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Tirokafteri (Keto Greek Feta Cheese Dip)🧉

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Welcome to the irresistible world of our Keto Tirokafteri! This side dish is a captivating spin on the iconic spicy Greek cheese dip, combining nutty charm and tangy creaminess. You can enjoy this party appetizer any time of the day. Enjoy the culinary trip to the shores of Greece, where Tirokafteri has been cherished for generations.

Tirokafteri recipe ready in a glass dish with wooden spoon.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing our Keto Tirokafteri is a breeze, and you only need a handful of ingredients! Blitz together a mix of pistachios, fresh mint, creamy feta, olive oil, garlic, and Greek yogurt in a food processor until you get a smooth mix. It takes 15 minutes to prepare this flavor-packed feta dip.

Chef's note

This Tirokafteri recipe gives you a perfect opportunity to experiment with a variety of nuts. You can switch the pistachios with walnuts for a rich, earthy flavor. Alternatively, try almonds for a slight sweetness. To make this dip spicy, you can add extra chili peppers.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings
Pistachios, fresh mint leaves, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic clove, and Greek yogurt made ready on the table to prepare Tirokafteri recipe.

🧉 Ingredients for keto tirokafteri recipe

Here is a simple ingredient list you need to make Tirokafteri dip:

  • ½ cup shelled pistachios
  • 5-6 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

Ingredient substitutions

  • Pistachios: While pistachios are a great source of fats, you might like to try different nuts like almonds or walnuts.
  • Fresh mint leaves: Experiment with fresh basil or even dill for a different taste profile.
  • Garlic: If you're out of fresh garlic, you can use a pinch of garlic powder as a quick substitute. Remember that it's more concentrated, so you'll need less.

Additional ingredients

  • Chili flakes: Add chili flakes for a spicy kick. Start with a pinch or two of chili flakes and go from there.
  • Lemon zest: A little bit of lemon zest gives this creamy dip a bright, tangy kick.
  • Kalamata olives: Finely chopped Kalamata olives add a salty, briny depth to this dip. They're keto-friendly and quintessentially Greek, which makes them perfect for this recipe.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: If you add just a little, sun-dried tomatoes can add a wonderful sweetness and a layer of complexity to the dip.

Note: Keep track of the carb count when you add ingredients.

Keto Tirokafteri recipe topped with chopped basil leaves.

Cooking tools required

To make this Tirokafteri recipe, you need the following cooking tools:

  • Food processor
  • Silicone spatula
  • Airtight container
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowl
  • Knife and Cutting Board

Tools substitute options

  • Food processor: If you don't have a food processor, you can use a blender. You can also use a mortar and pestle to crush the nuts and garlic, then mix everything together in a bowl. The texture will be chunkier but still tasty!
  • Silicone spatula: If you don't have a silicone spatula, any spatula will work. You can also use the back of a large spoon to scrape down the sides of your blender or food processor.
  • Airtight container: You can use any bowl or dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap for storing the dip.

How to make Tirokafteri: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing
Food processor surrounded by ingredients on kitchen table.

Preparation steps

  1. Gather your ingredients: You'll need pistachios, fresh mint leaves, feta cheese, olive oil, a clove of garlic, and Greek yogurt.
  2. Prepare your nuts: Ensure your pistachios are shelled and ready. If you want an extra flavor punch, toast them on a dry skillet or in the oven, and let them cool before the next step.
  3. Prep your herbs and garlic: Rinse your mint leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. Peel your garlic clove and set it aside.
  4. Measure your ingredients: Use measuring cups and spoons to portion feta cheese, olive oil, and Greek yogurt according to the recipe.
  5. Set up your food processor: Ensure it's clean, plugged in, and that the blades are secure.

Cooking instructions

  1. In a food processor, blend the basil, garlic, black pepper, nuts, crumbles of feta cheese, and half of the olive oil.
  2. Scrape the edges of the food processor with a silicone spatula. Blend a little more until the dip reaches a fine and creamy consistency.
  3. Transfer the dip to an airtight container.
  4. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and fresh basil or mint leaves if desired before serving.
Feta cheese, basil, and garlic transferred to the food processor.
Food processor blending the ingredients inside.
Garnishing Tirokafteri with olive oil.

Chef's pro tip

Here's a pro tip to make your Tirokafteri even more tasty. Roast the nuts until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350°F/175°C. Let them roast for about 8-10 minutes until they're nicely golden and fragrant. Alternatively, you can roast them in a cast-iron skillet.

What to serve with Tirokafteri?

Tirokafteri can be served as a dip or a spread. Here are some keto-friendly pairings that would go well with it:

  • Dip for vegetables: This creamy dip is a great match for fresh-cut veggie sticks like cucumber, bell peppers, and celery. It provides a lovely contrast to their crisp texture.
  • Keto crackers: Pita Chips and Mozzarella Sticks go really well with this creamy dip. 
  • Grilled chicken or beef skewers: This dip is amazing with smoky, grilled meats. It adds a creamy touch that contrasts well with the flavors.
  • Grilled, roasted, or pickled vegetables: Veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, or cauliflower go really well with Tirokafteri.
  • Keto flatbread or naan: If you're up for a bit more cooking, low-carb flatbreads like Keto Naan or warm pita bread will be great with this dip.
  • Stuffed avocados: Pack avocados with this dip, and you've got yourself a keto-friendly, nutrient-rich dish.

These are just a few ideas to kickstart your creativity. Don't be afraid to mix and match to discover your own perfect combination. The possibilities are endless!

Tirokafteri recipe in a glass bowl paired by sliced cucumbers.

How to make it healthier?

  • Opt for low-sodium feta cheese: Feta cheese, while delicious, can be high in sodium. Opt for a low-sodium version to reduce the overall salt content in the dip.
  • Use organic ingredients: Whenever possible, choose organic ingredients.
  • Add more greens: You can increase the nutritional profile by adding spinach or kale to the food processor. They'll blend up nicely and add a boost of vitamins and fiber to the dip.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-roasted nuts: If you don't have time to roast your nuts, use pre-roasted ones.
  • Garlic press: To save time, you can use a garlic press.
  • Double the recipe: Since you're already preparing a batch, consider making twice as much. The dip stays fresh in the fridge, and having it ready for easy snacks or meals throughout the week can really save you some time.
Tirokafteri recipe.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

Measure and portion the shelled pistachios, fresh mint leaves, feta cheese, olive oil, garlic, and Greek yogurt.

Storage and reheating instructions

Store your Tirokafteri in an airtight box in the refrigerator. It will last up to 5 days. Before serving, stir it to redistribute oils. Note that the feta dip might thicken when chilled, so you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Or you can add a splash of olive oil to loosen the consistency.

Storing Tirokafteri in a food storage box.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This Keto Tirokafteri recipe is a flavor-packed adventure that whisks you straight to Greece without leaving your kitchen. This dip's got it all: it's creamy, tasty, and has that perfect nutty crunch.

Frequently asked questions

Absolutely! Keto Tirokafteri can be prepared ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe instructions, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight box, and it will be ready to serve when needed. Give it a quick stir before serving.

Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians. It has no meat-based ingredients.

No, unfortunately, freezing the Tirokafteri is not recommended. The dip may change in texture and not retain its original creamy consistency once thawed. It's best to enjoy it fresh!

Although using a food processor is perfect, a blender can work too. Just be cautious when pulsing so the texture doesn't become too creamy.

You can substitute with fresh basil or parsley for a slightly different flavor profile.

If the dip is too thick, you can add a bit of olive oil or Greek yogurt to make it lighter. But remember, only add a small amount to avoid making it too runny.

📖 Recipe

Keto Tirokafteri Recipe

Tirokafteri

Our keto-friendly Tirokafteri a captivating Greek dip that combines nutty charm with creamy feta cheese.
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Dip
Cuisine: Greek
Keyword: appetizer, dip, sauce
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 939kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup shelled pistachios
  • 5-6 sprigs of fresh mint leaves
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt

Instructions

  • In a food processor, blend the basil, garlic, black pepper, nuts, crumbles of feta cheese, and half of the olive oil.
  • Scrape the edges of the food processor with a silicone spatula. Blend a little more until the dip reaches a fine and creamy consistency.
  • Transfer the dip to an airtight container.
  • Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and fresh basil or mint leaves if desired before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Tirokafteri
Amount Per Serving
Calories 939 Calories from Fat 774
% Daily Value*
Fat 86g132%
Saturated Fat 19g119%
Polyunsaturated Fat 13g
Monounsaturated Fat 49g
Cholesterol 68mg23%
Sodium 867mg38%
Potassium 730mg21%
Carbohydrates 23g8%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin A 689IU14%
Vitamin C 4mg5%
Calcium 470mg47%
Iron 4mg22%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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