Patrick Oconnell
Cheese is a staple of the Egyptian diet, with evidence of cheese-making dating back to the First Dynasty of Egypt, over 5000 years ago. Today, Egypt boasts a variety of traditional cheeses, including soft, white cheeses, fried cheese, and pickled cheeses. One popular Egyptian dish combines feta cheese, tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil, often served as a dip or spread with pita bread. This dish, known as Egyptian Feta Cheese Dip or Spread, showcases the influence of Egypt's diverse cultural history, including the introduction of feta cheese by the Greek community, and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike as a delicious appetizer or breakfast item.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Feta Cheese, Tomatoes, Parsley |
| Other Ingredients | Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Black Caraway Seeds, or Nigella Seeds |
| Bread | Pita, Flatbread, Baguette, or Bread |
| Consumption Time | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack |
| Consumption Frequency | Daily, Yearly |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese was introduced to Egypt by the Greek community
Cheese is an important part of the Egyptian diet, with a long history in the country. There is evidence of cheese-making in Egypt over 5,000 years ago, during the time of the First Dynasty. In the Middle Ages, the city of Damietta was famous for its soft, white cheese, and cheese was also imported from Sicily, Crete, Syria, and the Greek island of Chios.
Feta cheese, in particular, was introduced to Egypt by the Greek community. At the turn of the last century, there was a long-established and thriving Greek community in Egypt, and they brought feta cheese with them. The Egyptians embraced this new ingredient, incorporating it into their own recipes and creating dishes such as Egyptian feta cheese dip. This dip typically includes feta cheese blended with olive oil, finely chopped cherry tomatoes, and nigella seeds, although sometimes black caraway seeds are used instead. It is often served with pita bread.
In addition to feta cheese, other types of cheese commonly consumed in Egypt include mish, a fermented buffalo cheese similar to feta, and gebna rūmi, a hard yellow cheese that takes its name from the Arabic word for "Roman". Cheese is often served with breakfast in Egypt, along with bread, jams, and olives, and it is also included in traditional dishes and even some desserts.
Overall, the introduction of feta cheese by the Greek community in Egypt illustrates the cultural exchange that has contributed to the diverse and rich culinary traditions of the country.
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Parsley, feta, and tomato is a popular Egyptian dip
The Egyptian feta cheese dip is a delicious combination of crumbled feta cheese, tomatoes, and Nigella or black caraway seeds in smooth-tasting olive oil. There is no real "recipe" for this dip. It is a simple yet exotic blend of some cheese blended with olive oil and a handful of finely chopped cherry tomatoes, with a half teaspoon or more of nigella seeds.
The Greeks introduced feta cheese to Egypt at the turn of the last century, and the Egyptians added it to their lexicon of country recipes. Medieval Egyptian cheese mostly used buffalo or cow's milk, with less use of goat and sheep milk than in other countries in the region. Damietta on the Mediterranean coast was the primary area where cheese was made for consumption in other parts of the country.
Feta cheese with Za'atar is another popular Egyptian dip. This dip includes mashed feta, olive oil, lemon juice, plain yogurt, scallions, cherry tomatoes, and parsley or mint.
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Feta is a common breakfast food in Egypt
Cheese has been a part of the Egyptian diet for over 5,000 years, with evidence of cheese-making dating back to the First Dynasty of Egypt. The manufacture of cheese is depicted in murals in Egyptian tombs from 2000 BC, and alabaster jars containing cheese have been found at Saqqara, dating back to around 3000 BC.
Feta cheese, in particular, is a common breakfast food in Egypt. It is often enjoyed as a dip or spread, typically made by mashing feta cheese with olive oil and lemon juice until creamy, and then mixing in various herbs, tomatoes, and spices. This dip can be served with pita bread or vegetables for a delicious and nutritious start to the day.
The use of feta cheese in Egypt can be traced back to the Greek community in the country at the turn of the last century. Over time, Egyptians have added their own unique twists to feta-based dishes, incorporating local ingredients and flavours.
One popular recipe for Egyptian feta dip includes mashing 6-8 ounces of feta cheese with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. To this mixture, you can add plain yoghurt to create a creamier consistency, if desired. Then, add in 3 chopped scallions, 8-10 chopped cherry tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or mint. This blend of flavours creates a refreshing and tasty breakfast option.
The Egyptian feta spread is also commonly enjoyed with the addition of nigella or black caraway seeds, providing a unique flavour profile to the dip. This simple yet satisfying breakfast dish showcases the creativity and diversity of Egyptian cuisine, combining the briny cheese with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon.
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Feta cheese is often served with pita bread
Cheese is a staple in Egyptian cuisine, with evidence of cheese-making dating back over 5,000 years. In modern Egypt, cheese is often served at breakfast alongside bread, jams, and olives. One popular Egyptian dish combines feta cheese, tomatoes, and pita bread. This dish likely originated from the Greek community in Egypt, who introduced feta cheese to the country.
Feta cheese is a briny, salty cheese that pairs well with pita bread. Pita bread, also known as flatbread, is a type of bread commonly found in Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine. It is often used to scoop up dips or stuffed with various fillings to create a hearty sandwich. When served with feta cheese, the pita bread provides a crunchy texture and a neutral flavour that complements the strong taste of the cheese.
There are several ways to prepare and serve feta cheese with pita bread. One popular method is to create a spread or dip by mixing crumbled feta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs such as parsley and green onions. This mixture is then spread over pita bread and can be served as an appetizer or a light meal. The pita bread may be cut into triangles or left whole, providing a convenient vessel for enjoying the creamy and flavourful feta cheese dip.
Another option is to grill the pita bread to create a warm and crispy texture. The pita pockets can be stuffed with feta cheese, mozzarella, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil pesto to create a Mediterranean-inspired grilled cheese sandwich. The feta cheese melts inside the pita pocket, creating a rich and savoury flavour profile. This dish can be served with a Mediterranean salad or soup to complete the meal.
Feta cheese and pita bread can also be combined with other ingredients to create more substantial meals. For example, ground beef, tuna, or potato can be added to create a heartier filling for the pita bread. Additionally, feta cheese can be mixed with Greek yogurt and mint, spread on pita bread, and baked in the oven until crispy. These versatile ingredients can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.
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Feta cheese is sometimes mixed with herbs and lemon juice
Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas. It is also delicious when marinated or whipped with herbs and lemon juice. This combination of feta cheese with herbs and lemon juice creates a bright and herby flavour that pairs well with vegetables, crackers, and bread.
One popular recipe for marinated feta cheese involves mixing olive oil, garlic cloves, lemon zest, green onions, dill, lemon juice, peppercorns, and oregano. The feta cheese is then added to this mixture and chilled for several hours to allow the flavours to meld. This marinated feta can be served as an appetizer or used to elevate salads, mezze platters, or pizzas.
Another option is to create a whipped feta cheese dip or spread. This involves blending feta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs in a food processor until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved. This whipped feta can be served as a dip with vegetables or crackers, or spread on sandwiches or pita bread.
In Egypt, feta cheese is often combined with herbs, lemon juice, and tomatoes to create a delicious spread or dip. This Egyptian feta spread typically includes extra virgin olive oil, green onions, parsley, and pita bread. The addition of lemon juice and herbs to feta cheese enhances its flavour and makes it a versatile ingredient in various dishes and cuisines.
Feta cheese has a long history in Egypt, introduced by the Greek community in the country. It has since become an integral part of Egyptian cuisine, with recipes such as the Egyptian feta spread showcasing the unique and delicious combinations that can be created with this versatile cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese has been a part of the Egyptian diet for over 5,000 years, with evidence of cheese-making dating back to the First Dynasty of Egypt. In the Middle Ages, the city of Damietta was known for its soft, white cheese, and imported cheese from Sicily, Crete, Syria, and the Greek island of Chios. Today, cheese is often served with breakfast in Egypt, and is included in traditional dishes and desserts.
Egyptian Feta Cheese Dip is a combination of crumbled feta cheese, tomatoes, and Nigella or black caraway seeds in olive oil. It is a simple and exotic dip that can be served with pita or flatbread.
A typical Egyptian breakfast includes plain yogurt with fresh fruit or dried apricots, hummus, baba ghanoosh, tahini, olive salads, and falafel. Cheese is also commonly served at breakfast, often with bread, jams, and olives.
