Tirosalata (Spicy Feta Spread)

One of the lesser known, but best condiments on Greek "snack-bar" menus. Tirosalata (cheese salad) or Tirokafteri (spicy cheese) is a go-to with fries, pork souvlaki, pork gyro, or just with bread/pita. There are recipes and restaurant versions available, but they often feature bell peppers and sometimes even red bell peppers. We feel that the most authentic and best tasting versions are green peppers, preferably Hungarian/wax peppers that are grown in southern and eastern Europe. In Greece, a variety of Feta styles allow for flexibility in how to prepare this condiment, which we compensate by adding fresh ricotta or manouri cheese.

Ingredients

2 Hungarian wax peppers - Slice in half- remove stem.

4 oz fresh ricotta cheese (cow or sheep/goat).

8 oz feta cheese - whole block, imported

3 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

Salt

Black Pepper

Steps

Another key to pulling off this dish is frying the actual pepper. (picture below)

Add 4 Tbsp Olive oil to a small skillet. Set to medium heat.

Add the pepper halves into the oil, they should start splattering and sizzling as the water in the peppers evaporates.

One the peppers are browned and softened , remove from the heat. Once cooled, chop into 1 inch chunks.

The easiest method is to use a food processor, but whipping this by hand is also possible. Food processors work better when there's more volume, but also require more liquid to get things emulsified.

By Hand:

On a cutting board or in a mortar and pestle bowl, mash the fried pepper with a fork, pestle or mince with a knife. Add the Olive oil, salt, black pepper, Lemon juice, and ricotta to a bowl and start mashing them together. then add the feta and peppers and mash down again. If you're looking for a smoother consistency, add olive oil or water. Salt to taste.

Processor:

Start with the Olive Oil, Peppers, Salt, Black pepper, Lemon Juice and emulsify, then add the ricotta and feta.. Add more olive oil or water if needed.

Keep refrigerated and serve with french fries, toasted pita bread, bread, crackers or along with your favorite souvlaki or gyro.