Kamil Perry
Feta cheese is a beloved ingredient in many dishes, but what should be done with the brine water it comes packaged in? Feta brine is a solution of salt dissolved in water, and it serves to keep the cheese moist, tangy, and edible for longer. But, instead of pouring it down the drain, there are many ways to reuse it. For example, it can be used as a flavour enhancer in dishes like soups, dips, and salads. However, it is recommended to avoid using it in slow-cook recipes or prolonged marination as the brine may contain lactobacillus and other bacteria, which can cause foul odours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta brine usage | Flavour booster for soups, recipes, vegetable dips, doughs, salad dressings, grains, legumes |
| Feta brine properties | Contains lactobacillus and other bacteria, salty |
| Feta brine storage | Store feta in an airtight container in cool temperatures |
| Feta brine health impact | May cause serious, foul off-odors if used in slow cooking |
| Homemade brine | Dissolve 1-2 tsp of kosher salt in 1 cup of water |
Explore related products
![Marinades, Rubs, Brines, Cures and Glazes: 400 Recipes for Poultry, Meat, Seafood, and Vegetables [A Cookbook]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/710NzNkiwsL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
$18.76 $21.99
What You'll Learn
Use it to brine chicken
Feta brine can be used to brine chicken, adding a complex and earthy flavor to the meat. To make the brine, blend together feta, water, and salt until smooth. You can also add other ingredients like pepper, lemon zest, and oregano to the brine to infuse additional flavors.
Once the brine is ready, place the chicken in an extra-large resealable plastic bag or a container large enough to submerge the chicken. Pour the brine over the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the brine to work its magic.
After brining, remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. It is important to let the chicken come to room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This step helps the chicken dry out slightly, which promotes crispy skin during roasting.
When you are ready to cook, you can roast the chicken in the oven or use a combination of oven and stove-top cooking. For oven-roasting, preheat the oven to 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken in a large oven-proof skillet or baking dish. Cook the chicken for about 50 minutes, adjusting the time as needed based on the size of your chicken.
Some people also like to add a rub or herb mix to the chicken before cooking. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, oregano, and lemon zest, massaging it into the chicken before roasting. This enhances the flavor and creates a delicious, crispy skin.
Feta Cheese: A Source of Vitamin D?
You may want to see also
Add to dough for pizza
Feta brine can be used to add a tangy flavour to pizza dough. It is recommended to start by substituting a quarter of your cooking liquid with feta brine, and then adding more to your taste. Feta brine can also be used to add saltiness and flavour to salad dressings, and to soak stale bread.
To make a pizza with feta cheese, you can follow this recipe:
Ingredients
- Feta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Tomatoes
- Onion
- Pizza dough
Method
- Prepare the dough by adding water and yeast to a bowl. Stir with a fork and wait 3-4 minutes, until the yeast is completely dissolved and bubbling.
- Pour in a splash of milk, flour, salt and sugar. Mix the ingredients in a low-speed electric mixer for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough becomes an elastic ball.
- Pour in olive oil while mixing.
- Remove the dough from the mixer and check its texture. It should be smooth and elastic and slightly sticky. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Leave the dough to rest for 5 minutes and then mix again for 2 minutes.
- Coat the dough with olive oil, place it in a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap.
- Let the dough sit in a warm place for at least 30 minutes, until it doubles in size.
- Take the dough out of the bowl and knead it to deflate it. Split it into three evenly sized balls.
- Using a rolling pin, stretch out each ball on a floured surface and shape into a thin, round pizza base (0.5 cm thick).
- Move the pizza bases onto some slightly oiled greaseproof paper.
- To make the sauce, heat a saucepan on low-medium heat and add olive oil and garlic. Saute until slightly golden, and then add basil, tomatoes, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer for about 20 minutes, mashing the tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
- Smear the tomato sauce over the base of the pizzas and spread with a spoon.
- Top the pizza with mozzarella, feta, roasted veggies, olives, and oregano.
- Spray with extra virgin olive oil and bake in the oven until golden and crusty.
Enjoy your homemade Greek pizza!
The Creaminess of Feta Cheese: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Use in salad dressings
Feta brine can be used to add flavour to your salad dressings. It is a great way to use up the brine without wasting it.
Feta brine is a salty liquid, so it can be used in place of salt and water in recipes. When using feta brine in salad dressings, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start by substituting a quarter of your usual cooking liquid with feta brine, and adjust to your taste preferences in subsequent batches.
Feta brine can also be used to make a simple vinaigrette. Simply whisk together the brine with some olive oil, Dijon mustard, and pepper to create a tangy dressing. You can also add other ingredients such as honey, garlic, or herbs to create different flavour profiles.
If you are looking for a creamier dressing, you can blend the feta brine with some Greek yoghurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. This creates a tangy and savoury dressing that pairs well with fresh greens or even as a dip for vegetables.
It is worth noting that feta brine is a source of lactobacillus and other bacteria, so it is best used in small quantities and in quick, high-temperature cooking applications. It is not recommended for use in slow cooking or prolonged contact with the brine, such as in marinades.
Feta Cheese: A Jewish Delicacy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Soak stale bread for stuffing
Feta brine can be used in various ways, such as adding flavour to a pot of grains or legumes, doughs, dips, salad dressings, and more. One such way is to soak stale bread in feta brine and use it for stuffing.
Stale bread is a key ingredient in making stuffing. The bread serves as the binder that holds the stuffing together, absorbing the stock and seasonings. While some recipes suggest letting the bread get stale by leaving it out for a few days, this can result in a leathery and chewy texture. Instead, it is recommended to dry out the bread in an oven. This method is faster, yields better results, and ensures the bread absorbs the maximum amount of flavour.
To dry out the bread, start by cubing it. For traditional recipes, a simple white sandwich loaf is preferred. Place the cubes on a baking tray and toast them in the oven at a low temperature of around 275-300°F for about 45 minutes, tossing them occasionally to ensure even drying.
Once the bread cubes are dried, they can be soaked in feta brine and then placed under the broiler for a few minutes before adding them to the stuffing mix. This adds a unique flavour to the stuffing.
When making the stuffing, it is important to consider the proportions of ingredients. The add-ins, such as vegetables, dried fruit, grains, nuts, and meat, should be used in smaller amounts relative to the bread. Additionally, taste the stuffing before baking it to determine if additional salt is needed, as packaged bread cubes, sausage, or store-bought stock may already contain salt.
The Best Milk for Feta Cheese Production
You may want to see also
Add to soups for flavouring
Feta brine can be used as a flavour enhancer in soups. It can be used in soups that require salt and water. As a general rule, start by substituting a quarter of the cooking liquid with feta brine and adjust according to your taste preferences in subsequent batches. It is recommended to avoid using feta brine in slow-cooked meals or recipes with prolonged contact with the brine, such as meat marinades. This is because the brine may contain lactobacillus and other bacteria that could affect the taste and odour of the dish. Instead, use feta brine in quick, high-temperature cooking methods or as a splash-and-eat seasoning.
Feta brine can be a versatile ingredient for adding flavour to soups. Its salty and tangy characteristics can enhance the taste of various soup recipes. When using feta brine in soups, it is important to consider the overall flavour profile and adjust the amount of brine accordingly. Start by adding a small amount and gradually increase until you achieve the desired taste.
Additionally, feta brine can be used as a substitute for salt in soup recipes. If a soup recipe calls for salt and water, you can replace the salt with feta brine in the required amount. This will not only add saltiness but also contribute to the overall flavour of the soup. Just be mindful of the salt content in the brine and adjust any additional seasoning accordingly.
For those who enjoy experimenting with flavours, feta brine can be a unique ingredient to explore. Its strong and distinctive taste can elevate simple soup recipes and create interesting flavour combinations. You can also try using feta brine in combination with other spices and herbs to create complex and layered flavours in your soups.
In conclusion, feta brine can be a valuable addition to your soup-making repertoire. Its salty and tangy characteristics can enhance the flavour of soups, and it can be used as a substitute for salt in recipes. However, it is important to use it in moderation and be mindful of potential bacterial concerns in certain cooking methods. With feta brine, you can easily add a punch of flavour to your soups and create delicious and unique dishes.
Feta Cheese: Healthy or Not for High Blood Pressure?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Feta cheese water, or feta brine, is the salty water that feta cheese is soaked in. It is used to preserve the cheese and keep it moist, tangy, and creamy.
Feta cheese that is sold in brine tends to have a longer shelf life than pre-crumbled or vacuum-sealed feta, which can become dry and rubbery.
Feta brine can be used in cooking to add flavour to dishes such as soups, grains, legumes, salad dressings, and doughs. It can also be used as a marinade for meat, although this may be unsafe if the brine is too old.
Yes, you can make your own feta brine by dissolving salt in water. The general ratio is 1 teaspoon of kosher salt for every cup of water, although some sources recommend using 2 teaspoons of salt instead.
Although there are some suggestions online that feta brine can be beneficial to drink, there is little evidence to support this. It is also important to be aware that consuming too much salt can be harmful to your health.
