Description
Creamy Mediterranean magic meets rustic Greek charm in this thyme-infused feta & almond dip. Rich herbal notes blend seamlessly with tangy cheese and nutty almonds, promising an irresistible appetizer that transports you straight to a sunny Aegean coastline.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 ounces (85 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 handful almonds, roughly chopped
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 8 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Herb and Spice Components:
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red chili flakes
Oil and Serving:
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Gently heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium temperature, creating a warm base for infusing flavors.
- Introduce fresh thyme sprigs into the heated oil, allowing their aromatic essence to permeate the liquid while creating a delicate sizzling sound.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and sprinkle chopped almonds into the infused oil, toasting them until they develop a golden, rich color and nutty fragrance.
- Incorporate thinly sliced garlic and Aleppo pepper, stirring briefly to release their intense, pungent aromas and enhance the oil’s complexity.
- Remove the saucepan from direct heat and blend in the remaining olive oil to temper the temperature and balance the infusion.
- Crumble feta cheese directly into the warm, herb-infused oil, optionally adding a splash of feta brine to intensify the tangy undertones.
- Gently fold in fresh chopped parsley and delicately mash the feta, creating a rustic, textured consistency that melds all the ingredients.
- Transfer the dip to a serving dish, ensuring it remains warm and inviting for immediate enjoyment with crusty bread or crackers.
- Savor this Mediterranean-inspired appetizer, appreciating the harmonious blend of herbal, nutty, and tangy flavors.
Notes
- Infuse oils carefully to maximize herb and nut flavors without burning, maintaining medium-low heat ensures gentle extraction of aromatics.
- Try different herb variations like rosemary or oregano to customize the dip’s flavor profile while keeping the core technique consistent.
- For dairy-free alternatives, substitute feta with cashew cheese or nutritional yeast to create a similar creamy, tangy texture that mimics the original recipe.
- Toast almonds slowly to develop deep, nutty undertones and prevent bitter burnt notes, which can significantly impact the overall taste of the dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 456
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 39 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg