Description
Creamy Hungarian paprika and feta dip brings Mediterranean charm to your appetizer spread, blending tangy cheese with smoky spice. Guests will savor this simple yet elegant starter that pairs perfectly with crisp vegetables and warm pita bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 oz (225g) feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish and Add-ins:
- 12 tablespoons roasted red pepper, finely chopped
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and prepare a food processor or high-powered blender for mixing.
- Add crumbled feta cheese, creamy Greek yogurt, fragrant olive oil, smoky spices, minced garlic, and zesty lemon juice into the blender.
- Pulse and blend the mixture until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency, periodically scraping down the container walls to ensure even integration.
- Carefully taste the dip and introduce salt and ground black pepper, adjusting the flavor profile by incrementally adding more paprika or citrus notes to suit your palate.
- Enhance the dip’s complexity by folding in finely chopped roasted red peppers, which will contribute a subtle sweetness and vibrant texture.
- Elegantly transfer the whipped dip into a serving vessel, creating visual appeal with a delicate olive oil drizzle and a light dusting of smoked paprika.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for an aromatic finishing touch.
- Refrigerate the dip for approximately 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a more refined taste before presenting to guests.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of smoked and sweet paprika to suit your spice tolerance.
- Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture.
- Roast your own red peppers for a more intense, smoky flavor that elevates the dip’s complexity and freshness.
- Experiment with herb combinations like dill, parsley, or mint to create unique flavor profiles that complement the tangy feta and paprika.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg