Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
2. Pulse the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
3. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to your liking.
4. Transfer the cheese spread to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Refrigerate the cheese spread before serving.
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups of cheese spread.
- Serving size is about 2 tablespoons.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use goat cheese instead of feta cheese.
- You can use sour cream instead of cream cheese.
- You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
- You can use fresh oregano instead of dried oregano.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme for added freshness.
- Add a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before blending to ensure a smooth texture.
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This cheese spread is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cheese spread in a small bowl with a spoon for easy spreading.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of dried oregano or red pepper flakes.
Garnishes:
- Dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Chopped fresh herbs
Pairings:
- Pita bread
- Crackers
- Vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese spread is too thick, add a splash of olive oil to thin it out.
- If the cheese spread is too salty, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to refrigerate the cheese spread before serving and store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Do not leave the cheese spread out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Kopanisti cheese spread is a traditional Greek dish made with feta cheese and other ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
Flavor profiles:
- Salty
- Tangy
- Creamy
- Spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack.
- Use as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
- Serve alongside grilled meats or seafood.
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Region: Greek