Description
Greek Bouyiourdi is a traditional spicy baked feta and tomato dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. This warm, comforting appetizer combines ripe tomatoes, garlic, feta cheese, green chili, oregano, and olive oil, baked to luscious perfection and served with warm pitta bread for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 large ripe tomatoes
- 1 large mild green chilli or 1 green pepper, sliced
Aromatic
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tsp roughly chopped oregano leaves
Dairy
- 200g block feta cheese
Oils & Seasoning
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt
Accompaniments
- Warmed pitta breads, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Cut one tomato through the middle and slice two central pieces to set aside for topping. Scoop out the seeds from the rest and grate the flesh, discarding the skin. Deseed and grate the remaining tomatoes similarly. Mix the grated tomato flesh with crushed garlic and season with salt.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spoon the garlicky grated tomatoes into a 16cm baking dish. Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the mixture. Top with the reserved tomato slices, sliced green chilli or pepper, chopped oregano, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt.
- Bake Covered: Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas mark 6. Cover the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and cheese to soften.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the cover and bake for a further 15 minutes until the top is slightly browned and bubbling.
- Serve Warm: Serve the bouyiourdi warm from the oven with sides of warmed pitta breads, perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for best flavor.
- You can adjust the chili to your heat preference or substitute with a mild green pepper.
- Serve immediately for the best warm texture and flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with cold beers or Greek wines.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the feta is suitable or substitute with a vegetarian cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek bouyiourdi, baked feta, Mediterranean appetizer, feta with tomatoes, spicy baked cheese
