Persian feta is a delicious and versatile cheese that is often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. This creamy and tangy cheese is made from a combination of sheep and goat's milk, giving it a unique and distinct flavor. While feta cheese is widely available in most grocery stores, making your own persian feta at home is a simple and satisfying process. In this article, we will share with you a persian feta recipe that will have you making your own homemade cheese in no time. Not only is it a fun and easy project, but it also allows you to control the quality and flavor of your cheese. So let's dive into the world of persian feta and discover how to make this delicious cheese at home.
Persian Feta Kataifi Pastries with Beetroot Relish
Main Ingredients: Feta, Pastry, Salad Leaves, Chopped Walnuts, Beetroot
These savory pastries are the perfect appetizer for any beer can chicken feast. The flaky kataifi dough is filled with tangy Persian feta cheese and topped with a sweet and earthy beetroot relish. Each bite is bursting with flavor and will leave your guests wanting more. Plus, the vibrant colors make for a beautiful presentation on your table.
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Watermelon Salad with Feta and Jalapeños
Main Ingredients: Seedless Watermelon, Mint, Seeds, Feta Cheese, Juice
This refreshing salad is the perfect side dish to accompany your beer can chicken. The juicy watermelon is complemented by the salty feta cheese, while the jalapeños add a spicy kick. Not only is this salad delicious, but it also provides a nice balance to the rich and smoky flavors of the chicken.
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Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Main Ingredients: Avocados, Diced Red Onion, Jalapeno, Chopped Cilantro
Take your beer can chicken to the next level by serving it with these flavorful shrimp tacos. The shrimp are grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy avocado salsa. The combination of the smoky chicken and the fresh and zesty tacos is a match made in heaven.
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Spring Millet Salad
Main Ingredients: Baby Spinach, Feta Cheese, Fresh Lemon Juice, Pure
This light and refreshing salad is the perfect addition to your beer can chicken feast. The nutty flavor of the millet is complemented by the fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and tangy feta cheese. It's a great way to add some healthy greens to your meal.
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Everything Greek Pork Pitas
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder, Onion, Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Onion
For a unique twist on traditional beer can chicken, try serving it in a pita! These Greek-inspired pitas are filled with tender pork, tangy feta cheese, and a variety of fresh vegetables. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy your chicken.
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Shakshuka
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Onion
This Middle Eastern dish is a great way to use up any leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is shredded and added to a rich tomato and pepper sauce, then topped with crumbled feta cheese. Serve with crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Wheat Berry Salad with Blood Oranges, Feta, and Red...
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Onion, Garlic, Fresh Thyme Leaves
This hearty salad is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. The chewy wheat berries are combined with juicy blood oranges, tangy feta cheese, and crisp red onions for a delicious and colorful salad. It's a great way to add some whole grains to your meal.
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Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Dip
Main Ingredients: Medium Garlic Clove, Cream Cheese, Feta Cheese, Roasted
This creamy and flavorful dip is the perfect appetizer to serve alongside your beer can chicken. The roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness, while the feta cheese adds a tangy kick. It's great for dipping vegetables, pita bread, or crackers.
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Pesto pita bread pizza
Main Ingredients: Whole Wheat Pitas, Olive Oil Spray, Pesto, Italian
For a quick and easy meal to serve with your beer can chicken, try these pesto pita bread pizzas. Simply spread pesto on pita bread, top with shredded chicken, feta cheese, and your favorite toppings, and bake until crispy. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy your chicken in a different form.
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Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Main Ingredients: Couscous, Water, Vegetable Bouillon, Extra Virgin Olive
This light and flavorful salad is a great way to round out your beer can chicken meal. The couscous is mixed with a variety of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, including feta cheese, olives, and roasted vegetables. It's a great way to add some variety and flavor to your meal.
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Vegetarian Grilled Pita Pizzas
Main Ingredients: Pitas, Olive Oil, Hummus, Diced Bell Pepper, Halved
If you have any vegetarian guests, these grilled pita pizzas are a great option to serve alongside your beer can chicken. The pitas are topped with a variety of vegetables, feta cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They're quick, easy, and delicious.
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Pea-n-Feta Cheese Puff
Main Ingredients: Quick Cooking Oats, Whole Wheat Flour, Baking Powder
This unique and tasty side dish is a great way to add some green to your beer can chicken feast. The puff pastry is filled with a creamy mixture of peas and feta cheese, then baked until golden brown. It's a fun and delicious way to enjoy your chicken.
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Asparagus Pâte Feuilletée with Scallions and Goat’s...
Main Ingredients: Feta Cheese, Lemon, Spices, Olive Oil, Herbes De
This elegant and flavorful dish is a great way to add some sophistication to your beer can chicken meal. The flaky puff pastry is filled with tender asparagus, tangy goat cheese, and scallions. It's a great way to impress your guests while still keeping things simple.
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Chickpea Salad
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Garlic Clove, Sea
This protein-packed salad is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthier side dish to serve with their beer can chicken. The chickpeas are paired with tangy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing. It's a great way to add some variety and flavor to your meal.
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Hassleback Pork tenderloin
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pork Tenderloin, Baby Spinach
If you're looking for a main dish to serve alongside your beer can chicken, this hassleback pork tenderloin is a great option. The tenderloin is stuffed with a delicious mixture of feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, then roasted to perfection. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that will satisfy even the hungriest of guests.
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Roasted Jalapeno Poppers
Main Ingredients: Jalapeno Peppers, Feta Cheese, Cream Cheese, Shredded
These spicy and cheesy appetizers are a great addition to your beer can chicken feast. The jalapenos are stuffed with a creamy feta cheese and cream cheese mixture, then roasted until golden and bubbly. They're a great way to add some heat to your meal.
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Caramelised Onion, Leek and Persian Feta Frittata
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Brown Onions, Leeks, Eggs, Salt, Pepper
This savory frittata is a great way to use up any leftover beer can chicken. The chicken is combined with caramelized onions, leeks, and tangy Persian feta cheese to create a flavorful and hearty dish. Serve for brunch or as a light lunch alongside a salad.
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Caramelised Onion, Leek & Persian Feta Frittata
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Brown Onions, Leeks, Eggs, Salt, Pepper
If you're looking for a vegetarian option to serve alongside your beer can chicken, this frittata is a great choice. The sweetness of the caramelized onions and leeks pairs perfectly with the tangy feta cheese. Plus, the vibrant colors make for a beautiful presentation on your table.
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Zucchini Pasta with Lemon, Mint and Persian Feta
Main Ingredients: Pasta, Olive Oil, Zucchini, Yellow Zucchini, Garlic
This light and refreshing dish is a great way to add some veggies to your beer can chicken meal. The zucchini is spiralized to create "pasta" noodles, then tossed with a zesty lemon and mint dressing and topped with creamy feta cheese. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer in a healthy and delicious way.
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Roasted Eggplant Salad
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper
This hearty and flavorful salad is a great side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. The eggplant is roasted until tender and combined with a variety of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, including feta cheese, olives, and roasted red peppers. It's the perfect way to add some healthy and delicious vegetables to your meal.
The Ingredients You'll Need
To make your own persian feta, you will need the following ingredients:
4 cups of goat's milk
2 cups of sheep's milk
1/4 cup of plain yogurt
Feta culture or rennet
Salt
Understanding Feta Culture and Rennet
Feta culture is a combination of bacteria that is used to ferment the milk and give feta cheese its distinct flavor. It can be found in most specialty cheese shops or online. If you can't find feta culture, you can also use rennet, which is an enzyme that helps the milk to coagulate and form curds. Rennet can also be found in most cheese-making supply stores or online.
The Process of Making Persian Feta
To make your own persian feta, follow these simple steps:
In a large pot, heat the goat's milk and sheep's milk over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 86°F.
Add the feta culture or rennet to the milk and stir well. Let the milk sit for 30 minutes to allow the culture or rennet to do its job.
Add the yogurt to the milk and stir well. This will help to thicken the milk and give it a creamier texture.
Cover the pot and let the milk sit at room temperature for 8-12 hours. This will allow the milk to fully ferment and thicken.
After the 8-12 hours, you will see that the milk has formed into a thick curd. Using a slotted spoon, gently scoop out the curd and place it into a cheese mold.
Sprinkle salt over the curd and gently press down to remove any excess whey.
Cover the cheese mold and let it sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours to allow the cheese to set and develop its flavor.
After 24 hours, remove the persian feta from the mold and place it in a container filled with brine (saltwater solution). Let it sit in the brine for another 24 hours.
After the brining process, your persian feta is ready to be enjoyed! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Get Creative with Your Persian Feta
Now that you have your homemade persian feta, it's time to get creative in the kitchen. This versatile cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, and even as a topping for pizza. You can also add herbs and spices to your persian feta during the brining process to give it an extra burst of flavor. The possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, making your own persian feta at home is a simple and rewarding experience. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create a delicious and unique cheese that will elevate any dish. So why not give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade persian feta?
Persian Feta Kataifi Pastries with Beetroot Relish