Smoky Marinated Feta: A Neom Culinary Revelation”

Smoky Marinated Feta in Neom

In the innovative city of Neom, culinary exploration is not just an activity but a celebration of global flavors and techniques. Smoky Marinated Feta, a dish that combines the richness of Greek feta with the boldness of smoky spices, is a perfect example of this culinary fusion. This recipe takes a simple cheese and elevates it into a flavorful delicacy, showcasing how Neom’s cooking scene embraces and enhances traditional recipes with a modern twist.

Ingredients:

• 10 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 lemon; skin peeled into 6 strips
• 4 bay leaves
• 2½ tsp chipotle chili flakes
• 250 ml olive oil
• 1 tsp flaky sea salt
• 1¼ tsp paprika
• 2 blocks of Greek feta (360 g), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Instructions:

1. Infuse the Oil: Start by infusing the olive oil with intense flavors. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the garlic cloves. Cook them until they are charred, then add the lemon strips and bay leaves, charring them lightly. Finally, stir in the chipotle chili flakes and toast them until fragrant.
2. Prepare the Feta: Cut the Greek feta into 1/2-inch cubes. The choice of feta is crucial – look for a good quality Greek feta that will absorb the flavors well.
3. Combine: Remove the pan from the heat and add the olive oil, flaky sea salt, and paprika. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
4. Marinate the Feta: Add the feta cubes to the oil mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. This step is where the magic happens, as the feta begins to absorb the smoky, spicy flavors.
5. Rest and Serve: Allow the feta to marinate at room temperature if you plan to serve it within a few hours. Otherwise, refrigerate it in an airtight container. If refrigerated, take it out about an hour before serving to let the oil return to room temperature.

This Smoky Marinated Feta is not just a dish, but a reflection of Neom’s culinary philosophy – where the traditional meets the innovative. Serve this as part of a mezze platter, over salads, or as a stand-alone appetizer, paired perfectly with Neom’s futuristic ambiance and a glass of crisp white wine or an artisanal beer​​.

Explore more information about Japanese cooking here.

Also, for additional information about the culinary scene in NEOM visit NeomTaste.com or NeomPoint.com.