This healthy, homemade vegan Feta cheese recipe uses organic tofu instead for a dairy-free alternative. It uses the traditional Greek brining technique. Enjoy the light, summer flavors of this plant-based dish. Dice it and use on Orzo Pasta Salad or Big 'Ole' Italian Chickpea Salad. Crumble it for baked potatoes, Pasta Alla Norma, or Stuffed Zucchini.
116-ounceblock extra-firm tofudrained and cut into bite-sized chunks
1cupwater
1/4cupred wine vinegar
1/4teaspoonsalt
3clovesgarlic, sliced
Marinade:
1tablespoonmiso paste
1teaspoondried oregano
1teaspoondried thyme
1tablespoonlemon juice
2tablespoonsred wine vinegar
1/4cupgreen oliveschopped
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
Instructions
To make the Greek Tofu Feta Brine:
Combine the tofu chunks, garlic, water, vinegar, and salt in a small pot. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer 15-20 minutes, stirring a few times during the cooking. While the tofu brines, make the marinade.
To make the Greek Tofu Feta Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the miso paste, oregano, thyme, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, green olives and black pepper. After the tofu has simmered 15-20 minutes, remove from heat. Drain the tofu from the brine. Immediately transfer to the bowl with the marinade and toss well to coat the tofu in the marinade. The warmth of the tofu will help it soak up more flavor.
Let marinade for a day. Use as a topping over salad, baked potatoes, or pasta.
Video
Notes
Chef Katie's Tips:Brine Flavor Variations: This is similar to the technique used for traditional Feta, which is a pickled cheese. Just like any pickle, you can experiment with different flavors from dried chilies, extra garlic, herbs like dill and mustard seed, and different vinegars. Sherry vinegar also tastes nice in this recipe.Is Tofu Healthy? Tofu is made from edamame bean curd. Made from soy, it is minimally refined. It is a healthy source of vegetarian protein and linked to reducing heart disease. Most tofu on the market is organic, which means it's free of GMO's. For a soy-free alternative, you can apply the same brine and marinade to white button mushrooms or hearts of palm. These won't have the same creamy texture, but you will get a similar flavor.Olive Varieties: Other varieties of olives, like Kalamata and Castelveltrano would also work well in this recipe.Low Sodium: If you're concerned about sodium, you can omit the olives and reduce the amount of salt in the brine.