Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli Recipe
Introduction
This feta marinated with herbs and chilli is a simple yet flavorful appetizer that brightens any table. Creamy feta cubes soak up aromatic oil infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a kick of chilli. It’s perfect served with crusty bread for a delightful snack or starter.
Ingredients
- 8 oz / 250 g feta cheese, preferably Danish or another creamy type
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tbsp herbs, finely chopped (parsley and thyme recommended)
- 1 birds eye chilli, finely chopped (or any fresh red chilli of choice)
- 1/4 tsp lemon rind, finely grated
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Infuse the olive oil with garlic by smashing the garlic cloves with the side of your knife and combining them with the olive oil. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or preferably overnight.
- Step 2: If short on time, mince 1 small garlic clove and stir it directly into the olive oil instead of infusing.
- Step 3: Cut the feta cheese into bite-sized cubes, about 1cm (1/3 inch) each.
- Step 4: Place the feta cubes into a serving dish. Scatter the chopped herbs, chilli, lemon rind, and freshly ground black pepper over the top.
- Step 5: Pour the garlic-infused olive oil over the feta and herbs. Serve immediately with crusty bread.
Tips & Variations
- Use different fresh herbs such as oregano, basil, or dill to change the flavor profile.
- Adjust chilli quantity to control the heat—remove seeds for milder spiciness.
- Allow the feta to marinate for a few hours before serving to deepen the flavors.
Storage
Store any leftover marinated feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor will intensify as it sits. Bring to room temperature before serving and stir gently. Reheat is not recommended; serve cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s firm yet crumbly texture and tangy flavor make it ideal for marinating. However, halloumi or a firm goat cheese can be substituted, though the texture and flavor will differ.
Is it necessary to infuse the olive oil with garlic?
Infusing the oil enhances the garlic flavor and mellows its sharpness, but if short on time, adding minced garlic directly to the oil works well too.
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Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (or overnight if infusing garlic oil)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Feta Marinated with Herbs and Chilli recipe featuring creamy Danish-style feta cheese soaked in garlic-infused olive oil with fresh herbs, zesty lemon rind, and a touch of spicy bird’s eye chilli. Perfect as a savory appetizer or accompaniment served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Feta Cheese
- 8 oz / 250 g feta cheese, preferably Danish or another creamy type
Marinade
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs, finely chopped (e.g., parsley and thyme leaves)
- 1 bird’s eye chilli, finely chopped (or any fresh red chilli of choice)
- 1/4 tsp lemon rind, finely grated
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Infuse the olive oil: Smash the garlic cloves using the side of your knife to release their flavor. Combine the smashed garlic with the extra virgin olive oil in a small container. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or preferably overnight to allow the garlic flavor to infuse the oil deeply. (Optional but recommended for best flavor.)
- Prepare quick garlic oil (if short on time): If you don’t have the time for the infusion, simply mince one small garlic clove finely and stir it into the olive oil to impart a more immediate garlic flavor.
- Cut the feta: Slice the feta cheese into bite-sized cubes approximately 1 cm (1/3 inch) each for easy serving and better absorption of the marinade flavors.
- Assemble the dish: Place the feta cubes in a serving dish. Scatter the finely chopped herbs, chilli, lemon rind, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the cheese cubes.
- Add the marinade: Pour the garlic-infused olive oil over the feta and herb mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Allow the flavors to meld briefly before serving.
- Serve: Present the marinated feta alongside crusty bread for a delightful appetizer or accompaniment perfect for sharing.
Notes
- Use Danish or a similarly creamy feta cheese for the best texture and flavor in this marinade.
- The garlic-infused olive oil can be prepared a day ahead to deepen its flavor.
- You can substitute herbs with your favorites like oregano or basil if desired.
- Adjust the chilli quantity based on your heat preference or omit for a milder version.
- Leftover marinated feta can be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days.
- Serving with crusty bread balances the strong flavors of the marinated cheese beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus optional overnight for garlic oil infusion)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: feta cheese, marinated feta, herb marinade, garlic olive oil, chilli, appetizer, Mediterranean cheese dish
