Do you know the ktipiti, the other Greek dip that changes tzatziki?

Greek cuisine is renowned for its richness in flavors and textures, and among its famous dishes, tzatziki is often the first to come to mind. However, there is another delicious and little-known Greek dip, the ktipiti. This creamy blend of cheese and peppers is a real explosion of tastes that will delight lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. Let’s discover together the origin of this delicacy and a simple recipe to prepare it at home.

Ktipiti, also known as “tyrokafteri” in Greece, has its origins in the mountainous regions of Macedonia and Thrace. These regions are renowned for their production of quality cheeses and spicy peppers. The word “ktipiti” comes from the Greek verb “ktipao,” which means “to sting” or “to burn,” in reference to the spicy flavor of the dish.

Remember to remove the skin from the peppers, as they are indigestible. Cut the peppers in 4, taking care to remove the seeds and the very bitter white part. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20 minutes.

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1. Start by draining the feta and mash it in a bowl using a fork until you get a creamy consistency.
2. In a blender or food processor, add the roasted red peppers, minced garlic cloves and chili flakes. Mix everything until you get a smooth texture.
3. Add the mashed peppers to the crushed feta cheese in the bowl, mixing the ingredients well.
4. Then add the Greek yogurt, olive oil and lemon juice to the mixture. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Season the ktipiti with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning if necessary.

Transfer the preparation to a serving dish and place it in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend harmoniously. Serve fresh ktipiti with pita breads, crispy fresh vegetables or as an accompaniment to traditional Greek dishes such as souvlaki.