Carmarthenshire-inspired Spicy Cheese Dip

Ingredients

While the original Greek Tirokafteri is traditionally made with feta cheese, our Carmarthenshire-inspired version incorporates local Welsh cheese for a unique twist. Additionally, we enhance the smoky flavor by roasting the red peppers before blending them into the dip. These adaptations infuse the dish with the distinct flavors of Carmarthenshire, creating a fusion of Greek and Welsh culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Tirokafteri, so you can check it out.

• 200g (7oz) local Welsh cheese, crumbled 200g (7oz) local Welsh cheese, crumbled
• 2 roasted red peppers, peeled and seeded 2 roasted red peppers, peeled and seeded
• 2 cloves of garlic 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 small chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1 small chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a food processor, combine the crumbled Welsh cheese, roasted red peppers, garlic, chili pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice.
2. 2.
   Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. 3.
   Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve chilled with crusty bread or vegetable sticks.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Welsh cheese — Opt for a mature or extra mature variety for a stronger flavor.
• Roasted red peppers — You can roast the peppers yourself or use store-bought roasted red peppers for convenience. Make sure to remove the skin and seeds before adding them to the dip.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, you can add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dip.
• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili pepper according to your preference.
• If you prefer a milder dip, you can substitute the chili pepper with a dash of hot sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Carmarthenshire-inspired spicy cheese dip chilled in a decorative bowl. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the dip alongside a variety of colorful vegetable sticks, such as carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper. The vibrant colors will create an appealing visual contrast with the fiery red dip.