Hello, lovely readers! Al here, coming to you from my cozy kitchen in the UK. Today, I’m thrilled to share a dish that’s been a staple in my culinary adventures for quite a while now: Saganaki. This Greek delight—essentially a scrumptious piece of fried cheese drizzled with honey and lemon—never fails to impress.
I first discovered Saganaki on a holiday to the beautiful islands of Greece. Amid the azure waters and ancient ruins, the local cuisine completely stole my heart. While there were many dishes that wowed my taste buds, Saganaki stood out for its simplicity and divine taste. The combination of crispy, melty cheese with the zesty lemon and sweet honey is truly a match made in culinary heaven.
Let’s talk about the star ingredient: the cheese. Traditionally, Greeks use Kefalotyri, a hard cheese with a slightly tangy flavor that holds up well to frying. However, if you can’t find Kefalotyri, Halloumi is a fantastic substitute. Both cheeses have a high melting point, making them ideal for this dish.
Cooking Saganaki is delightfully straightforward and quick, perfect for those moments when you want something tasty without too much fuss. Imagine those mouthwatering cheese slices sizzling in hot olive oil, turning beautifully golden and crispy. The real magic happens when you drizzle them with honey and give them a good squeeze of lemon. The flavor combination is utterly unforgettable!
Just a quick note – make sure you serve this dish immediately. Saganaki is best enjoyed hot off the skillet when the cheese is still warm and gooey inside, with that irresistible crispy exterior.
Here’s how you can recreate this Greek treasure in your kitchen.
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- 200g Kefalotyri or Halloumi cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh oregano leaves (for garnish)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Slice the cheese into 1 cm thick pieces.
- Pat the cheese slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the cheese slices with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
- Dredge the cheese slices in all-purpose flour, making sure they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot and shimmering (about 3 minutes), add the floured cheese slices to the skillet.
- Fry the cheese for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried cheese from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Drizzle the fried cheese with honey while still warm. Be generous to allow the sweet flavor to complement the savory cheese.
- Squeeze lemon wedges over the cheese to taste.
- Garnish with fresh oregano leaves.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or a delightful snack.
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So, there you have it, folks – a fabulous Greek appetizer that will delight your senses and transport you straight to the Mediterranean. I hope you give this Saganaki a try and let me know how it turns out. If you do, be sure to snap some photos and tag me on social media!
Until next time, happy cooking and even happier eating!
Cheers,
Al
Ingredients
- 200g Kefalotyri or Halloumi cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Fresh oregano leaves (for garnish)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Method
- Slice the cheese into 1 cm thick pieces.
- Pat the cheese slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the cheese slices with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
- Dredge the cheese slices in all-purpose flour, making sure they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot and shimmering (about 3 minutes), add the floured cheese slices to the skillet.
- Fry the cheese for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried cheese from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Drizzle the fried cheese with honey while still warm. Be generous to allow the sweet flavor to complement the savory cheese.
- Squeeze lemon wedges over the cheese to taste.
- Garnish with fresh oregano leaves.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or a delightful snack.
