**Discover the Delightful Cuisine of Kolokithakia me Feta: A Culinary Journey Through Greek Flavors**
Embark on a tantalizing voyage through the culinary treasures of Greece with Kolokithakia me Feta, a symphony of flavors that showcases the vibrant essence of Greek cuisine. This delectable dish, often referred to as zucchini with feta, takes center stage as the star of our culinary exploration. As you delve into the depths of this article, you'll discover a treasure trove of recipes that capture the true spirit of Kolokithakia me Feta. From traditional preparations that honor the time-honored culinary techniques of Greece to innovative interpretations that add a touch of modern flair, each recipe promises a unique gustatory adventure. Prepare to be captivated by the vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and unforgettable flavors that define this emblematic Greek dish. Let your taste buds embark on a journey of discovery as you explore the diverse offerings within this comprehensive guide to Kolokithakia me Feta.
TRADITIONAL ZUCCHINI PIE RECIPE WITH FETA CHEESE (GREEK KOLOKITHOPITA)
A traditional Greek Courgete/ Zucchini pie recipe, made with home-made phyllo! This Kolokithopita recipe is made with juicy zucchinis, tangy feta cheese and creamy Greek yogurt, all combined into a velvety delight!
Provided by Eli K. Giannopoulos
Categories Sides
Time 2h
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- To prepare this traditional Greek zucchini pie recipe (kolokithopita), start by making the dough. In a large mixing bowl add the flour and salt, make a well in the centre and pour in the vinegar and olive oil. Using a dough hook mix to combine the ingredients for 10-15 seconds. (Tip: The vinegar helps the dough for the zucchini pie to become crispy.)
- Depending on the kind of flour, the weather, the humidity and various factors, the dough for the zucchini pie may need a little bit more or less water than this recipe calls for. Start by adding 200g of water at first (3/4 of a cup) and mix, until the flour absorbs the water. After mixing for a while, the dough should become an elastic ball. The perfect dough for your zucchini pie should be soft, malleable and smooth. If the dough is still crumbled, then you need to add a little bit more water. Add a few drops of water and mix for a while. Check out the consistency of your dough and add a few more drops of water, if needed. In case you added more water than needed, the dough will become sticky. Don't worry, you can fix that by adding some more flour (add 1/2 tsp at first, mix and check again).
- When you are happy with the consistency of the dough for your zucchini pie, wrap with some plastic wrap and let the dough rest for 45-60 minutes. This is essential, so that the dough softens and you can roll it easily.
- In the meantime prepare the filling for the zucchini pie (Greek kolokithopita). Remove the skin of the zucchinis and grate them into a collander, season with salt and leave aside for 20 minutes to drain. Wrap the grated zucchinis in a towel and squeeze, in order to get rid of the excess water. In a saucepan add 2 tbsps olive oil and saute the onions, until soft. Add all the ingredients for the filling of the zucchini pie in a large bowl and blend to combine. Set aside.
- For this zucchini pie recipe you will need a large baking pan approx. 25x35cm. Using a cooking brush oil the bottom and sides of the pan.
- Divide the dough into two halves. You will use half the dough for the bottom of the zucchini pie and the other half to cover it. Place half the dough on a floured surface and coat your rolling pin with some flour. Make a circle of dough with your hands; now you are ready do roll! Ensure that your dough has plenty of flour to prevent it from sticking to the working surface or the rolling pin. At first, roll out a few times, turning the dough every once in a while, to keep the circle even and the dough from sticking to the surface. Gently roll the edge of the dough over the rolling pin and roll the dough around the pin. Place your hands in the center of the rolling pin and as you roll, move them out to the sides so that both the rolling pin and your hands are working to spread and thin the dough. Unroll, turn a half turn and repeat. Continue rolling making the dough thinner and thinner each time. Move your hands from the center to the sides to keep even pressure and help in spreading and thinning the dough. Carefully roll your dough around the rolling pin and then unroll it over the pan and ease the dough into the dish, pushing it into all sides.
- Tip in the filling of the zucchini pie. Roll out the rest of the dough, roll your dough around the rolling pin and then unroll it over the filling of the zucchini pie (kolokithopita). With a knife trim some of the excessive phyllo and roll the rest on the edges. Brush the top with enough olive oil and make some holes on top of the zucchini pie with a sharp knife. Drizzle the kolokithopita with some water and sprikle with sesame seeds.
- Bake the zucchini pieĆ in preheated oven at 180C for 50-60 minutes, until nicely coloured.
- Serve this delicious Greek zucchini pie (kolokithopita) as starter, mid-day snack or as a main dish with a nice Greek salad aside. Enjoy!
SAUTEED ZUCCHINI WITH FETA
Steps:
- In a 12-inch skillet, heat the oil on low. Slowly saute the zucchini and garlic, with a little salt, until golden and slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in parsley or basil, cilantro and feta.
KOLOKITHAKIA ME FETA (ZUCCHINI WITH FETA)
This is loosely like lasagne in as far as it is layered. Serve this with a salad for a lovely quick Greek meal. The time for draining the zucchini and the resting after it is baked is not in the prep time.
Provided by luvcookn
Categories Vegetable
Time 1h5m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400 degrees.
- Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/2" thick slices. Sprinkle with salt, place in a colander and let stand until water drains, approximately 2 hours.
- Rinse zucchini and squeeze dry with paper towels.
- Coat each zucchini slice with flour.
- Place a layer of zucchini in a 9" square greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle with 1/3 of the Parmesan, mint and feta.
- Repeat layers of zucchini, cheeses and mint but save enough zucchini for a top layer.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over all.
- Top with a layer of zucchini.
- Pour oil over all.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.
- Cool for 25-30 minutes. Cut into squares.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Use fresh, tender zucchini. Overgrown zucchini can be tough and bitter.
- Slice the zucchini thinly. This will help them cook evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the zucchini. This will prevent them from steaming instead of frying.
- Cook the zucchini until they are tender but still slightly firm. Overcooked zucchini will be mushy.
- Use a good quality feta cheese. Feta from Greece or Cyprus is the best.
- Crumble the feta cheese before adding it to the zucchini. This will help it distribute evenly.
- Add fresh herbs, such as dill or mint, to the zucchini before serving. This will brighten up the flavor.
Conclusion:
Kolokithakia me Feta (Zucchini with Feta) is a delicious and easy-to-make Greek dish. It is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it can also be served as a side dish. The combination of zucchini, feta cheese, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible. This dish is sure to please everyone at your table.
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