Tirokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip)

By Jessica Swartz May 2, 2023 30 mins read 88 Views

Tirokafteri is also known as or htipiti. It's a super spicy, creamy and tangy mezze that comes from the north of Greece. This spicy feta spread is ready in just 10 minutes. It's perfect for sharing. This easy appetizer is gluten-free and can be served on pita chips or lettuce cups, as well as grilled bread.

Photo credits: Mariam Hamdy

Tirokafteri, the healthier version of Southern pimento spread, is what you get when Southern pimento dip goes on a Mediterranean holiday. It is lighter and has no mayo but still packs the same punchy, creamy kick.

The Greek mezze is a favorite that has many layers of flavors. The sheep's cheese adds a tangy flavor to my Creamy Whipped Feta dip or Herby Feta dip. Roasted red peppers give the dip a velvety, sweet, slightly smoky flavor. Garlic and spicy chili pepper add the perfect amount heat.

Tirokafteri will be the talk of any party. It's a great twist on classic game-day food. It's great for any occasion, whether you are playing a game or not. You can make this for your next party and serve it with a Simple Crudites platter.

Table of Contents

Tirokafteri Ingredients
How to Make Tirokafteri
Tirokafteri recipe: Tips and tweaks
What to serve with Greek Feta Dip
It's impossible to eat too much dip!
Tirokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip) Recipe

Ingredients in Tirokafteri

This spicy feta dip can be prepared all year long using a few ingredients that are easy to find. This recipe is easily adaptable to suit your tastes and diet. You like it super spicy? Add more pepper. You want to avoid gluten? Fresh vegetables are a great way to avoid gluten.

Feta:Use high-quality Greek cheese preserved in brine to make the creamiest and most flavorful dip.
Roasted Red Peppers: Adds a layer sweet meets smoky taste. You can make your own using only red bell peppers and olive oil. Use a jar of high-quality fire-roasted sauce from the store.
Flavormakers: Red chili pepper , or jalapeno add a spicy kick. Red Wine Vinegar adds brightness and balance the creamy, salty Feta.
Extra virgin Olive Oil:A couple of tablespoons of EVOO will add velvety richness to the dip. A final drizzle completes it. The best olive oil to use is a peppery, flavorful Greek variety like our Early Harvest.
GarnishesFresh kalamata and parsley give this dish an extra pop of flavor and color.
French Baguette: Crispy French baguette grilled on the grill and served with dipping sauce. For a gluten-free option, use lettuce cups or vegetables. You can buy pita chips at the store or make your own.

How To Make Tirokafteri

This recipe for feta dip is a simple appetizer that requires very little cooking. The most time-consuming step is to grill the bread. Roasting the red bell peppers takes only a few moments. If you are short on time, serve this spicy dip alongside chips and grab a jar roasted red bell peppers. You only have to blend it!

Prepare:Roast two small red peppers in accordance with this recipe for roasted peppers. Drain a 12-ounce jar with fire-roasted peppers. Chop roughly one red pepper or jalapeno. Chop up one clove of garlic. Set up the large food processor and attach the blade.

To make the dip, crumble 10 ounces feta cheese in the food processor. Add roasted peppers and garlic, along with the chili pepper seeds. Add 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar. Blend the ingredients until they are broken down. Pour in the olive oil at low speed until the mixture becomes smooth. About 2 tablespoons of oil.

Toast bread: Slice a French baguette diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. A griddle pan or grill pan should be heated to medium heat. Brush olive oil onto one side of the bread. Arrange all the slices of bread in a single layer, so that the oiled surface touches the hot griddle. Brush olive oil on the side of the bread facing you. Grill and flip each side until you see charred marks on both sides, about 2 to 5 total minutes.

Serve the dip: Spread it on a plate or bowl. Chop a handful of fresh parsley leaves. Chop 4-5 kalamata olives. Sprinkle a little more feta on top and drizzle the dip with olive oil. Top with olives and fresh parsley. Serve with grilled bread to the side.

Tips for this Tirokafteri recipe

This recipe is easy to follow and foolproof. Here are a few extra tips for making it your own.

Season to taste. The majority of feta cheeses are salty enough to be served without any additional seasoning. Taste it before serving. Add a pinch of sea salt if it tastes bland.
Use only high-quality feta. Pre-crumbled cheese is often dry and highly processed. If feta is your main ingredient, choose a whole sheep's-milk variety that has been packed in brine. The crumble is worth it!
The seeds are hot. The flesh of a pepper adds flavor but the seeds are what really spice it up. For this spicy dip, I'm brave and like to add the seeds! If you are serving to a group that is more timid, it's best to go easy with the seeds.
Plan ahead. The dip tastes just as good a day later. You can skip the garnish if you are planning to serve it at dinner. Cover and keep in the fridge to be ready.
Change the garnish. You can add your own touch to the garnish. I like a simple olive-and-herb garnish, but feel free to get creative. Add fresh vegetables, more roasted peppers or fried lemon rings to add visual appeal. For the bravest chefs, a final drizzle of chili oils will add even more heat! You can also add capers and some lemon zest to brighten up the dish. This dip can be made into a full meal by adding grilled meat.

How to serve Greek Feta dip

This dip is delicious on toasted bread, but it is equally good with raw vegetables. For ideas on the best vegetables to dip, check out my guide for building a crudite platter.

Serve this spicy feta spread with other Mediterranean appetizers or mezze. Choose something delicate and light that will not compete with the punchiness of Tirokafteri. Zaalouk, a Moroccan Eggplant Salad or Dolmas, stuffed grape leaves would be perfect.

It's impossible to eat too much dip!

Quick Mediterranean Feta Dip recipe
Artichoke Dip With Feta
Creamy Whipped Feta Dipping
Muhammara Recipe (Roasted Red Pepper Dip)

Search all Mediterranean Recipes

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Tirokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip)

This spicy feta spread is creamy, tangy and bold. Share as an appetizer.

Course Appetizers, dips and appetizers

Greek Cuisine

Diet Vegetarian

Prep time five -minutes

Cook Time five minute

Total time ten minute

Servings

Calories 90 Kcal

Author Suzy Kardsheh

Ingredients

10 ounce block Greek feta cheese, broken into chunks, plus more for garnish
1 jalapeno or red chili pepper, trimmed & roughly chopped (leave seeds for extra spicy)
2 small red bell peppers, shredded (homemade or 12-ounce fire-roasted red chili peppers in a jar, drained).
1 small garlic clove, chopped
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley leaves, for garnish
4 - 5 kalamatas, pitted, chopped and used as a garnish
Half French Baguette, Serving (optional; substitute with lettuce cups, pita chips, etc.)

Instructions

Make the dip. Add the feta cheese, red wine vinegar, roasted peppers, chili peppers and garlic to a large bowl fitted with a blade attachment on a food processor. Blend the ingredients until they are broken down. Pour the oil in slowly, until the mixture becomes smooth. About 2 tablespoons of oil.
If you are serving baguette with your toast, cut it on the diagonal in 1/2-inch chunks. A griddle pan or grill pan should be heated to medium heat. Brush olive oil on the one side of the bread. Arrange the slices of bread in a single layer, so that the oiled surface touches the hot griddle. Brush the top with olive oil. Grill each side until you see charred marks, about 2 to 5 minutes.
Spread the dip onto a plate or bowl. Sprinkle with olive oil, parsley and kalamatas olives. With the grilled bread, serve.

Notes

Tirokafteri can be made ahead. Transfer the dip into a container with a lid. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Just before serving, garnish the dip with grilled bread and grill it.
To make the spice milder, remove the seeds.
Browse our shop for quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 13.4g

The Mediterranean Dish first published Tirokafteri, a spicy Greek Feta dip.

By: Suzy Karadsheh
Title: Tirokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Dip)
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/tirokafteri/
Published Date: Tue, 02 May 2023 14:06:27 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I be eating in a Mediterranean day?

A Mediterranean diet focuses on healthy fats and protein and lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains. A Mediterranean diet should consist of seven to 10 daily servings fruits and vegetables, as well as two to four 3-ounce meals of lean protein, such as chicken or fish. You can also eat healthy fats, such as olive oil or nuts, in moderate amounts. For a balanced diet, you should consume three to four servings of whole grain, such as quinoa barley, oats or barley each day.

Additionally, limiting foods that may be unhealthy when eaten regularly is important, including all processed foods, added sugar, unhealthy fats, white bread, starches, sweetened drinks such as soda or juices, red meat, and processed meats containing saturated fat or nitrates, respectively. Avoiding dairy is a good idea. If you do want to include dairy, it should be done sparingly. Avoid eating fish more than three times per week due to potential mercury contamination. This can affect its nutritional value and cause it to be less nutritious if it is not planned for.

It's important to plan meals so that you can reap the benefits of the Mediterranean diet.

It is possible to have a pleasant experience following a Mediterranean diet. This includes delicious and nutritious food items. For the best health, choose high-quality proteins like wild-caught fish and grass-fed meats, as well as organic eggs, to ensure you are eating healthy meals. Also, include healthy fats like coconut oil, nuts, olives, avocados and extra-virgin olive oil. In your meals, make sure you include plenty of fresh, frozen, and whole grain options such as quinoas, barley, and oatmeal. Reduce unhealthy fats, added sweetness, processed food, starches, red and processed meats.

Is the Mediterranean Diet suitable for people suffering from certain health conditions like diabetes?

The Mediterranean Diet suits people with certain health conditions, like diabetes. This diet emphasizes whole foods and limits refined sugars and carbohydrates. It also focuses more on healthy fats than butter and lard. This reduces the chance of developing diabetes in people who are not already living with it, and helps to control blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. Light exercise can also help to stabilize blood sugar levels. You can make healthy food choices such as substituting white bread for whole-grain bread, or adding nuts to your salads in place of crackers. This will help you to manage many health conditions.

Can I use regular oil instead of extra Virgin Olive Oil?

Extra virgin olive olive oil can be substituted for regular olive olive oil in the Mediterranean diet. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, (EVOO), has a higher quality, more nutritional benefits, and a milder flavor. Regular olive oil, however, is still an option. Regular olive oil is great for everyday cooking, from stir-frying to roasting vegetables. This olive oil has a lower price than EVOO. However, some believe that it is better suited for higher heat applications like deep frying. But, it doesn't have the same nutrients or positive compound as EVOO. You should make up these benefits by eating other foods whenever you can.

Is it OK to consume milk in the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, milk can be consumed on the Mediterranean diet. Low-fat yogurts, cheese, and dairy products are essential to this diet. They contain calcium and other key nutrients. Also, milk is nutritious and should be included in moderation in your daily drink routine. It can also create dishes such as smoothies or oatmeal if preferred. If possible, look for organic milk to support sustainable farming. Add milk to your breakfast dishes such as smoothie bowls and avocado toast to ensure you get essential vitamins, minerals, and a balanced start every day.

What foods aren't allowed in a Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet does not include certain food groups such as processed foods and unhealthy fats. Certain foods shouldn't be eaten to maintain the health benefits associated with this dietary pattern. Although these foods are fine to eat occasionally, they can cause problems for your health if you eat them regularly.

On a Mediterranean diet, whole-grain breads and starches like white bread, sugary grains, and other highly processed baked goods are prohibited. These items are quickly absorbed into your system as sugars and may lead to blood sugar spikes that cause weight gain over time. They are also lacking in vitamins and minerals, compared with whole grain options like millet or Quinoa.

Other sugars also fall within this category. You should limit your intake of sweetened drinks, including soda, teas with added sugars, juices, and other sugary beverages. They won't support weight loss or healthy nutritional profiles.

It is best to avoid red meats and processed foods in Mediterranean-style meal plans. Red meats or processed meats contain high amounts of saturated fat. This increases cholesterol and can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Because nitrates are associated with cell damage responses in the cells, processed lunchmeat products can increase cancer risk. Avoid eating dairy products as they can contain high amounts of saturated fats.

According to nutrition experts, fish should not be eaten more than three times per week.

Is it possible for me to lose weight following the Mediterranean Diet?

Yes, you can lose weight on the Mediterranean Diet. Because the diet focuses on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and olive oil, it can reduce calories and provide vital nutrients for your overall health and well-being. You can lose weight by including physical activity in your diet. Additionally, reducing highly processed foods, red meat consumption, and added sugars can help maintain a healthy weight over time if paired with the right mindset!

Statistics

One small study suggested that swapping one-half of your serving of a high-glycemic starch (like rice) with lentils helps lower the glycemic response by 20 percent. (everydayhealth.com)
In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)
Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)

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How To

What does the Mediterranean Diet do to support brain health and reduce cognitive decline?

The Mediterranean diet is a pattern of eating rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats while low in red meat and added sugar. It has been linked to many health benefits - including better brain health. According to research, the Mediterranean Diet can slow the aging process and reduce the risk of developing dementia. It may improve mood and offer protection against oxidative stress as well.

Many aspects of the Mediterranean diet are good for brain health and can help to prevent cognitive decline. The greatest benefit is from eating large quantities of antioxidant-rich plants such as fruits, vegetables and other foods. These nutrients provide vital vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy neurological functioning. Monounsaturated fats, such as olive oils, are important for maintaining healthy omega-3 levels. This is critical for brain health. A reduction in processed carbohydrates may help to improve mental clarity. This is because it stabilizes blood glucose throughout the day and decreases inflammation that can be associated with chronic diseases, such as stroke or Alzheimer's.

Following a balanced Mediterranean diet plan that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables; lean proteins like fish or poultry; whole grains; ample healthy fats from olive oil; occasional red wine, plus moderate dairy intakes like yogurt or cheese will help maintain adequate nutrition levels over time to reduce cognitive decline. Regular physical activity at a moderate intensity will help increase serotonin production which in turn supports mental well-being. Combining these tips can help you achieve good mental and bodily health in old age.