Tirokafteri (Spicy Greek Feta Cheese Dip)

Ingredients

  • 20 Oz Feta Cheese
  • 12 Oz Fire Roasted Peppers – Drained
  • 3 Tbs Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1 Tbs White Wine Vinegar
  • 1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 Tsp Cayenne
  • 1/8 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions

  1. Place all ingredients minus the olive oil in a food processor and puree for 1 to 2 minutes. Halfway through, scrape down the sides and continue to puree.
  2. Slowly add the olive oil and puree for another 1 to 2 minutes and somewhat smooth and creamy.
  3. Place in a serving container, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
  4. Serve with pita chips or your favorite crackers.

Greek Meatball Gyros

Ingredients

  • 2 Lbs Ground Beef (80/20)
  • 1 Large Onion
  • 4 Garlic Cloves
  • 1/2 Cup Parsley (about 1/4 of a bunch)
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Mint
  • 2 Tbs Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tbs Dill – finely chopped
  • 1 Tbs White Wine Vinegar
  • 2 Tsp Dried Rosemary
  • 2 Tsp Salt
  • 2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 Cup Breadcrumbs
  • 1 Tsp Ground Cumin
  • Tzatziki
  • Greek “Pico de Gallo”

Directions

  1. In a food processor pulse together the: onion, garlic, parsley, mint, and rosemary. Pulse until finely chopped.
  2. In a large bowl, add the meat and the onion mixture. Continue to add the remaining ingredients.
  3. Combine all of the ingredients and mix well until all of the ingredients have been mixed thoroughly.
  4. Cover the bowl and let meatball mix sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  5. Pre-heat your oven to Broil-Hi and move your rack to the highest level. Place parchment paper on a baking pan and spray with cooking spray.
  6. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and using a spoon, place about 2 ounces of the mixture into your hands and roll them into a ball. This mixture will make around 40-50 meatballs depending on size.
  7. Place the meatballs on the baking pan. You will need two pans. Once the meatballs have been rolled and placed on the pan, spray the tops of the meatballs with the cooking spray.
  8. Cook the meatballs, one pan at a time, centered on the highest rack. Total time will be between 12-15 minutes, depending on your oven. I suggest taking one out around the 12 minute mark to give it a nice taste test!
  9. Place the meatballs in a pita, on rice, or by themselves and cover them with the tzatziki and Greek “Pico de Gallo”.

Tzatziki, Quick and Easy Greek Treat

Ingredients

  • 16 Oz Whole Greek Yogurt
  • 1 Seedless Cucumber – peeled and grated
  • 3 Garlic Cloves – minced
  • 2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbs White Wine Vinegar
  • 1/2 Lemon – juiced
  • 2 Tbs Dill – finely chopped
  • 1 Tbs Mint – finely chopped
  • Salt, Black Pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Peel the cucumber, grate it into a small colander, top with a pinch of salt to draw out the moisture, and place in the sink.
  2. Let the cucumber sit for 15 minutes. Place the cucumber on paper towels and press to remove any extra moisture.
  3. Place all of the ingredients, to include the cucumber, in a small bowl and mix well to combine. Cover and put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour.
  4. Taste the tzatziki and add anything extra as you deem necessary. Enjoy on a gyro or as a dip with some pita or chips!

Greek “Pico de Gallo”, Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

  • 4 Plum Tomatoes – diced
  • 1 Red Onion – diced
  • 1/2 Seedless Cucumber – diced
  • 1/2 Lemon – zest
  • 1 Lemon – juiced
  • 1 Tbs Mint – diced

Directions

  1. Dice all of the ingredients and place in a bowl.
  2. Add the lemon zest and mint.
  3. Squeeze the lemon juice over, stir to combine, and place in a refrigerator. Enjoy!