Bushra Griffith
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient used in dishes like pasta, salads, quiches, and pizzas. Crumbled feta is readily available in supermarkets, but it might be challenging to find in some places. A tastier and more economical option is to buy a block of feta and crumble it yourself. This can be done by cutting off the desired amount with a knife and then breaking it into small pieces with a fork or your hands. You can also place the cheese in a freezer bag and crumble it inside. If your feta is too salty, you can rinse it under cold water for 5-10 seconds and then gently dry it with a paper towel. To keep leftover feta fresh, you can store it in brine (a solution of salt and water) in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. This helps maintain its tangy flavor and firm texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to brine | Make a simple brine with salt and water, keeping the feta submerged in it for weeks |
| How much salt to use | 1 teaspoon of kosher salt for every cup of water, or enough to float a chicken egg |
| Storing | Seal the container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks |
| Freezing | Freeze feta crumbles in resealable bags for up to 3 months |
| Reducing salt content | Wash feta under running cold water for 5-10 seconds to reduce sodium content |
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What You'll Learn
How to make crumbled feta cheese
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be crumbled and added to dishes like salads, pasta, quiche, pizza, and even Middle Eastern spiced lamb burgers. While some supermarkets sell feta crumbles, it can be hard to find and is often more expensive than buying a block of feta.
To make your own crumbled feta cheese, start by cutting off the amount of feta cheese you need from the block with a knife. Feta varies in texture, with some being softer or harder, but all types are good to crumble. Place the slice of feta on a plate and use a fork to break it into small pieces. You can decide how big or small you want the pieces to be. If you don't mind using your hands, you can also crumble the feta with your fingers.
If your feta cheese is too salty, you can reduce the sodium content by rinsing it under running cold water for 5-10 seconds. Gently dry the cheese with a paper towel before crumbling it. Another option is to store the feta in water instead of brine, which will pull out some of the salt from the cheese.
To make your own brine, combine one teaspoon of kosher salt for every cup of water, or enough salt so that a raw chicken egg will float in the water. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme, and garlic to the brine for extra flavour. Once you've made the brine, place the remaining feta block in the solution and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
If you want to store your crumbled feta, you can freeze it in resealable bags for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw it and add it to your favourite recipes.
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How to store feta cheese in brine
Feta cheese is a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason! Its tangy taste and crumbly texture make it a delight to eat on its own or as an ingredient in various dishes. But feta cheese can dry out or spoil quickly once its packaging is opened, so it's important to know how to store it properly.
The best way to store feta cheese is in brine, a simple solution of water and salt that preserves the cheese and keeps it flavourful. You can either store your feta in the brine it came packaged in or make your own brine at home. To make your own brine, use room temperature water and kosher salt in a ratio of 1 cup of water to 1-2 teaspoons of salt. If you find it difficult to dissolve the salt, try heating half of the water, dissolving the salt in that, and then combining it with the remaining water at room temperature. Never use warm water, as this can affect the cheese.
Once you've made your brine, submerge the feta cheese completely in the solution. You can store a whole block of feta, half a block, or cubes—it's up to you. Just make sure there's enough brine to cover the cheese entirely. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks.
If you're looking for a low-sodium alternative to brine, you can try marinating feta cheese in olive oil. Cut the feta block into cubes, place them in a storage container, and cover them with extra virgin olive oil. Seal the container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. You can even add flavours to the olive oil with herbs like oregano, thyme, or garlic.
Now that you know how to store feta cheese in brine, you can enjoy this delicious cheese for weeks without worrying about it drying out or spoiling!
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How to use leftover brine
Feta brine is not just good for feta—it can be used to layer flavor in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for how to use leftover feta brine:
Use it in place of salt
A basic brine can draw out and elevate the natural flavors of a dish. So, instead of throwing away leftover feta brine, use it anywhere you would use salt. Just be mindful of the amount you use, as feta brine is very salty.
Marinades and dressings
Leftover feta brine can be used in marinades and dressings. Try adding a splash to a Greek salad, or use it to marinate chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or drumsticks. You can even add it to hot sauce for a tangy, spicy kick.
Baking
Feta brine can also be used in baking. Try using it in place of water in dough for a feta-flavored baguette or biscuits. You probably won't need to add any extra salt to the dough when using feta brine.
Drinks
Some people even add a teaspoon of feta brine to drinks like martinis or baked apples for a salty kick.
Fermented vegetables
Feta brine can also be used to ferment vegetables. Try adding it to shredded carrots or using it to make gazpacho. However, due to the presence of lactobacillus and other bacteria, it's best to limit its use to splash-and-eat or quick, high-temperature cooking.
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How to wash feta cheese to reduce salt content
Feta cheese is traditionally packed in brine, which is a solution of salt and water. The salt acts as a preservative, preventing unwanted microbial growth. However, this can result in the cheese becoming too salty.
If your feta cheese is too salty, there are several ways to reduce its salt content:
Rinsing
Rinsing feta cheese under running cold water for 5-10 seconds can help to remove excess salt and brine. This simple and quick step allows you to control the cheese's taste according to your preference. After rinsing, gently dry the cheese with a paper towel.
Soaking in Milk
If you want to further reduce the saltiness of your feta cheese, you can soak it in milk for 1-2 days after rinsing. This will help to draw out more of the salt and give the cheese a milder flavour.
Soaking in a Lighter Brine
Another option is to soak the feta cheese in a lighter brine solution. You can make your own brine by combining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt for every cup of water, adjusting the salt content to your taste preferences. Soaking the cheese in a less salty solution will help to equalize the salt content over time.
Marinating in Olive Oil
If you are looking for a low-sodium option to store feta cheese, you can try marinating it in olive oil. Cut the cheese into cubes, place them in a storage container, and cover them with extra virgin olive oil. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme and garlic to infuse additional flavours into the cheese.
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Recipes using crumbled feta cheese
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some recipes that use crumbled feta cheese:
Salads
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, adding a salty, tangy flavour. It pairs well with naturally sweet vegetables like beets, tomatoes, and fennel. You can also add other ingredients like olives, herbs, and shallots to create a Mediterranean-style salad.
Pastas
The famous TikTok baked feta pasta recipe has put a spotlight on the use of feta cheese in pasta dishes. Crumbled feta can be added to one-pot orzo, blended into a pesto-like sauce with broccoli, or simply crumbled on top of any pasta dish.
Flatbreads
Feta cheese also works well as a topping for flatbreads, especially during the summer. You can add extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs to create a simple yet tasty appetizer.
Eggs
Adding crumbled feta cheese to omelettes is another option. You can also add it to scrambled eggs or frittatas for a creamy, salty flavour.
Pizzas
Feta cheese is a great topping for pizzas, adding a salty and tangy flavour.
Dips
Feta cheese can be crumbled or mashed into dips, adding a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
When brining feta cheese, it is important to note that it should be stored in a solution of kosher salt and water. This will help the cheese maintain its tangy flavour and firm texture. You can also freeze crumbled feta cheese in resealable bags for up to 3 months.
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