Saganaki is a Greek dish made by frying or grilling a small portion of cheese, typically Kefalotyri, Feta, or Halloumi. The cheese is usually served as an appetizer or meze and is often flambéed with brandy or ouzo before serving. The dish is typically done with lemon wedges and is often accompanied by bread or pita.
Ingredients
To make fried cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz of cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar) cut into small cubes or slices
- 1 cup of flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare three shallow dishes, one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs.
- Season the flour with salt and pepper.
- Dip the cheese cubes or slices in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the cheese into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Finally, coat the cheese in the breadcrumbs.
- Heat the oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F.
- Fry the cheese in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried cheese from the oil and place it on paper towels to drain.
Dipping Sauce.
To make a traditional dipping sauce for Saganaki, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or oregano
Instructions:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- If desired, add chopped parsley or oregano and mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the sauce as a dip for the fried cheese.
Note: you can also add extra ingredients like minced garlic, or even honey to the sauce to give it a different taste.
Serve
Fried cheese can be served as a snack or appetizer, typically accompanied by dipping sauces such as mar