Spicy cottage cheese spread

This spread is great for a quick appetizer with pita chips or as a spread for a French baguette toasted open faced on panini maker. My daughter also uses it as a pizza topping. I like to make this recipe for my "pesas" (Armenian for sons in law).


I use Trader Joe's cottage cheese. I like the curd size of this brand.



Empty in a colander.



Pour a container full of tap water over it.



Mix with the spices.

I learned how to make this spread from my friend. She uses an aged soft cheese that her folks prepare, but my variation is made with readily available nonfat cottage cheese.

I get the 32 oz. container and empty the cheese into a colander. Then, I fill the cheese container with tap water and pour it over the cheese. At this point, I am rinsing and getting rid of the creamy part. Let it drain on top of a bowl for at least an hour or place it in the fridge overnight. Then mix with the following ingredients. (Sumac is a spice that's available in most middle eastern markets. If you can't find it, use lemon juice instead.)

1 Tbsp thyme

1 Tbsp oregano

1 Tbsp sumac powder ( = 1 Tbsp lemon juice)

1 Tbsp dried onion flakes

1 tsp salt

1 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp cayenne

2 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil