Randy Chandler
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many dishes, from salads to baked goods and appetizers. It is also often stored in brine, a salty liquid, to prolong its shelf life. This brine solution can be made with vinegar, calcium chloride, and non-iodized salt. While some may discard the brine after using it to store feta, it can actually be used in various ways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Brine vegetables before grilling or roasting |
| Brine tofu cubes and leave them to "pickle" in a jar for a raw feta-like snack | |
| Brine small pieces of sweet fruits, like halved cherries, for use in salads and grain bowls | |
| Use it in a pot of grains or legumes | |
| Add a splash to doughs, like pizza dough | |
| Blend into feta when whipping it for a dip to serve with crudites | |
| Use it as a marinade for chicken | |
| Soak stale bread in feta brine and add it to a stuffing mix |
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What You'll Learn
Use feta brine to soak stale bread for stuffing
Feta brine, the salty, cloudy liquid in which feta cheese is stored, is a versatile ingredient with many uses. While it is commonly used to keep feta cheese fresh, tender, and tasty, it can also be used in a variety of other applications, such as a marinade for meat and vegetables, or as an ingredient in baked goods.
When it comes to using feta brine to soak stale bread for stuffing, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that using stale bread for stuffing is a common misconception. Contrary to popular belief, using stale bread can result in a soggy and unappetizing dish. This is because the water content in stale bread is the same as in fresh bread, and when you add liquid to stale bread, there is nowhere for the liquid to go, resulting in a soggy texture.
However, if you do decide to use stale bread for your stuffing, you can use feta brine to soak it. The salty and briny flavor of the feta brine will add a unique twist to your stuffing. To use feta brine for this purpose, simply substitute the liquid in your stuffing recipe with an equal amount of feta brine. You can also add some fresh herbs or spices to the brine to infuse additional flavors into your bread.
Additionally, you can experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or focaccia, to create a more complex flavor profile. Just remember to taste the feta brine before adding it to your bread, as it is already quite salty and you may not need to add additional salt to your recipe.
By using feta brine to soak your stale bread, you can add a punchy and savory note to your stuffing, elevating the flavors of your dish. However, keep in mind that the amount of brine you use will depend on the desired texture and flavor of your stuffing, so be sure to adjust the proportions accordingly.
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Marinade chicken in feta brine
Feta brine is a great way to add flavour to chicken and keep it juicy and tender. The lactic acid in the brine tenderizes the meat, and the salt seasons it, making for a delicious meal.
To make a basic brine, you will need feta whey, water, and salt. You can add 2 teaspoons of salt to 4 cups of water and blend with 2 ounces of feta whey until smooth. You can also add other ingredients to the brine, such as oregano, honey, pepper, lemon zest, and capers, to create a more complex marinade.
Once you have prepared your brine, place your chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or container and cover it with the brine. Leave it to marinate for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. If you are roasting a whole chicken, you can also try placing lemon slices under the thighs and topping the chicken with crumbled feta before roasting.
It is important to note that the chicken should be removed from the brine about an hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature and dry out a little, which helps to crisp the skin.
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Brine vegetables in feta liquid
Feta brine can be used to brine vegetables before grilling or roasting. It is especially good for slower-cooking vegetables, such as whole carrots. The brine can also be used to intensify and elevate the flavours of dishes that incorporate feta.
Feta brine can be used in multiple recipes and can add a salty, subtle creaminess to other ingredients. It can be used to brine chicken pieces, fruits for salads, and a variety of other ingredients. It can also be used in pots of brown rice, tofu preparation, and salad dressings.
Feta brine is a great way to preserve feta cheese and keep it moist and tangy. It can also be used to preserve other ingredients such as chicken pieces or cut vegetables, helping them to last a few extra days in the fridge.
To make feta brine at home, dissolve 1 to 1 1/4 pounds of kosher or non-iodized salt in 2 quarts of water. Add the salt gradually, stopping when it no longer dissolves. This brine can be used to store feta cheese for several months.
When using feta brine to brine vegetables, it is recommended to start by substituting 1/4 of the cooking liquid with feta brine and then adjust the amount to taste in subsequent batches.
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Pickle tofu in feta brine
Feta brine can be used to make pickle-brined tofu. Here is a recipe for making pickle-brined tofu using feta brine:
Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu
- Feta brine (enough to cover the tofu)
- Cornstarch
- Breadcrumbs
- Vegan butter (optional)
- Shredded vegan cheddar cheese (optional)
Steps
- Press the tofu well to remove all the water. Wrapping the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and placing a few heavy cookbooks on top for at least 15 minutes is an effective method.
- Cut the tofu into the desired shape. Thicker slices or patties are great for sandwiches or burgers, while cubes are perfect for salads or snacks.
- Cover the tofu with feta brine and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to several hours, or even overnight for maximum flavour. Ensure that the tofu is completely submerged in the brine, or toss it occasionally if there is not enough brine to cover it fully.
- Mix the cornstarch and any desired dry seasonings together in a separate bowl or plate.
- Remove the tofu from the brine and let it drip dry.
- Coat the tofu with the cornstarch mixture, making sure all sides are covered.
- (Optional) For extra crunch, double dredge the tofu by coating it with breadcrumbs after the cornstarch layer.
- Heat a large skillet with oil and vegan ghee to medium-high heat. You can test the heat by adding a pinch of flour to the oil; if it starts to cook and sizzle, the oil is hot enough.
- Add the tofu to the pan, giving each piece some space. Cook until each side is brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place the tofu on a plate with a paper towel to drain any excess oil and serve immediately.
You can serve the tofu with a vegan tzatziki dip, in a sandwich or wrap, or as a salad topping. Enjoy!
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Add feta liquid to dough
Feta brine can be used in a variety of ways, including as an addition to dough. Here are some tips and tricks for adding feta brine to your dough:
Enhancing Flavour and Extending Shelf Life
Feta brine can be used to enhance the flavour of your dough and extend its shelf life. The brine contains salt, which acts as a natural preservative, slowing the growth of mould and keeping your baked goods fresh for longer. When substituting water with feta brine in your dough recipe, consider that the brine is already very salty, so you may not need to add additional salt to your dough. Taste the brine before adding it to your dough to determine the saltiness, and adjust the amount of brine used accordingly.
Substituting Water in Dough Recipes
When making dough for sourdough, focaccia, or pizza, you can substitute a few tablespoons of water in your recipe with feta brine. This substitution will impart a sour, salty, and slightly funky flavour to your dough. It is important to note that feta brine may speed up the fermentation process, so be mindful of this when planning your baking schedule.
Adjusting the Proportions
When using feta brine in your dough, start by substituting a small amount of the cooking liquid with the brine. A good rule of thumb is to begin with a 1:3 ratio of brine to water, and then adjust the proportions to your taste in subsequent batches.
Using Feta Brine in Other Applications
In addition to enhancing the flavour of dough, feta brine can be used in a variety of other ways. It can be added to vinaigrettes, marinades for chicken or tofu, and pots of grains or legumes. It can also be used as a brine for vegetables before grilling or roasting, especially slower-cooking produce like whole carrots.
By incorporating feta brine into your dough and exploring its various other applications, you can enhance the flavour and texture of your creations while also reducing food waste.
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Frequently asked questions
The liquid in feta cheese is called brine, a solution of salt and water.
Feta cheese liquid or brine can be used in several ways. You can use it to brine vegetables, tofu, or fruits before grilling or roasting. You can also add a splash to doughs, dips, or salad dressings to add a salty flavour.
Feta cheese liquid can be stored in the refrigerator and used to make more feta. It can also be used to brine other foods, so you can keep it for that purpose. However, it should be discarded when it becomes too cloudy.
