Mediterranean Pita Dip Stack with Chickpeas and Feta
Elevate your appetizer game with this layered Mediterranean dip featuring creamy yogurt cheese, zesty chickpea spread, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables. The vibrant layers create a stunning presentation, while the delightful blend of flavors will leave your guests craving more. Perfect for gatherings, this dip can be easily transported on festive platters, eliminating the worry of breakage. An optional addition of chopped cucumber enhances the freshness. Remember to prepare the yogurt cheese a day in advance for optimal texture. Dive into this flavorful Mediterranean delight that's sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pita pocket bread
3 (6-inch pockets, split and cut into wedges)
Olive oil
to taste (for brushing pita and adding to chickpeas)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning pita crisps)
Full-fat Greek yogurt
8 ounces (for yogurt cheese)
Red onions
2 tablespoons (finely minced)
Fresh chives
2 tablespoons (minced)
Cooked chickpeas
200 grams (drained)
Garlic clove
1 (crushed)
Tahini
1 tablespoon (for chickpea spread)
Lemon
1 (juiced)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Red bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
Yellow bell pepper
1 (seeded and chopped)
Plum tomatoes
3 medium (seeded and chopped)
Chopped pitted kalamata olives
2 1/4 ounces (weight after pitting)
Crumbled feta cheese
4 ounces (for topping)
Chopped spring onion
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
The day before serving, prepare the yogurt cheese by placing the full-fat Greek yogurt into a mesh strainer lined with coffee filters or damp cheesecloth. Set the strainer over a bowl and refrigerate overnight to allow the whey to drain, resulting in a creamy texture.
2
Once drained, stir in the minced red onions and chives into the yogurt cheese. Set aside.
3
In a food processor, combine chickpeas, garlic, tahini, olive oil, and the juice of one lemon. Process until nearly smooth, adding water or additional lemon juice as needed for a better consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully split each pita pocket into two rounds and cut each round into 6 wedges. Brush the pita wedges with olive oil and lay them on ungreased cookie sheets. Sprinkle with garlic powder for added flavor.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until the wedges are golden brown and crisp. Allow to cool.
6
In a 10-inch pie pan or a decorative serving plate, spread the yogurt cheese mixture evenly across the bottom. Spoon the chickpea spread over the yogurt layer, smoothing it out evenly.
7
Layer the chopped red and yellow bell peppers, plum tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and chopped spring onions on top of the chickpea spread in that order.
8
Serve your Mediterranean Pita Dip Stack chilled with the homemade pita crisps.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
18g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Pita Dip Stack?
It is a layered appetizer featuring yogurt cheese, a zesty chickpea spread, and a variety of fresh Mediterranean vegetables served with homemade pita crisps.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in a serving of this dip?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 12g of fat.
How much protein does this dip provide?
This recipe provides 5g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of yogurt should I use for the yogurt cheese?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of full-fat Greek yogurt.
How far in advance should I start preparing this recipe?
You should start the day before serving to allow the yogurt cheese to drain properly overnight.
How do I drain the Greek yogurt?
Place the yogurt into a mesh strainer lined with coffee filters or damp cheesecloth, set it over a bowl, and refrigerate overnight.
What ingredients are mixed into the yogurt cheese?
Once drained, stir in minced red onions and minced fresh chives.
What equipment is needed for the chickpea spread?
A food processor is needed to blend the chickpeas and other ingredients until nearly smooth.
What ingredients make up the chickpea spread?
It consists of cooked chickpeas, garlic, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice.
What should I do if my chickpea spread is too thick?
You can add a little water or additional lemon juice as needed to reach a better consistency.
At what temperature should I bake the pita wedges?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking the pita.
How do I prepare the pita bread for the crisps?
Split each 6-inch pita pocket into two rounds and cut each round into 6 wedges.
How are the pita wedges seasoned?
Brush the wedges with olive oil and sprinkle them with garlic powder.
How long do the pita wedges need to bake?
Bake them for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp.
What is the best way to layer the dip?
Start with yogurt cheese on the bottom, followed by the chickpea spread, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and finally spring onions.
What size serving dish is recommended?
A 10-inch pie pan or a decorative serving plate works best.
What types of bell peppers are used?
The recipe uses one seeded and chopped red bell pepper and one yellow bell pepper.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this dip?
The recipe recommends using 3 medium plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped.
Which olives are used in this Mediterranean dip?
Pitted and chopped kalamata olives are used for their distinct flavor.
How much feta cheese is included?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
Should the dip be served warm or cold?
The Mediterranean Pita Dip Stack should be served chilled.
Can I add other vegetables to this dip?
Yes, adding chopped cucumber is an optional addition that enhances the freshness.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Absolutely! Its vibrant presentation and ease of transport make it perfect for gatherings.
How many pita pockets do I need?
You will need 3 six-inch pita pocket breads.
What is the purpose of draining the yogurt?
Draining the whey from the yogurt creates a thick, creamy 'yogurt cheese' texture essential for layering.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include mediterranean, dip, vegetarian, appetizer, party food, healthy, and greek cuisine.
How much tahini is used in the chickpea layer?
One tablespoon of tahini is used in the chickpea spread.