GREEK TIROKAFTERI: SPICY CHEESE DIP RECIPE
This holiday season, serve Tirokafteri, an authentic Greek spicy cheese dip! But when we say cheese, it only refers to feta cheese. That’s because feta is the most popular cheese amongst Greeks. It gets its strong and distinctive, mouth-watering flavor from the combination of goat and sheep milk. Both are easy to digest and an ideal alternative for cow milk. Which mean, this recipe lactose-free and healthier than most cheese dips!
Tirokafteri, means “spicy cheese” and has feta as the main ingredient. You’ll find several variations of Tirokafteri, but today I’ll share my family’s recipe. My family recipe uses feta cheese and yogurt. By adding yogurt to the dip, it will create a smoother less chunky dip. The more yogurt you add, the runnier it will become so add a little at a time to get your ideal consistency.
Greek Tirokafteri Spicy Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients
Serves 7-8 people
8 ounces Greek Feta Cheese
2-5 tbsp Greek Yogurt
2-3 tbsp Kardamas Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1-2 Peppers
1 tsp Dried Red Chili Pepper Flakes
1-3 Jalapeno Pepper Slices (Optional)
Directions
In a food processor combine the Kardamas extra virgin olive oil, peppers and dried red chili pepper flakes. Give it a good spin until properly minced.
By the way, the peppers you use can be up to you but I use red peppers. You can even roast them to make them sweeter.
Next, crumble the feta chees and add the Greek yogurt to the mixture. Combine it in the processor until you achieve the consistency you like.
The pepper quantities are indicative, so you can put your own spin to it! If you want a sweeter, smokier dip, then add more red peppers. But if you want more heat and spice, then add more chili peppers flakes to the recipe.
And that’s it! All done. You can serve it immediately or let it sit in the fridge. Just like the Greek Tzatziki sauce, your Tirokafteri, will taste even better the next day!
Right before serving, make it look festive by sprinkling some chopped peppers, dried red chili pepper flakes, Kardamas Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and a few jalapeno pepper slices to top it off.
Although Greek Tirokafteri is the perfect holiday appetizer, it is usually eaten as a casual addition to any meal. Pair this authentic Greek dip with grilled meat, veggies, burgers, fries, pitas, salad or as a spread on fresh baguette slices.
Yummmm! I’m getting hungry for Tirokafteri Authentic Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip now, are you? Give it a try. You’ll thank me later!