Andy Montoya
Feta cheese is a soft, crumbly cheese from Greece that's traditionally made from sheep's milk. It's often cut with goat's milk and, in the United States, is sometimes made with cow's milk. Feta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pastas to desserts. In Indian cooking, feta cheese can be used in a variety of ways to add a tangy, salty flavour to dishes. One popular dish is Saag Paneer, where the paneer is substituted with large cubes of feta cheese. Feta can also be used in Indian-inspired salads, such as one with watermelon, lemon juice, salt, crushed black pepper powder, olive oil, chopped mint leaves, chopped walnut, and feta cheese cubes. Additionally, feta cheese can be crumbled and used in biscuits, or mashed with lemon juice and folded into eggs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta Cheese Combinations | Watermelon, Spinach, Shrimp, Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Salt, Pepper, Walnuts, Quinoa, Pomegranate Seeds, Green Chilies, Garlic, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Basil, Parsley, Honey, Figs, Nachos, Beans, Corn, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Onions, Carrots, Beans, Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Rice Paper Sheets, Greek Yogurt, Coriander Seeds, Cardamom, Ginger, Lime Juice, Red Chilli Powder, Cumin Seeds, Ghee, Asafetida, Chilli Powder, Chickpeas, Vinegar, Sesame Seeds, Eggplant, Maple Syrup, Apple Cider Vinegar, Fennel Seeds, Nigella, Blueberries, Sweet Potato, Red Onions, White Beans, Bread, Pita, Lavash, Sheep's Milk |
| Feta Cheese Types | Marinated, Plain, Shredded, Crumbled, Blocks |
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What You'll Learn
Feta and spinach in saag paneer
Saag paneer is a familiar Indian takeout staple, but feta cheese can be used in place of paneer for an ingenious substitution. Feta and spinach is an iconic combination, but mozzarella or tofu cubes are also great alternatives.
To make feta and spinach in saag paneer, start by warming 1/4 cup of ghee or oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the ghee has melted or the oil begins to shimmer, add coriander and cardamom and cook, stirring for about 2 minutes, until the seeds start to brown. Next, add the onion and cook until it is translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute. After that, add the spinach and cook until it is wilted, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the lime juice, green chile, and salt. Allow the mixture to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer it to a blender and blend into a chunky paste. Return the spinach mixture to the pan and set it over low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of water, then gently fold in the feta cubes, being careful not to break them up. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the feta is slightly softened and has absorbed some of the sauce.
While the feta cooks, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil in a small pan over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the cumin seeds and as soon as they start to sputter and brown, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately add the asafetida and chilli powder, then pour the ghee mixture over the spinach and feta. Serve with roti or rice.
This dish can be made a day ahead of time. Simply allow the spinach mixture, without the spiced ghee mixture, to cool, cover, and chill.
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Feta in salads
Feta cheese is a great addition to salads, adding a salty, tangy, and creamy flavour. It pairs well with hydrating vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. You can also try adding cucumbers, watermelon, and other fresh produce. Here are some ideas for Indian-inspired feta salads:
Feta and Spinach Salad
This salad is inspired by the Indian dish Saag Paneer, but with feta cheese instead of paneer. It combines the iconic pairing of feta and spinach, with the addition of coriander seeds, cardamom, onion, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. The feta is gently folded into the spinach mixture and cooked until slightly softened, absorbing some of the sauce. A ghee mixture with cumin seeds, asafetida, and chilli powder is then poured over the spinach and feta. This salad can be served with roti or rice.
Feta, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad
This simple salad combines feta cheese with hydrating vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. You can also add other ingredients such as lettuce, pomegranate seeds, or cherry tomatoes. A dressing of olive oil, green chilli, garlic, and salt can be drizzled over the salad to enhance the flavours.
Mediterranean Lentil Salad with Feta
This salad features chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and a light dressing. It is perfect as a quick and healthy lunch option. You can use Mediterranean vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, and add some mint to brighten the flavours.
Chickpea, Beet, and Feta Salad
This salad is a vibrant blend of flavours and textures, combining the earthy sweetness of beets with the creamy richness of feta cheese. It is dressed with a zesty lemon-garlic dressing and topped with crunchy seeds, soft pears, and massaged kale. Adding mint, red onion, and watermelon gives it a Middle Eastern flair.
Greek-Inspired Feta Salad
This salad takes inspiration from a Greek salad and is both flavorful and filling. It includes romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and olives. Toasted pita brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with dried oregano or za'atar can be served on the side. Broiling the olives adds a smoky flavour, and garnishing with basil brightens the dish.
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Feta in watermelon cubes
Feta cheese and watermelon is a classic pairing, with the salty feta complementing the sweet watermelon. A popular dish is a salad with watermelon cubes, cucumber, mint, and red onion, dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
To make this salad, start by preparing the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt to taste. You can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or swapping out the red wine vinegar for balsamic vinegar to reduce the saltiness.
Next, prepare the watermelon. It's best to use a seedless watermelon, but if you can't find one, simply remove the seeds before chopping the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. You can also slice the watermelon into slabs, stacks, or rounds, but this may require the use of extra utensils at the dinner table.
After chopping the watermelon, prepare the cucumber. You can use English cucumbers, which are sweeter and have thinner skin, or American slicing cucumbers, which should be peeled and seeded before slicing. Chop the cucumber into cubes, adding extra flavor and crunch to the salad.
Now, chop the red onion. To reduce the harsh bite of the onion, slice and soak the onion in water for about 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry before using.
Finally, assemble the salad. In a large bowl or platter, combine the watermelon cubes, cucumber, and red onion. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Then, crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it over the salad. Top with fresh mint leaves and, if desired, an extra sprinkle of sea salt.
This salad is best served immediately to ensure the freshest possible flavor and to prevent the mint from turning soggy. If you want to prepare some elements in advance, you can make the dressing and cut the watermelon up to three days ahead of time.
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Feta in pasta
Feta cheese is a great ingredient to use in pasta, and the combination of feta and cherry tomatoes is a popular one. Here is a simple recipe for baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes, a viral TikTok trend that is "undeniably delicious".
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish. Pour over olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss until well combined. Place the block of feta in the middle of the baking dish, surrounded by the cherry tomatoes, and flip a couple of times to coat with the olive oil and seasoning. Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta is golden on top and has softened.
While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook the pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining the pasta, ladle out and reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Immediately add the garlic and basil leaves to the cooked tomatoes and feta and toss to combine. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, and stir until combined.
This dish is best served straight out of the baking dish. You can garnish with more basil and serve with additional feta crumbled over the top.
You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne, spaghetti, or bow-tie, to find your preferred option.
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Feta in breakfast dishes
Feta cheese is a soft, crumbly cheese from Greece that can be used to add flavour to a variety of dishes. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in anything from soups to salads, breakfast to dinner. Here are some ways to include feta cheese in Indian breakfast dishes:
Feta Baked Eggs
A popular breakfast dish, baked eggs with feta cheese can be made in a variety of ways. One version includes white beans and a side of crusty bread or pita. Another version includes avocado and is a low-carb, keto option. You can also make a feta cheese frittata with avocado for breakfast.
Saag Feta
A twist on the classic Indian dish, Saag Paneer, this dish substitutes the paneer with large cubes of feta cheese. The feta is mashed with lemon juice and folded into the eggs. This dish can be served at room temperature and is a great vegetarian option.
Feta Breakfast Salad
A refreshing breakfast salad can be made with jammy eggs, lettuce, and quick-pickled vegetables. The marinade from the feta can be used as a dressing for the salad. This is a gluten-free option.
Feta Omelette
Feta cheese can be added to omelettes to give them a tangy flavour. These omelettes can be made in muffin trays and stored in the fridge for breakfast on the go.
Feta Sandwich
A breakfast sandwich can be made with sweet or spicy Italian sausage, creamy feta, and tangy pickled peppers.
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Frequently asked questions
A simple Indian recipe that uses feta cheese is Saag Paneer, but with feta instead of paneer. This recipe involves cooking coriander seeds, cardamom, onion, garlic, ginger, and spinach. Then, add a mixture of ghee (or oil), cumin, red chile powder, lime juice, and salt. Finally, gently fold in the feta and serve with roti or rice.
Other Indian-inspired recipes that use feta cheese include watermelon pieces with feta, lemon juice, salt, olive oil, and chopped mint leaves; feta stuffed inside watermelon cubes with fresh basil; and feta with cherry tomatoes, basil, garlic, mixed herbs, chilli flakes, and olive oil.
Feta cheese is commonly used in Greek-inspired recipes, such as grilled shrimp with zucchini and cherry tomatoes. It is also used in pastas, salads, and desserts such as baked feta and blueberries.
The type of feta cheese you should buy depends on what you plan to do with it. Marinated feta is good when adding it to more basic dishes, while plain feta is flavorful enough to work in most recipes. Fresh feta is usually better than pre-crumbled, but pre-crumbled can be more convenient for salads.
Yes, you can make feta cheese at home, but it requires patience. You will need curd, fresh milk, a digital thermometer, liquid rennet, and (ideally) goat's milk. The cheese curd needs a setting time of 8 hours and 4 hours of draining time, followed by an overnight stay in a cheese press. Then, the feta will be ready for brine and will take 1-2 weeks to be ready for recipes.
