Flaming Greek Cheese Saganaki Recipes

SAGANAKI - GREEK FRIED CHEESE

Steps:

• Take the slice of cheese and dip it in cold water, then in white flour, shaking to remove excess and smoothing it with your fingers.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan under medium heat. Once hot, place the cheese in the pan and fry for about 2 minutes than flip carefully (I use a thin rubber spatula). Be careful not to let the crust slide off. Fry on the other side for about 2 minutes. The crust should be golden.
• Remove from pan and place on a plate, squeeze some lemon over it and serve right away.

SAGANAKI: FLAMING CHEESE

Steps:

• Slice the cheese into 1/2" thick triangles or 3-4" squares (depending on the style you buy).
• Place brandy into a zip-lock baggie and add cheese portions, seal and let marinate for 2 hours).
• Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over a med/high heat. Remove cheese portions from marinade, reserving marinade for later use.
• Dredge cheese thru the flour, shaking off excess.
• Fry the cheese slices approx 2 minutes, flip with spatula and fry an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat when nicely seared on each side and gooey.
• Now here is where you need to heed a caution -- Carefully carry the cast iron skillet to the dinner table. Pour 1 ounce of the brandy marinade over the top of the fried cheese, and immediately set ablaze with a lighter. (Be sure to yell "Opa". Immediately squeeze a lemon slice over the top to dowse the flames.
• Serve with warmed pita slices and additional lemon wedges. Enjoy!

SAGANAKI (GREEK FLAMING CHEESE)

Steps:

• 1. Dip the block of cheese in water to moisten.
• 2. lightly cover all side with the flour.
• 3. In a sauté pan drizzle with olive oil, and fry about 2-3 mins on each side on medium heat...till brown and crusty.
• 4. Turn off heat..pull pan aside, pour the brandy around the cheese and carefully set on fire with a match or a long lighter...simply turn off with the squeeze of the lemon. Enjoy your flaming Greek cheese! OPA

FLAMING CHEESE (GREEK SAGANAKI)

Steps:

• 1 Season both sides of cheese with salt and pepper. Place cheese in shallow dish and cover with brandy. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
• 2 Season flour with salt and freshly ground pepper.
• 3 Remove cheese from dish, reserve 1/4 c brandy. Dredge cheese in seasoned flour coating completely.
• 4 In a large saute pan over medium heat, melt butter.
• 5 Pan fry cheese 2 minutes per side. Add reserved brandy and carefully flame the brandy, shaking pan back and forth several times.
• 6 Add lemon juice.
• 7 Remove cheese from pan and serve with pita bread and olives.