- Can I use salad cheese (Greek style cheese) instead of feta?
- Although cheaper, 'feta-style' cheeses have a creamier texture and less distinct flavour. For the real experience, I suggest original Greek feta.
- Why does it need to rest?
- So the flavours (garlic, dill) can infuse the fatty base.
Whipped feta & dill dip
The star of Greek 'meze' tables, often found as 'Tirokafteri' (if spicy) or simply cheese spread. The challenge lies in the texture: crumbly, salty feta must be married with creamy yoghurt to get a spreadable but not runny result. The freshness of dill and lemon perfectly counterbalances the richness of the cheese.
Ingredients
200
g
Thick Greek yoghurt (10% fat)
100
g
Feta cheese
1
bunch
Fresh dill
2
tbsp
Extra virgin olive oil
1
clove
Garlic
1
tsp
Fresh lemon juice
1
pinch
White pepper
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Fork or potato masher
- Mixing bowl
- Citrus juicer
- Garlic press
Allergen Information
Milk
Instructions
1
✓
Place the feta in a bowl and crush coarsely with a fork (don't mash completely).
Tip: A rustic texture is the goal. If over-worked (e.g. by machine), the feta structure can collapse and become gummy. (Protein structure).
2
✓
Add the yoghurt, olive oil and lemon juice. Mix together.
Tip: The emulsion of oil and yoghurt softens the intensity of the salty cheese. (Flavour dilution).
3
✓
Crush in the garlic, and stir in the chopped dill (without stalks).
Tip: Use crushed garlic so cell wall breakdown releases allicin (the intense flavour compound).
4
✓
Rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
Tip: When cold, milk fat resolidifies, making the dip thicker and easier to scoop. (Crystallisation).
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 200 g Thick Greek yoghurt (10% fat)
- 100 g Feta cheese
- 1 bunch Fresh dill
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 tsp Fresh lemon juice
- 1 pinch White pepper