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 160ml extra virgin Koroneiki olive oil; 60ml fresh lemon juice; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 2 tbsp dried Greek oregano (rigani), rubbed between the palms; 1 small garlic clove, finely grated; 1 tsp fine sea salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Question 1

How do you make ladorigani for souvlaki?

Accepted Answer

Make ladorigani by rubbing 2 tablespoons dried Greek oregano between your palms, then mixing it with 60ml fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, grated garlic, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk in 160ml extra virgin Koroneiki olive oil until loose and glossy.

Question 2

How long should meat marinate in ladorigani?

Accepted Answer

Marinate pork, chicken, lamb, or vegetables in ladorigani for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling. Use half the dressing before cooking and brush or drizzle the rest on after grilling. Long soaking in lemon juice makes the meat surface woolly instead of cleanly charred.

Question 3

Why do you rub dried oregano before making ladorigani?

Accepted Answer

Rub dried Greek oregano between your palms before making ladorigani to break the flakes and release the herb's aromatic oil pockets. This bruising step gives the dressing the sharp, fragrant souvlaki flavor associated with Greek mountain rigani instead of a dusty dried-herb taste.

Question 4

Can I make ladorigani ahead of time?

Accepted Answer

Make ladorigani up to 1 day ahead and keep it chilled in a covered glass jar. For the freshest flavor, add the fresh lemon juice no more than a few hours before serving. Shake or whisk the dressing again before spooning it over grilled food.

Question 5

Can I use ladorigani on fish?

Accepted Answer

Use ladorigani on fish, but skip the garlic or use only half a small garlic clove. Fish benefits most from the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and rubbed Greek oregano. Spoon the dressing on shortly before cooking and drizzle more after grilling.

Question 6

What can I serve with ladorigani if I am not cooking meat?

Accepted Answer

Serve ladorigani with grilled vegetables, mushrooms, potatoes, beans, or grilled bread for a nistisimo Greek fasting-table option. The olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and rubbed Greek oregano make a sharp no-cook dressing that clings well to hot vegetables.

Culinary Explorer

Attica Grill Ladorigani (Λαδορίγανη)

Ingredients

extra virgin Koroneiki olive oil

fresh lemon juice

red wine vinegar

Where cooking meets culture.

Ingredient	Quantity
extra virgin Koroneiki olive oil	160ml
fresh lemon juice	60ml
red wine vinegar	1 tbsp