Are You Still Serving Tzatziki for Appetizers?
When you think of a Greek-themed appetizer, tzatziki usually comes to mind first. Known for its creamy yogurt and shredded cucumber, tzatziki enhances everything from pita bread to summer barbecues. As refreshing as it is easy to make, tzatziki has become the go-to representative for Greek mezzes far beyond its homeland, often overshadowing the myriad other dishes that make up these generous platters of small plates meant for sharing.
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Yet, the Greek culinary scene offers a variety of dips, many of which step away from cucumber, opting instead for bolder flavors. One such lesser-known yet highly popular dip in Greece is tirokafteri. True to its name, which translates to “spicy cheese,” this dip features green chili peppers. Blended with Greek yogurt, feta, and garlic, it creates a thick, creamy, and spicy mixture that’s perfect for spreading on bread as much as for dipping.
On France Inter, François-Régis Gaudry recently shared a recipe he co-created with Dimitri Alexopoulos, who runs the Greek catering service Plaka in Paris. To serve four, start by chopping one fresh green chili into small pieces and peeling half a clove of garlic. Place them in a mortar with half of the 15 ml of extra virgin Greek olive oil, and grind them into a smooth paste.
In a mixing bowl, pour 170 g of Greek yogurt, then crumble 200 g of feta cheese coarsely to keep some chunks. Add the chili paste, 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar, and a bit of freshly ground pepper, then simply stir with a fork without trying to smooth out the mixture completely. Gradually mix in the remaining olive oil with the fork until you achieve a thick and creamy texture.
Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more chili, garlic, vinegar, or olive oil if needed. Let the dip rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Finally, serve with warm pita bread, lagana bread, vegetable sticks, or as part of a mezze platter. This will add just the right amount of kick to your appetizer spread!
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