Best Meats To Pair With Feta Cheese

Feta is a popular ingredient in Greek cuisine, often paired with spinach, olives, tomatoes, or cucumbers. However, it is a versatile cheese that can be used in various dishes beyond Greek salads. Feta can be used as a substitute for other cheeses, adding a tangy and salty flavour to recipes. It pairs well with meats such as beef and lamb in Greek meatballs, or as a filling in chicken breasts. Feta can also be crumbled on top of pizzas, nachos, tacos, and salads for a flavourful finish.

Feta cheese in Greek meatballs

Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and is often paired with spinach, olives, tomatoes, or cucumbers. It is also commonly used in savoury pies, such as spanakopita (spinach pie) and tyropita (cheese pie).

When it comes to Greek meatballs, or Keftedes, feta cheese is a delicious addition that elevates the dish. Here are some tips and instructions for making mouthwatering Greek meatballs with feta cheese:

Ingredients:

To make Greek meatballs with feta cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef
• Ground lamb (optional, but adds richness and flavour)
• Feta cheese
• Fresh parsley or mint
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Milk
• Onion
• Garlic
• Spices (oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper)
• Lemon zest (optional, but adds a bright citrus note)

Instructions:

• Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl and let them sit until the milk is absorbed.
• Add the beaten egg, finely diced onion, garlic, spices, and a quarter of the ground beef. Mix until completely combined.
• Add the remaining ground beef and mix just until blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough and dense meatballs.
• Divide the meatball mixture into equal portions and flatten each portion into a circle.
• Place a chunk of feta cheese in the centre of each circle and fold the edges of the meat up and around the cheese.
• Roll the meatball mixture into round balls and place them on a prepared baking sheet or wire rack.
• Bake the meatballs in the oven at a temperature between 400°F and 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.

Tips:

• If desired, you can pan-fry the meatballs instead of baking them. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan with olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides and cooked through.
• You can also add other ingredients to the meatballs, such as rosemary, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes, for additional flavour.
• For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef or lamb. However, be careful not to overbake, as leaner proteins tend to dry out more quickly.
• If you want to make the meatballs ahead of time, you can freeze them before or after baking. Space them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until hard, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

Serving Suggestions:

These Greek meatballs with feta cheese can be served as an appetizer or main course. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki.
• Serve as a main course over Greek salad, rice, pasta, or lemon rice.
• Create a meatball gyro sandwich by placing the meatballs in a pita with sliced tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
• Serve as part of a mezze platter with grilled pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and a block of feta cheese drizzled with olive oil.

Enjoy the delicious combination of feta cheese and Greek meatballs!

Feta in a Greek salad with meat

Feta is a Greek cheese made from sheep's milk (sometimes with added goat's milk) and is known for its salty and tangy flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in many dishes, from salads to baked dishes and appetisers. While it is traditionally paired with vegetables like spinach, olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers, feta also goes well with meat.

One way to incorporate feta into a Greek salad with meat is to include Greek meatballs. Greek meatballs are typically made with a combination of beef and lamb, along with ingredients like red onion, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, rosemary, and of course, crumbled feta cheese. The meatballs are then fried or baked and served on top of the Greek salad, which usually includes vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.

Another option for meat in a Greek salad with feta is to add deli meats such as roast beef, black forest ham, or Genoa salami. These meats can be chopped into pieces and sprinkled on top of the salad, along with the feta cheese. This combination is inspired by the famous Greek Salad with Meat served at Christo's Restaurant in Brockton, Massachusetts.

Additionally, feta can be used as a stuffing for chicken breasts, paired with herbs and baked in a tomato sauce. This dish can be served over pasta and makes for an impressive meal.

When using feta in a Greek salad with meat, it is generally recommended to buy blocks of feta and crumble it yourself, as this results in a better texture and flavour.

Feta with cooked vegetables

Feta is a Greek cheese made from sheep's milk (sometimes with added goat's milk) and is known for its salty and tangy flavour. It is a very versatile cheese and can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, and pastries.

Feta pairs well with cooked vegetables, especially when prepared in the traditional Greek style, known as "lathera". Lathera involves cooking vegetables in olive oil and tomato sauce. Here are some specific examples of cooked vegetables that go well with feta:

• Mediterranean Eggplant stuffed with Fresh Tomato and Onion
• Greek Green Beans
• Greek Style Peas-Arakas Latheros
• Roasted Fairy Tale Eggplants with Mint and Feta
• Roasted Carrots with Feta and Dukkah
• Grilled Mediterranean Vegetable Salad
• Grilled Eggplant Rolls Stuffed with Spinach and Feta Cheese
• Roasted Beet Galette with Feta Cheese and Za'atar
• Spinach with White Beans and Feta
• Greek Spaghetti with Quick-Roasted Tomatoes, Olives, Fresh Herbs, and Feta Cheese
• Greek Meatless Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice

Feta can be added to these dishes in a variety of ways. It can be crumbled on top, stuffed inside, or mixed in, depending on the dish.

Feta in stuffed chicken breasts

Feta cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various meats, including chicken. Here is a detailed guide on preparing "Feta in Stuffed Chicken Breasts":

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts: Small to medium-sized chicken breasts work best for stuffing. If you only have larger breasts, pound or use a meat tenderizer to flatten them. Ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.
• Feta cheese: Crumble the desired amount of feta cheese. You can also add other cheeses, such as cream cheese or ricotta, for a creamier filling.
• Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach can be used. If using frozen spinach, ensure you remove excess moisture before mixing with other ingredients.
• Breadcrumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs add flavour and texture to the dish.
• Butter: Melted butter is drizzled over the chicken before baking.
• Spices and seasonings: Garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhance the flavour of the dish. You can also add lemon zest for a tangy touch.
• Olive oil: Used for cooking the spinach and garlic mixture.

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350-400°F (depending on the recipe).
• Prepare the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket for the stuffing.
• In a pan, cook the spinach with garlic and olive oil until done. Add in the crumbled feta cheese and mix well. You can adjust the amount of feta to your taste.
• Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and feta mixture. Secure the opening with a toothpick if needed.
• Coat the stuffed chicken breasts with breadcrumbs. Place them in a greased baking dish.
• Drizzle melted butter over the chicken breasts.
• Bake in the oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• For a crispier texture, you can roll the chicken in breadcrumbs before baking.
• If desired, add other ingredients to the stuffing, such as herbs, spices, or nuts.
• You can also include other cheeses, such as cream cheese or ricotta, for a creamier filling.
• For a Greek-inspired dish, stuff the chicken with feta, tomatoes, and basil. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for added flavour.
• Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or grains like rice or quinoa.

Feta in pies

Feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and is commonly used in pies. Here are some mouth-watering ideas for pies with feta:

Spanakopita (Spinach Pie with Feta)

This traditional Greek pie combines the flavours of spinach, onions, ricotta cheese, and spices, all wrapped in a crispy phyllo dough shell. The feta adds a tangy and salty kick to the dish, making it perfect for a light meal or brunch.

Tyropita (Cheese Pie)

As the name suggests, this pie is all about cheese! Feta is the star of this pie, providing a creamy and salty texture that pairs perfectly with the phyllo pastry. You can also add other cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella for an extra cheesy delight.

Hortopita (Wild Greens Pie)

Take a walk on the wild side with this pie made from a variety of wild greens, such as dandelion, chicory, and nettles. The bitterness of the greens is balanced by the salty feta, creating a unique and nutritious dish.

Prassopita (Leek Pie)

Leeks take centre stage in this savoury pie, providing a mild onion-like flavour that pairs beautifully with the feta. This pie is a great way to showcase the versatility of feta and how it can enhance the flavour of other ingredients.

Greek Feta and Phyllo Pies

For a more traditional take on feta pies, try this classic combination of feta and phyllo pastry. The crisp and flaky phyllo provides the perfect contrast to the creamy feta, resulting in a pie that's perfect as a side dish or a snack.

Feta cheese adds a unique flavour and texture to pies, whether you're sticking to traditional Greek recipes or getting creative with your own combinations. So, get your rolling pins ready and embrace the magic of feta in pies!

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