In the search for a delectable tapas-appropriate dish that also accommodated cow milk intolerance, I realized that this whipped feta dip with figs and honey would be the perfect fit.
I normally serve my highly acclaimed blue cheese dip (by my MIL) at our family get-togethers, however, due to an increased cow-milk intolerance in one of the family members I set out to find something that she could enjoy guilt (and pain) free.
Boy did I hit the jackpot with this whipped feta dip with figs and honey! It really delivers in flavour and texture and just general yumminess. Everyone around the table went for more, even the cautious ones that seemed skeptical at first went for double and triple servings! It really is a crowd-pleaser.
This dip has now become a family staple and is proudly served alongside the blue cheese dip at our traditional family reunion tapas feast.
As a hot tip: if you happen to find yourself with some leftover dip, I strongly recommend you fry up some aubergine slices and make aubergine cannelloni with this dip, cover the aubergines with a quick bechamel, and bake for 30-45 mins. It is simply, to die for!
Enjoy!
Whipped feta dip with figs and honey
Ingredients
- 150 gr feta cheese
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 20 gr walnuts (lightly toasted)
- 5 units dried figs cut into small, uneven pieces
- balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 lemon juice and zest
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
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Place the lightly toasted walnuts in the food processor and pulse a couple of times.
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Take out about ⅓ of the walnuts and set aside for later
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Add the feta, about half of the olive oil, and about half the honey to the food processor and blend until the mixture becomes smooth and even adding a bit of lemon juice at a time until you reach the tangyness profile of your liking
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Add the lemon zest and thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste then blend once more.
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Taste and adjust for sweetness adding the rest of the honey if necessary.
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Spread evenly on a serving platter, and cover with the figs and remaining walnuts.
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Finally, drizzle the remaining Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
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Serve alongside crostini or crackers.
Tip: To make the whipped feta dip with figs and honey even more silky you can add 1 tbsp of Greek yogurt. It will also add more of a tangy flavour profile to the dip so be sure to balance out the flavours at the end with honey and a pinch of salt.