Description
This Whipped Feta and Fig Kataifi recipe presents a luxurious blend of creamy whipped feta and cream cheese, combined with sweet fig preserves and crunchy pistachios, all wrapped in golden toasted kataifi pastry. The dish is finished with a zesty and slightly spicy fig chipotle sauce, garnished with fresh chives, extra pistachios, and edible flowers for a stunning and flavor-packed appetizer or snack. It requires chilling time to set the cheese mixture and uses stovetop cooking techniques for the kataifi and sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 5 oz cream cheese
- 3 oz feta
- 2½ tbsp crushed pistachios
- 2 tbsp fig preserves
Fig Chipotle Sauce
- ⅓ cup fig preserves
- ½ tsp chipotle powder
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 orange (zest only)
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
Kataifi and Toppings
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup kataifi
- Chives (chopped, for topping, to taste)
- Crushed pistachios (for topping, to taste)
- Edible flowers (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Make Ahead: Chill the assembled cheese mixture for at least 2 hours or up to a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Whip Cheese: In a food processor, combine the cream cheese and feta. Whip until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: Transfer the whipped cheese to a bowl. Using a spoon, gently press the center to create a well. Spoon in the crushed pistachios and 2 tablespoons of fig preserves. Gently fold the whipped cheese around the preserves without fully mixing to maintain distinct pockets of flavor.
- Shape Cheese: Place a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Carefully scoop the whipped cheese mixture into the center. Fold one end of the plastic wrap over the cheese and use the wrap to shape it into an oval by gently rolling. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to secure the shape.
- Chill Cheese: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese oval for 2 to 6 hours to allow it to set and develop flavor. You may also prepare it a day ahead for convenience.
- Make Fig Chipotle Sauce: In a pan over medium-low heat, combine ⅓ cup fig preserves, chipotle powder, honey, water, and orange zest. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Add a pinch of salt to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Toast Kataifi: In a medium-sized pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the ½ cup kataifi and toast, stirring regularly, until the kataifi is fully golden and crisp. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- Coat Cheese with Kataifi: Once the cheese and kataifi are cooled, carefully unwrap the cheese oval. Gently roll it in the toasted kataifi until fully coated, ensuring an even, crisp exterior.
- Assemble and Serve: On a serving plate, spread the fig chipotle sauce as a base. Place the kataifi-coated whipped cheese on top. Garnish with chopped chives, additional crushed pistachios, and edible flowers if desired. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Chilling the cheese mixture is essential for proper shaping and flavor infusion.
- Kataifi is a type of shredded phyllo dough; handle it gently to prevent breakage.
- The fig chipotle sauce can be adjusted in spiciness by increasing or decreasing chipotle powder.
- Edible flowers are optional but add a beautiful and elegant touch to the presentation.
- This dish works well as an appetizer or a special party snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Whipped Feta, Fig Kataifi, Appetizer, Mediterranean Cheese Dish, Kataifi Pastry, Fig Preserves, Pistachios, Cream Cheese, Chipotle Sauce
