Description
A delightful Mediterranean appetizer featuring slow-roasted cherry tomatoes cooked in olive oil and aromatic herbs, paired with a creamy whipped feta spread blended with Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Perfect served warm or at room temperature alongside crusty bread for a flavorful and satisfying starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Confit
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or a few sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Whipped Feta
- 6 ounces feta cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for blending)
To Serve
- Fresh basil leaves
- Crusty bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) ensuring it reaches the right temperature for slow roasting the tomatoes perfectly.
- Prepare the tomato confit: In a small baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, smashed garlic cloves, salt, black pepper, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently to coat the tomatoes with the oil and seasonings evenly.
- Roast the tomatoes: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for 45 to 60 minutes until the tomatoes have softened, become slightly wrinkled and are just beginning to burst, releasing their concentrated flavors into the oil.
- Make the whipped feta: While the tomatoes roast, combine the feta cheese, plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary to ensure a uniform texture.
- Assemble the dish: Spread the whipped feta into a serving plate or shallow bowl. Spoon the warm tomato confit over the top, including some of the infused olive oil from the baking dish to add flavor and moisture.
- Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping or spreading, enjoying it warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature to suit your preference.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute the whipped feta with a whipped white bean spread.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
