Macedonian Feta Cheese Spread

Macedonian Feta Cheese Spread Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Macedonia

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Macedonian Feta Cheese Spread is a delicious and creamy spread that is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack. Made with crumbled Greek feta cheese, olive oil, red chile peppers, black pepper, and lemon juice, this spread is bursting with flavor and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

History

Feta cheese has been a staple in Macedonian cuisine for centuries. This spread is a modern twist on the traditional way of serving feta cheese, which is usually in large chunks or crumbled over salads. The addition of olive oil, red chile peppers, and lemon juice gives this spread a unique and bold flavor that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) of crumbled Greek feta cheese
3 tbsp of olive oil
2 small dried red chile peppers
a few grinds of black pepper
juice of 0.5 lemon

How to prepare

Place 0.5 lb (227 g) of crumbled feta, 3 tbsp of olive oil, 2 small dried red chile peppers, a few grinds of black pepper, and the juice of 0.5 lemon in the bowl of a food processor and blend until very smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to develop and the cheese spread to set up.
Before serving, bring the mixture to room temperature.
Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the top.
Serve with kalamata olives and pita bread.
This recipe makes 1 cup of spread and can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Variations

Add fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for an extra burst of flavor.
Mix in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to blend the ingredients in a food processor until very smooth to achieve the perfect creamy texture.

- Refrigerate the spread for several hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop and the spread to set up.

- Bring the spread to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.

- Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the top before serving for an extra touch of richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this spread with kalamata olives and pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer. It also pairs well with fresh vegetables or crackers.

Cooking Techniques

Blending the ingredients in a food processor until very smooth is key to achieving the perfect creamy texture for this spread.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Greek feta cheese, you can use regular feta cheese as a substitute. You can also use fresh red chile peppers instead of dried ones for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This spread can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the spread in a small bowl drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and garnished with fresh herbs. Add a side of kalamata olives and pita bread for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

This spread pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir. It also goes well with a cold beer or a glass of sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature before serving. Do not freeze.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Macedonian Feta Cheese Spread contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb diet. Each serving contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Feta cheese is a good source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats from the olive oil. Each serving of this spread contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Feta cheese is also a good source of protein, with each serving of this spread containing approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Feta cheese is rich in calcium, which is important for bone health. It also contains vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve function. Each serving of this spread provides a good amount of these nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the feta cheese. It may also contain allergens from the olive oil. Please check for any specific allergens before consuming.

Summary

Overall, this Macedonian Feta Cheese Spread is a nutritious and delicious option for a snack or appetizer. It is rich in protein, healthy fats, and important vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Macedonian Feta Cheese Spread is a delicious and creamy appetizer that is perfect for serving at any gathering. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, this spread is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy it with kalamata olives, pita bread, or fresh vegetables for a Mediterranean-inspired treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day in Skopje, Macedonia, and I had just finished a long day of visiting with family and friends. As I sat down to rest, my dear friend Vasilika brought out a platter of homemade bread and a bowl of what looked like the most delicious cheese spread I had ever seen.

"Try some of this Macedonian Feta Cheese Spread, my dear," she said with a warm smile. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I eagerly took a piece of bread and spread a generous amount of the cheese on top. As I took my first bite, I was immediately transported to a place of pure bliss. The creamy texture of the feta mixed with the tangy flavors of the garlic and herbs was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

"Vasilika, this is absolutely divine," I exclaimed. "Would you mind sharing the recipe with me?"

Vasilika chuckled and nodded. "Of course, my dear. I would be happy to teach you how to make it."

And so, on that warm summer day, I began my journey into the world of Macedonian cuisine. Vasilika showed me how to carefully crumble the feta cheese and mix it with fresh garlic, olive oil, and a blend of herbs and spices. She explained that the key to a delicious cheese spread was to let it sit and marinate for at least a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

As I watched and learned from Vasilika, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the rich culinary heritage that the Macedonian people had to offer. The way that food brought people together, sharing stories and traditions, was something truly special.

After a few hours of patiently waiting for the cheese spread to be ready, Vasilika and I sat down to enjoy our creation. As we shared a meal and reminisced about our childhood memories, I knew that this recipe would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

Over the years, I continued to make the Macedonian Feta Cheese Spread for family gatherings and special occasions. Each time I would prepare it, I would think back to that hot summer day in Skopje when I first learned the recipe from my dear friend Vasilika.

As time passed, I began to add my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile. I even taught my own grandchildren how to make the cheese spread, passing down the tradition to yet another generation.

And so, the recipe for Macedonian Feta Cheese Spread became more than just a dish to me. It was a symbol of the love and connection that food can bring to people, no matter where they come from.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories of that summer day in Skopje, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Macedonian Feta Cheese Spread may have been taught to me by my dear friend Vasilika, but it is the memories and traditions that I have created around it that truly make it special.

And so, I will continue to share this recipe with anyone who is willing to learn, passing down the flavors and stories of Macedonia for generations to come. After all, food is not just about nourishing the body—it is about nourishing the soul.