Frederic Melton
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to baked goods and grilled dishes. Its tangy flavour pairs well with many herbs, making it a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, dill, and mint are commonly used to enhance the flavour of feta cheese. For a more subtle taste, dried herbs like herbes de Provence can be used. When combined with olive oil, these herbs create a delicious marinade for feta, making it an ideal appetizer or snack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer, dip, spread, salad |
| Herbs | Fresh or dried herbs, parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, mint, dill, chives, coriander seeds, peppercorns, chili pepper, lemon peel |
| Other Ingredients | Olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, cream cheese, green coriander seeds, golpar, hot peppers |
| Feta Cheese | Greek feta, goat milk feta, sheep's milk feta, cow's milk feta, feta crumbles |
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What You'll Learn
Oregano, basil, and chives
To make whipped feta with these herbs, start by taking your feta and cream cheese out of the fridge about an hour beforehand to allow them to soften. Then, crumble the feta into smaller pieces and add it to a food processor along with the cream cheese. Pulse the cheeses until they are well combined. Next, add your herbs, along with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. Blend until everything is smooth and well incorporated. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less olive oil.
This whipped feta spread can be served immediately or chilled for an hour or two before serving. It is delicious when served with a generous drizzle of olive oil on top. It can be enjoyed as a dip with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber. It is also great as a spread on a sliced toasted baguette, in a sandwich, or even on a burger.
The combination of oregano, basil, and chives with feta creates a fresh and irresistible herb taste that complements the salty and creamy characteristics of the cheese. This whipped feta dish is a versatile and simple way to enjoy the cheese with the bright flavors of these three herbs.
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Parsley, thyme, and rosemary
Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to salads and sandwiches. It is also a great cheese to keep in your refrigerator as it stays fresh for a long time. One way to enhance the flavour of feta is by pairing it with herbs such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
Parsley is a fresh herb that can be used to sprinkle on top of feta cheese. It adds a bright, green colour and a subtle, fresh flavour to the cheese. Parsley is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine and goes well with other herbs such as thyme and rosemary.
Thyme is another herb that pairs well with feta cheese. It has a strong, aromatic flavour that can enhance the taste of feta. Thyme is commonly used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines and is often paired with other herbs such as parsley and rosemary.
Rosemary has a strong, distinctive flavour that can complement the salty, tangy taste of feta cheese. It has a woody, pine-like aroma and a slightly pungent taste. When combined with feta, rosemary can add a unique flavour profile to the cheese. It is often used in Mediterranean dishes and goes well with other herbs such as thyme and parsley.
When using these herbs with feta, they can be fresh or dried, depending on availability and personal preference. Fresh herbs are usually preferred during the summer months when they are more readily available and have a more intense flavour. However, dried herbs can also be used and offer a convenient alternative.
One simple way to enjoy feta with these herbs is to drizzle the cheese with olive oil and sprinkle on the herbs, along with some red pepper flakes. This can be served as an appetizer with bread, olives, and cured meats. Another option is to create a whipped feta spread by blending the cheese with cream cheese, herbs, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. This can be served as a dip or spread on sandwiches.
For a more unique dish, try honey-baked feta with rosemary and thyme. This dish combines the warm sweetness of honey with the salty feta and subtle herb flavours. The feta is baked in the oven until golden and soft, creating a delicious snack or appetiser.
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Mint, dill, and lemon
For a simple cucumber dill salad, combine cucumber slices with fresh mint and dill, and top it off with creamy feta cheese. The Mediterranean countries, especially Greece, have perfected this combination. The dressing for this salad is a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
If you're looking for a heartier dish, try a couscous salad with mint, dill, and feta. This recipe includes tomatoes, lemon juice, and other ingredients of your choice. The feta adds a nice salty contrast to the fresh herbs and tangy lemon.
You can also create a whipped feta dip with lemon and fresh dill. This dip is a great appetizer and can be served with crackers, bread, or vegetables. To make it, simply blend olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic, and green onion in a food processor, and then add feta and cream cheese to create a smooth and creamy texture.
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Cumin, coriander, and golpar
Firstly, cut the feta into bite-sized cubes. It is important to use a block of feta for this recipe, as feta crumbles will not work. You can use Israeli or Bulgarian feta, or any other variety sold in blocks or cut to order. If you can find feta packed in whey, that's even better.
Next, season the cheese with a mixture of ground cumin, golpar (also known as cow parsnip seed), and a pinch of lemon zest. You can also add freshly toasted cumin seeds for extra flavour. Grate garlic over the cheese, using a microplane grater. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Now, it's time to add the coriander. If you can find green coriander seeds, they will add a fantastic flavour to the dish. Chopped coriander leaves or cilantro can also be used to enhance the freshness of the dish. Gently fold the cheese with the spice and herb mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
Finally, adjust the seasoning to your taste and allow the dish to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This marinated feta can be served as part of a mezze platter, alongside hummus, olives, pita chips, and charcuterie. It's a simple yet addictive appetizer that your guests will surely enjoy!
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Olive oil and garlic
To make this recipe, start by slicing or cubing the feta cheese. You can cut the feta into bite-sized cubes or thicker slices, depending on your preference. Place the feta in a bowl or jar, and add the olive oil. You can use extra virgin olive oil or garlic-flavored olive oil for an extra punch of flavor. Grate or crush some garlic cloves and add them to the feta and olive oil mixture.
The next step is to add your preferred herbs and seasonings. Fresh herbs like basil, dill, mint, oregano, thyme, and parsley pair well with feta. You can also add spices like cumin, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to give the dish a little kick. Don't forget to season with salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice and zest will brighten the flavors.
Once you've combined all the ingredients, give it a good stir or gently fold the cheese with the oil and seasonings. Cover the jar or bowl and let the feta marinate for a couple of hours at room temperature. You can also prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two to three weeks. When you're ready to serve, let the marinated feta come up to room temperature and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh or dried herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, dill, mint, chives, and coriander go well with feta cheese.
To make whipped feta with herbs, add feta, cream cheese, herbs, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and salt and pepper to a food processor and blend.
Cut a block of feta into chunks or slices, place it in an oven-safe baking dish, and top with olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until soft, about 10-12 minutes.
In addition to herbs, feta cheese pairs well with olive oil, lemon, garlic, sumac, sesame seeds, chilli, cumin, golpar, and Mediterranean spices. It also goes well with spinach, tomato, cucumber, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, pine nuts, and walnuts.
