Middle Eastern Feta Spread Recipes

Steps:

• In a food processor, mix together the feta, olive oil, chiles, garlic, oregano, and black pepper. Blend on low speed for about 6 minutes or until the feta is whipped. Pour in lemon juice and pulse the mixture until completely combined, about 2 minutes. Pour into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until ready to use. Serve with toasted pita.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bring about 3 quarts water to a boil and add soaked, skinned beans. Reduce to a simmer and cook until beans are very soft, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, drizzle garlic with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast until very tender, about 30 minutes.
• When beans are soft, reserve about 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then drain well. Using a food processor, blend beans just until coarsely mashed. Allow roasted garlic to cool until it can be handled, then squeeze garlic out of its skin into bean purée. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and cumin. Process just until blended, adding a bit of reserved cooking water if needed to make a rough, chunky purée.
• Transfer to a bowl. Add mint and feta, and stir to mix. Season with salt, as needed. Place in a serving dish, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with the za'atar. Serve with pita bread.

Steps:

• Preheat broiler.
• Spread feta evenly in a 9x6x1 shallow baking dish.
• Arrange tomatoes across the top of the feta.
• Drizzle olive oil over tomatoes.
• Sprinkle oregano and black pepper over the top.
• Broil mixture 2-3 inches from heat until cheese is bubbling, about 5-8 minutes.

Steps:

• Crumble and mash feta cheese with a fork with oils and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
• Serve with toasted pita wedges or crackers.
• VARIATIONS:.
• Many herbs and spices can be added to this recipe for a "kick".
• Try adding a teaspoon of dill, oregano, garlic powder, or another herb or spice.
• For spicier spices like cumin or caraway, start off with 1/8 teaspoon and increase according to taste.

Steps:

• Place feta cheese on a plate and mash very well with a fork.
• Add all other ingrdients and mix very well.
• Place bay leaf into center of dip.
• Cover and chill at least 4 hours before serving.
• When ready to serve, stir; REMOVE the bay leave and stir more.
• Serve.

Steps:

• Combine the feta cheese and cream cheese in the container of a food processor or blender. Process until well blended. Remove to a serving dish and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with a sprig of basil, and serve.

Steps:

• In food processor, combine cheese, oil, lemon juice, garlic, green onions, tomatoes and red peppers.
• Blend well to form a nice smooth paste.
• If too thick, thin with a little more oil.
• Serve with pita bread, crackers or crusty bread.