The Magic Of Filo Dough And Feta Cheese

Feta cheese wrapped in filo dough is a traditional Greek dish called feta me meli. It is a simple recipe that combines salty and creamy feta with paper-thin filo dough, creating a crispy and tangy appetizer. The dish is often drizzled with honey, adding a touch of sweetness to the savoury pastry. This easy-to-make delicacy can be baked or fried, resulting in a delicious treat that can be enjoyed as a snack or an appetiser.

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Feta me meli: a Greek appetiser

Feta me meli is a Greek appetiser made of phyllo-wrapped baked feta with honey. It is an easy and delicious dish that takes only 5 minutes to prep. The name "feta me meli" translates to "feta with honey" in Greek. This appetiser combines salty, creamy feta, crispy phyllo, and a generous drizzle of raw honey, creating a perfect balance of salty and sweet flavours. It is often served straight out of the oven, making for an impressive presentation.

Ingredients

To make this appetiser, you will need the following ingredients:

• Blocks of quality feta in brine – pat the feta blocks dry with a paper towel; crumbled feta is not recommended for this recipe.
• Phyllo dough – two sheets, thawed.
• Honey for drizzling – any good raw honey can be used, but Greek honey from Crete is a popular choice as it has subtle aromatic undertones.
• Sesame seeds for sprinkling on top.
• Olive oil for brushing the phyllo dough.
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional).

Preparation

• Wrap the feta blocks in phyllo dough.
• Brush the phyllo dough with olive oil and fold it over the feta cheese.
• Continue wrapping the phyllo dough around the cheese block, brushing with olive oil as you go.
• Repeat with the second block of feta and the remaining phyllo sheet.
• Brush the top layer of both phyllo-wrapped feta blocks with olive oil.
• Bake the phyllo-wrapped feta in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden and crispy.
• Once baked, remove from the oven and drizzle with honey.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.
• Serve while still hot – the phyllo will absorb the honey for the best flavour.

Variations

While the classic feta me meli recipe is a delicious option, there are also some variations worth considering:

• Instead of baking, the phyllo-wrapped feta can be fried in a pan with olive oil, as is traditionally done in Greece.
• For a savoury version, try the Turkish Cheese Rolls or Greek Tiropitakia, which are similar to feta me meli but without the honey.
• If you don't have access to Greek feta, French or Bulgarian white cheeses can be used as substitutes.
• For an extra flavour boost, add shredded mozzarella or other cheeses to the feta mixture.
• If serving with honey, using salted butter can help balance the sweetness.

Crispy Feta Cheese Filo Pastry Spirals

A delicious Greek appetizer, Crispy Feta Cheese Filo Pastry Spirals are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines the salty and creamy flavour of feta with crispy phyllo pastry. You can also add shredded mozzarella to enhance the flavour.

Ingredients:

• Feta cheese (crumbled or in blocks)
• Shredded mozzarella (optional)
• Phyllo pastry sheets
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Honey
• Sesame seeds

Method:

First, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Melt about 10 tablespoons of butter in the microwave until it becomes liquid. In a bowl, mix the crumbled feta and shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add other types of cheese to the mix.

Next, lay a sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean work surface. Cover the remaining phyllo sheets with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Brush the single sheet of phyllo with melted butter. This will help the layers bake up extra crispy.

Now, it's time to fill and roll your pastry. Sprinkle the cheese mixture onto the phyllo sheet, about 2-3 tablespoons, one inch from the border. Start rolling the phyllo over the filling until you reach the other end. Then, twist one side of the phyllo dough together to create a coil or spiral shape.

Place the rolls on a baking tray, with the seam side tucked in to prevent unraveling. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the spirals before baking.

Bake for about 48-56 minutes or until the spirals turn golden brown and crispy. Once they are done, let them cool slightly, then drizzle them with hot honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve while they are still warm, and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you want to reduce the saltiness of the dish, use unsalted butter, especially if your cheese is already quite salty.
• If you plan to serve the spirals with honey, using salted butter can balance out the sweetness.
• You can assemble the spirals a day or two in advance and bake them just before serving.
• If you have any leftover phyllo pastry, you can use it for other Greek dishes like Spanakopita or Baklava.

Phyllo-wrapped feta: a Mediterranean dish

Phyllo-wrapped feta, also known as Feta me Meli, is a delicious and easy-to-make Mediterranean dish with Greek origins. It is typically prepared as an appetizer and can be baked or fried. The dish is simple, requiring only a few ingredients and a few simple steps.

To make Phyllo-wrapped feta, you will need the following ingredients: feta cheese, phyllo dough, olive oil or butter, and honey. For the cheese, it is recommended to use Greek feta, which is traditionally made with sheep's milk and can contain up to 30% goat's milk. Look for a rectangular or square block of feta that is approximately 1/2 inch thick. If Greek feta is unavailable, French or Bulgarian white cheeses can be used as substitutes. For the phyllo dough, ensure you have paper-thin sheets that are fresh or thawed. The olive oil should be pure Greek olive oil, and for the honey, use all-natural Greek honey with subtle aromatic undertones. You can also add sesame seeds and fresh thyme for extra flavour and texture.

The preparation begins with wrapping the feta in the phyllo dough. Take two sheets of phyllo dough and brush them with olive oil or melted butter. Place the feta in the middle, leaving some space at the bottom. Fold the phyllo dough over the feta, ensuring all sides are covered, and brush the outer layer with more olive oil or butter. Secure the feta parcel by flipping it over and wrapping it further. You can also sprinkle shredded mozzarella and other cheeses of your choice over the feta before wrapping it.

Once the feta is securely wrapped, bake it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes. For frying, heat some olive oil in a pan and fry the phyllo-wrapped feta until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, drizzle honey over the parcel and sprinkle with sesame seeds and thyme. Serve the dish while it's still warm, as an appetizer or alongside other Mediterranean dishes like marinated olives, sardines, or a green salad.

Phyllo-wrapped feta is a simple yet impressive dish that combines salty and sweet flavours. It is a delightful Mediterranean treat that can be easily prepared at home, bringing a taste of Greece to your table.

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Baked feta with honey: a Greek dish

Baked feta with honey, or feta me meli, is a Greek dish that is easy to make and delivers an impressive presentation. It is an appetizer that combines salty and sweet flavours, resulting in a decadent treat. The dish typically consists of feta cheese wrapped in filo dough and baked until crispy, and then drizzled with honey.

Ingredients

To make baked feta with honey, you will need the following ingredients:

• Feta cheese: It is best to use Greek feta, which is traditionally made with sheep's milk and can contain up to 30% goat's milk. Look for a block of feta in brine, and pat it dry before using.
• Filo dough: Also known as phyllo dough, this is a thin, flaky dough that is commonly used in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Honey: The type of honey you use can vary depending on your preference. Greek honey, such as thyme honey from Crete, is a popular choice due to its aromatic flavour. You can also use locally produced honey or any good raw honey.
• Olive oil: Use a small amount of olive oil, preferably Greek olive oil with a floral and deep flavour, to brush onto the feta and filo dough.
• Optional toppings: Sesame seeds, fresh thyme, or fresh or dried mint leaves can be sprinkled on top for added flavour and texture.

Preparation and Cooking

• Preheat your oven to 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare the feta cheese by patting it dry with a paper towel. Cut the feta into rectangular or square pieces, approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick.
• Lay out a sheet of filo dough and brush it with olive oil. If desired, you can add a second sheet of filo dough on top and brush it with olive oil as well.
• Place the feta cheese in the middle of the filo sheet(s) and wrap it by folding the dough over the cheese. Brush the filo package with olive oil to ensure even cooking.
• Transfer the wrapped feta to a baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment paper.
• Bake in the middle rack of the oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the filo turns golden brown and crispy.
• Once baked, remove the feta from the oven and drizzle honey on top. You can heat the honey beforehand to make it more fluid and easier to spread.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds, thyme, or mint, if desired.
• Serve immediately while the feta is still warm and soft. Baked feta with honey goes well with pita bread, crackers, or warm crusty bread.

Variations and Tips

• If you want to add more cheese to the dish, you can combine feta with shredded mozzarella or other cheeses of your choice.
• To balance the flavours, use unsalted butter if your cheese is salty, and use salted butter if serving the dish with honey.
• If your feta cheese is too salty, you can reduce the saltiness by placing it in a bowl of water and refrigerating it for a few hours or overnight.
• Baked feta with honey can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats and vegetables, such as chicken or meatballs.
• If you don't have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup to create a similar sweet flavour.

Baked feta with honey is a simple yet delicious Greek dish that is perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a savoury snack. With its combination of salty, sweet, and crispy elements, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Feta filo parcels: a Greek appetiser

Feta filo parcels, also known as feta me meli, are a delicious Greek appetiser that combines salty, creamy feta cheese with crispy filo pastry. This easy-to-make dish is perfect as a starter or snack and can be served warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

To make feta filo parcels, you will need the following ingredients:

• Feta cheese: Traditionally, Greek feta made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep and goat's milk is used. Look for a rectangular or square block of feta that is approximately 1/2 inch thick.
• Filo pastry: Also known as phyllo dough, this paper-thin pastry is made from flour and water. You can purchase it pre-made or make it yourself at home.
• Olive oil: Use high-quality Greek olive oil for brushing the filo pastry.
• Honey: All-natural Greek honey adds a sweet touch to the salty feta and crispy filo.
• Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds are optional but add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour to the parcels.

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Prepare the feta cheese by patting it dry with a paper towel. Crumble or cut the feta into small pieces if desired.
• Lay out one sheet of filo pastry and brush it with olive oil. Repeat with a second sheet, placing it on top of the first.
• Place the feta cheese in the middle of the filo sheets, leaving some space at the bottom.
• Fold the bottom edge of the filo over the feta, then fold in the sides. Brush the filo with olive oil as needed.
• Carefully flip over the parcel and continue wrapping the feta until it is completely enclosed in the filo.
• Transfer the parcel to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake in the middle of the oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the filo is golden brown and crispy.
• Once baked, remove from the oven and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.
• Serve the feta filo parcels as an appetiser or snack, enjoying them warm or at room temperature.

Variations

While the classic combination of feta, filo, olive oil, and honey is delightful, there are also some variations you can try:

• Cheese combination: Experiment with different cheeses by adding shredded mozzarella or introducing other types of cheese to the mix.
• Flavour enhancements: Include additional ingredients such as chilli flakes for a spicy kick, chopped pistachios for extra crunch, or fresh herbs like thyme for a fragrant touch.
• Cooking methods: While baking is a common preparation method, you can also try pan-frying the parcels in olive oil for a crispy, golden finish.

Whether enjoyed as a starter, appetiser, or snack, feta filo parcels are a delicious way to indulge in the flavours of Greece. With their combination of salty, sweet, and crispy elements, they are sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds!

Frequently asked questions