FOR THE WHIPPED FETA
200g feta cheese
100g cream cheese (or Greek yoghurt, for a lighter texture)
1 tbsp Telegraph Hill Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 small garlic clove, finely grated (optional)
Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated
Juice of ½ lemon
FOR THE TOPPING
1 tbsp white sesame seeds
1 tbsp black sesame seeds
2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp walnuts, roughly chopped
1 tbsp almonds, roughly chopped
Sea salt
2 tbsp Telegraph Hill Chilli & Sicilian Orange Olive Oil
METHOD
Toast the seed mix topping
Mix all seeds and nuts together with a pinch of salt. Spread on a tray and toast in a 180°C oven for 5-6 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool.
Blend the whipped feta
Add feta, cream cheese, olive oil, garlic (if using), lemon zest, and lemon juice to a food processor or small blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water gradually if needed for a softer consistency. Spoon into a shallow bowl and make a slight dip in the centre.
Assemble
Drizzle the Chilli & Sicilian Orange Olive Oil over the whipped feta. Finish with a generous sprinkle of the toasted seed mix.
Serve as a starter with warm crusty bread, flatbreads, or crackers, or pair with a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables (e.g. carrots, beetroot, kumara, or courgette). The creamy feta and spiced oil complement roasted flavours beautifully.
Chef’s Tip
Using a creamier feta will result in a smoother, creamier dip than one made with a crumbly feta.
To serve with blackened carrots as pictured you will need:
6 slim carrots, washed, trimmed, and halved lengthwise
2 tbsp Telegraph Hill Olive Oil
Sea salt
1 tbsp Telegraph Hill Chilli and Sicilian Orange Olive Oil
2 tbsp crumbled feta
Remaining toasted seed mix
Preheat the oven to 200°C with a baking tray inside. Toss the carrots with the oil and a pinch of salt and spread on the hot tray. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping once, until tender and blackened in some areas. Remove from the tray and set aside until warm.
Arrange warm carrots over the whipped feta dish. Drizzle with the additional tablespoon of Chilli and Sicilian Orange Olive Oil, the additional crumbled feta, and the remaining toasted seed mix.
