Ingredients
Blistered Tomato Relish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Fried Feta
- 8 ounces block feta, cut in half
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (about 1/4 inch depth)
Instructions
- Prepare blanchered tomato relish: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly browned, approximately 8 minutes.
- Cook vegetables: Add the chopped red bell peppers to the pan and continue to sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add cherry tomatoes and sliced garlic, cooking for another 5 minutes or until the tomatoes start to soften and blister.
- Season the relish: Stir in white wine vinegar and granulated sugar, combining well. Sauté for an additional minute, then season the relish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare fried feta batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk and all-purpose flour until smooth and well combined. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate medium bowl.
- Bread the feta: Dip the feta halves into the milk and flour batter, shaking off any excess. Then coat each piece thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, ensuring all sides are covered for a crispy crust.
- Fry the feta: In a medium sauté pan, heat enough oil over medium-high heat to cover the bottom of the pan. Carefully place the breaded feta pieces in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on one side, about 2 minutes, then flip and cook the other side until golden and crispy, about 2 more minutes. Remove the feta and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the blistered tomato relish onto a serving plate and place the crispy fried feta on top. Serve immediately with crackers, crostini, or bread for a delicious appetizer or light meal.
Notes
- Use a sturdy block of feta for frying to prevent it from breaking apart during cooking.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve the perfect crispy crust without soaking up excess oil.
- The tomato relish can be made ahead and served at room temperature or slightly warm.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
- Serve immediately for best crispiness of the fried feta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean