SAGANAKI (Greek Fried Cheese) π¬π·π§
Description: Indulge in the savory delight of Greek cuisine with this simple yet delectable Saganaki recipe. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with cheesy goodness, this dish is perfect for a quick appetizer or a flavorful snack.
Recipe Category: Cheese π§
Keywords: Greek, European, < 15 Mins, Easy ππ
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 367
- Fat Content: 9.2g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 15.3mg
- Sodium Content: 732.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 61.8g
- Fiber Content: 4.7g
- Sugar Content: 0.3g
- Protein Content: 10.4g
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup kasseri cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lemon
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Cheese: Begin by cutting the kasseri cheese into bite-sized cubes. Ensure they are evenly sized for consistent frying. |
| 2 | Heat the Pan: In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely, ensuring the pan is evenly coated. |
| 3 | Fry the Cheese: Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the cubed kasseri cheese to the pan. Allow it to fry undisturbed for a few moments to develop a golden crust on the bottom. |
| Continuously monitor the cheese, using a spatula to gently flip the cubes to ensure even cooking on all sides. Fry until the cheese is uniformly chestnut-colored and crispy. | |
| 4 | Add Lemon Juice: Once the cheese reaches the desired level of crispiness, squeeze the juice of one lemon over the fried cheese. The tangy citrus flavor will complement the rich cheese beautifully. |
| 5 | Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the saganaki to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately with warm, crusty French bread for dipping and enjoy the irresistible combination of textures and tastes. |
Recipe Notes:
- Cheese Selection: While kasseri cheese is traditionally used for saganaki, you can also experiment with other semi-hard cheeses such as halloumi or graviera for unique flavor variations.
- Butter vs. Oil: While butter adds a rich flavor to the dish, you can also use olive oil for a lighter, Mediterranean twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Saganaki pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments such as olives, sliced tomatoes, or a refreshing Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Handling Hot Oil: Exercise caution when frying the cheese to prevent any splattering or burns. Use a long-handled spatula for flipping and turning the cheese safely.
Embrace the culinary heritage of Greece and treat yourself to the irresistible allure of Saganaki. With its simple preparation and bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of quick and easy recipes. Enjoy the crispy, melty goodness of Saganaki and transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with every savory bite! ππ½οΈ
