Starters & Mezes
Haydari features strained yogurt with sautéed dried mint in butter and creamy feta cheese. It can be served with grilled meats or simply enjoyed with fresh crusty bread.
Ingredients :
- 500 g strained (Greek-style) yogurt
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 100 g butter
- 1 slice of feta cheese (beyaz peynir)
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried mint
- Olive oil (for garnish)
- Sweet red pepper powder
Preparation :
- Place the strained yogurt in a large mixing bowl and whisk until it reaches a completely smooth and velvety consistency.
- In a separate small bowl, crumble the feta cheese with a fork and mash it with the back of a spoon until smooth.
- Add the mashed cheese to the yogurt and stir thoroughly until the two ingredients are perfectly blended.
- Melt the butter in a small pan. Add the dried mint and sauté briefly until fragrant, then set it aside to cool completely.
- Once cooled, add the minted butter, crushed garlic, and salt to the yogurt mixture, and mix well to combine all flavors.
- Transfer the meze to a serving plate. Optionally, garnish with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sweet red pepper powder.
