🧀🫒🌶️ Angela’s Kopanisti, also known as Red Pepper and Greek Feta Spread, is a delightful Greek appetizer bursting with flavors. This creamy and spicy spread is perfect for dipping, spreading on bread, or pairing with various dishes. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it:
📜 History:
Kopanisti is believed to originate from the Cyclades Islands in Greece, where it has been a traditional dish for centuries. It’s a part of the rich Mediterranean cuisine, which often features simple, yet flavorful ingredients.
🧀 Components:
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Feta Cheese: The heart of Kopanisti, feta cheese provides a rich and creamy base. You’ll need around 200-250 grams of feta cheese.
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Red Peppers: Roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness and vibrant color. You’ll want 2-3 roasted red peppers.
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Garlic: To give it a sharp, savory kick, you’ll need 2-3 cloves of garlic.
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Olive Oil: Quality olive oil helps achieve the desired texture and flavor. You’ll use around 2-3 tablespoons.
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Chili Flakes: For that spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes. Adjust to your heat preference.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors. You’ll need juice from half a lemon.
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Salt and Pepper: To taste.
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
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Start by roasting the red peppers. You can do this by placing them under a broiler or on a grill until the skin is charred and blistered. Then, place them in a paper bag for a few minutes to make peeling easier. Remove the skin, seeds, and stems.
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Crumble the feta cheese into a food processor or blender.
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Add the roasted red peppers, garlic cloves, and chili flakes to the feta cheese.
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Begin blending the mixture while drizzling in the olive oil gradually. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
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Transfer the spread to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve chilled with pita bread, crackers, or as a condiment for various dishes.
⏲️ Time Needed:
- Roasting the red peppers: 15-20 minutes.
- Preparation and blending: 10-15 minutes.
- Chilling time: 1 hour (or more for enhanced flavor).
So, in total, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare Angela’s Kopanisti. It’s a delicious Mediterranean treat that’s well worth the effort and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy! 🧀🌶️🍋🍞
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and health information for Angela’s Kopanisti (Red Pepper and Greek Feta Spread):
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per 2-tablespoon serving):
- Calories: 70
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Health Information:
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Protein: Angela’s Kopanisti contains a moderate amount of protein, which is important for muscle health and overall body function.
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Fats: It has a moderate amount of fats, primarily from the feta cheese and olive oil. These fats include monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy.
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Sodium: The spread contains some sodium, mainly from the feta cheese and added salt. Be mindful of your sodium intake, especially if you have hypertension or are watching your salt intake.
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Calcium: Feta cheese is a dairy product, so this spread provides a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
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Vitamins and Minerals: While not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, Angela’s Kopanisti does contribute some vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin C from the peppers.
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Calories: It’s a relatively low-calorie spread, making it a reasonable choice for those watching their calorie intake.
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Fiber: The spread is low in dietary fiber. Consider adding more fiber-rich foods to your meal for improved digestive health.
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Healthy Fats: Olive oil in the recipe is a source of monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats.
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Portion Control: As with any food, moderation is key. Enjoy Angela’s Kopanisti in reasonable portions as part of a balanced diet.
Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. It’s a tasty treat that can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
