Authentic Greek Cheese Feta PDO with Chef Virginia Willis

Ashley SmithFeatured

Let’s Get Real! There’s only one authentic Greek cheese and it’s Feta PDO.

Chef Virginia Willis shares the facts about Feta PDO and creates a delicious recipe that you can make at home.

 

Marinated Feta DOP and Grilled Zucchini Roll Ups

Serves 4

8 ounces Feta DOP cheese, cut into bitesize cubes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
Finely grated zest of 1 orange
1 garlic, finely grated or very finely chopped
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 sprigs dill, more for serving
2 fresh bay leaves
4 small zucchini
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

Place the feta in a sealable airtight container or glass jar. Add the cumin, coriander, red pepper, orange zest, garlic, and olive oil. Tuck in the dill and bay leaves. Tilt or stir to coat and combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Meanwhile, prepare a charcoal fire using about 6 pounds charcoal and burn until the coals are completely covered with a thin coating of light gray ash, 20 to 30 minutes. Spread the coals evenly over the grill bottom, position the grill rack above the coals, and heat until medium-hot (when you can hold your hand 5 inches above the grill surface for no longer than 3 or 4 seconds). Or, for a gas grill, turn on all burners to high, close the lid, and heat until very hot, 10 to 15 minutes. Lastly, heat a grill pan over medium high heat.

When ready to grill, slice 4 small zucchini lengthwise into even strips about 1/4-inch thick. Brush both sides of each strip with some of the seasoned feta oil. Season with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Place on the grill and cook until just tender and lightly charred, about 3 minutes. Turn the zucchini over and cook until the strips start to soften, about 2 minutes more. Remove to a rack to cool slightly.

When cool enough to touch, roll up 1 feta square inside each strip of zucchini. Secure with a toothpick or skewer. Remove to a warmed serving place. Garnish with additional dill and serve immediately.