Best Kirks Feta Compli Recipes

FETA COMPLI

Steps:

• Combine matzo meal and sugar; cut in margarine or butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Add 1 lightly beaten egg; stir well to combine. Stir in the almonds. Firmly press the mixture on the bottom and up the sides of a 10-inch deep-dish pieplate. (I spray mine with oil, because everything tends to stick for me!) Prick the bottom and sides of the pastry with a fork. Bake at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Set aside, and let it cook completely.
• Cook spinach in a small amount of boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes; drain. Press the spinach between paper towels to remove the excess moisture. Set aside.
• Saute onion in oil in a medium skillet until tender. Combine the onion, reserved spinach, and Swiss cheese. Set aside.
• Combine the half-and-half and next 5 ingredients in container of an electric blender (I use a handheld blender), and process until smooth. Set aside.
• Spread the spinach mixture over the prepared crust; top with feta cheese. Pour the half-and-half mixture over cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 50 minutes or until set. (Shield with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning if necessary). Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

BAKED FETA PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the cherry tomatoes and olive oil with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Transfer to a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish, place the feta in the center of the tomatoes and season with a pinch of black pepper. Bake until the tomatoes have burst and the feta has softened, about 30 minutes. Raise the heat to 450 degrees F and continue to cook until the tomatoes and feta are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 13 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then thoroughly drain the pasta.
• As soon as the tomatoes and feta come out of the oven, stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Use the back of a spoon to smash the tomatoes and feta into a smooth and creamy sauce (it's okay if some of the oil isn't fully integrated). Add the pasta and half the basil and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some pasta water a couple tablespoons at a time. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve topped with the remaining basil and a pinch of sea salt.

KIRK'S FETA COMPLI

Steps:

• Crust: Cut margarine into matzo meal until it is in pieces the size of peas. Add sugar. Beat egg and blend into mixture with a fork; add nuts. Form into a ball. Flatten into greased, 10-inch deep-dish pie pan, building up sides. Prick with a fork. Bake in preheated 400° oven for 7 minutes. Cool thoroughly before filling. Filling: Wash and stem spinach; steam until wilted. Squeeze out excess water; chop. Heat oil; sauté onion until golden. Remove from heat, mix with spinach and add Swiss cheese. In a blender or with a whisk, mix eggs, cream, and seasonings with cream cheese. Spread spinach and onion mixture in Crust. Top with feta cheese. Pour cream cheese mixture on top, making sure it soaks through to the Crust. Bake in preheated 350° oven for 40-45 minutes. If Crust edges begin to burn, cover them with foil. Good hot or at room temperature.