Greek Whipped Feta Dip-Tirokafteri Recipe
Greek Whipped Feta Dip, also known as Tirokafteri, is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful appetizer made by blending tangy feta cheese with roasted peppers, Greek yogurt, and olive oil. This vibrant dip combines a smoky charred pepper flavor with a smooth, whipped texture, perfect for serving with pita bread, crackers, or fresh veggies. It’s quick to prepare and brings a delightful heat that can be adjusted to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Peppers
- 2 hot peppers (of your choice)
- 1 red longhorn pepper or red bell pepper
Primary Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 375 grams Greek feta cheese in brine (about 1½ cups or 12.5 oz)
- 150 grams Greek yogurt (one small container or ¾ cup)
Seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Broil the Peppers: Preheat your oven broiler. Place the hot peppers and the red longhorn pepper in an oven-proof dish. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the peppers. Broil them for 15-20 minutes, turning frequently until the skins are charred and blistered all over. Remove from the oven and allow to cool until they can be handled safely.
- Prepare the Peppers: Wearing gloves to protect your hands from the heat, peel the skin off the roasted peppers. Remove and discard all seeds carefully, ensuring none remain inside.
- Whip the Feta and Olive Oil: In a food processor, pulse the feta cheese along with the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This creates a rich base for the dip.
- Add Roasted Peppers: Add the peeled red longhorn pepper and half of the hot peppers to the food processor. Blend again until the mixture is perfectly smooth. Taste the dip to check the spiciness and add more hot peppers if you desire more heat.
- Incorporate Greek Yogurt and Season: Mix in the Greek yogurt and season with freshly ground black pepper. Pulse again just for about 10 seconds to blend everything uniformly. Taste once more to adjust the seasoning or heat level as preferred.
Notes
- Wearing gloves while handling hot peppers is essential to avoid skin irritation.
- You can adjust the heat by varying the amount and type of hot peppers used.
- The roasting step adds a smoky flavor but can be done on a grill or stovetop grill pan if no broiler is available.
- For a thicker dip, use strained Greek yogurt or adjust the olive oil quantity.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with fresh bread, pita, or raw vegetables for dipping.
