Pistachio Feta dip - A Mezze Dish

Pistachio are a delicious, decadent nut. Everything you make with it, kind of turns out special. This is especially true of this pistachio feta dip. Creamy and coarse two juxtaposing textures, infused with Persian flavours , this dip is a real treat. As you would expect with feta the taste is quite strong, softened only slightly by the yoghurt. And the herbs finish off the flavour just right.

I found this recipe in Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East & Beyond, by Sabina Gheyour. The recipe was adaptedaccording to the ingredients I had available at the time. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the flavours of Persian cooking. My husband gave me this book as a present to our first wedding anniversary in 2014.

How to make this Pistachio Feta Dip?

Ingredients

• 100 g / 3.5 oz shelled pistachio nuts
• 75 ml / 2.5 fl oz olive oil
• 300 g / 10.5 oz feta cheese
• 2 tsp dried dill
• 30 g / 1 oz fresh coriander/ cilantro leaves – remove the leafs from the stem
• 1 garlic clove – peels and crushed
• 1 long chilli (remove the seeds if you dont like it hot)
• 3 tsp Greek yoghurt
• Juice of half a lemon

Pistachio Feta Dip Recipe

1. Grind the pistachios in the Food processor for 30 seconds
2. Add the rest of the ingredients (olive oil, feta cheese, dill, coriander/cilantro, garlic, chilli, Greek Yoghurt and lemon juice) and grind to a smooth paste.
3. Add pepper to taste. (The feta cheese is already quite salty)
4. Serve with pita bread or baguette.

How to serve this pistachio dipping sauce?

The best way to enjoy this Persian feta dip is to have it with fresh pita or french bread and a few other mezze dishes. Mezze brings some of the best thing in the world. It gives you a chance to have a truly varied meal, to experience small amounts of different flavours or textures in a good company.

• Lebanese Hummus
• Baba Ghanoush
• Coriander Dip
• Quark Dip

Can I prepare this feta dip in advance?

Yes you can make this feta cheese dip up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in a airtight container in the fridge. It will stiffen up in the fridge to a spread-like consistency. Ensure to leave it out at room temperature for at least an hour before serving.

How long does this dip stay good?

The dip will stay good up to 5 days, if kept in an airtight container in the fridge.

Recipe