Buiurdi

Warm appetizer with feta cheese and baked vegetables

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

If you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that brings a touch of sunshine to your plate, our dish today is the perfect choice. Inspired by culinary traditions that combine feta cheese with fresh vegetables, this warm appetizer is ideal for serving at both a dinner with friends and a festive meal.

Ingredients:

- 500 g feta cheese
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 hot peppers, seeded
- 5 large ripe tomatoes
- Olive oil (generously, don’t be stingy!)
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Freshly ground pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

A short story about the recipe:
This recipe is a traditional appetizer that reflects the richness and diversity of Mediterranean cuisine. Feta cheese, an essential component of Greek cuisine, is often paired with fresh vegetables, offering a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Our dish, known as Buiurdi, is an excellent way to bring the joy of dining into your home.

Step-by-step preparation of the recipe:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing the vegetables well. Cut the red bell pepper into thin strips (julienne) or larger pieces, depending on your preference. The tomatoes can be cut into cubes or thin slices, depending on the desired appearance. Slice the hot peppers diagonally and cut the feta cheese into cubes.

2. Arranging the ingredients:
In individual heat-resistant dishes (or one large dish), layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of feta cheese, followed by tomatoes, chopped parsley (if using), green bell pepper, sweet paprika, and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used.

3. Adding the spices:
Don’t forget to add oregano, an ingredient that will give the dish a distinctive flavor. You can use dried oregano, but if you have fresh oregano on hand, it will definitely add a touch of freshness.

4. Finalizing the dish:
Once you have finished arranging the ingredients, pour generous olive oil over everything. This will not only provide a wonderful taste but also help keep the vegetables moist. If you want a moister dish, you can add a final layer of tomatoes on top.

5. Baking:
Cover the dishes with aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for about 30 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften. After this time, remove the foil and leave the dish in the oven for another 30 minutes to achieve a delicious crust on top.

6. Serving:
Once the dish is ready, you can serve it warm or cold, depending on your preferences. It is delicious alongside fresh baguette or warm flatbreads.

Useful tips:

- Ingredient variations: Depending on the season and tastes, you can add other vegetables like zucchini or eggplant. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella.
- Flavor enhancements: If you enjoy a more intense flavor, you can add some sliced black or green olives.
- Pairing with drinks: This dish pairs excellently with a dry white wine or a light craft beer that will highlight the flavors of the roasted vegetables.
- Nutritional benefits: Feta cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, while vegetables provide antioxidants and essential vitamins. Olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, is beneficial for heart health.

Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use light feta cheese?* Yes, you can opt for a lower-fat version, but the taste will be slightly different.
- *Can it be prepared in advance?* Sure, you can assemble the dish a few hours before baking. Just make sure to keep it in the fridge until baking time.
- *How long does it keep?* This appetizer can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

So, don’t hesitate to try this Buiurdi recipe, a warm appetizer that will surely bring a smile to the faces of all who savor it. Prepare it with love and enjoy every bite!