Feta Garlic Cream Like at the Farmers' Market

Ingredients

• 200 g Feta cheese (crumbled; preferably packed in brine)
• 300 g Plain cream cheese
• 8 Garlic cloves (Source specifies 6–10 cloves; use 5–6 for a milder cream, or up to 10 for a very pronounced garlic flavor)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Paprika (a little, to taste)
• Chives (fresh; finely cut into rings, reserving about one third for garnish)
• 1 EL Oil
• 3 EL Water

Steps

1. 1

   Wash your hands thoroughly or put on disposable gloves. Crumble the feta with your hands into a large bowl.

2. 2

   Add the cream cheese to the crumbled feta. Then add the oil and water.

3. 3

   Gradually mix the cheese mixture thoroughly until a smooth, spreadable cream forms. The consistency should be neither too firm nor too runny.

4. 4

   Peel the garlic cloves and press them directly into the feta cream using a garlic press. If desired, start with less garlic; the heat and flavor will intensify as the cream rests.

5. 5

   Season the cream with pepper and a little paprika. Do not add additional salt, as the feta packed in brine is already sufficiently salty.

6. 6

   Mix everything thoroughly so that the garlic and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cream.

7. 7

   Wash the chives, shake them dry, and cut them into fine rings.

8. 8

   Stir about two thirds of the chive rings into the cream. Sprinkle the remaining rings over the surface.

9. 9

   Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cream for at least about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

10. 10

    Stir the cream again before serving if some water has separated. Serve with fresh baguette or crusty bread, or as a dip with steak, bratwurst, and other grilled meats.

Notes

The ingredient quantities can easily be multiplied for larger barbecues. The amount of garlic can be varied between 6 and 10 cloves; five to six cloves produce a milder version. The cream may separate slightly when chilled, but it can be recombined by stirring. Store covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2–3 days.

Nutrition per serving

• Dip
• Spread
• Side dish
• vegetarian
• Greek
• cold
• no cooking
• barbecue