Best Classic Saganaki With Olives And Lemon Recipes

FLAMING GREEK CHEESE (SAGANAKI)

Flaming Greek Cheese (Saganaki) image

This flaming cheese ritual was started by restaurateurs in Chicago, who encouraged customers to yell, 'Opa!' as the plate was being ignited. You can recreate the tradition at home in minutes, whether you'd like to spark up a little romance with an old flame on date night or just try a fast and fun cheese dish on a chilly weeknight. Serve with sliced fresh or grilled bread.

Provided by Chef John

Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes

Time 13m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 (4 ounce) package kasseri cheese
1 tablespoon water, or as needed
¼ cup all-purpose flour, or as needed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brandy, at room temperature
½ lemon, or to taste
1 tablespoon freshly chopped Italian parsley

Steps:

Brush each side of the kasseri cheese with water. Dredge both sides in flour, making sure the surface is completely covered.
Preheat a well seasoned cast iron skillet on medium-high heat until smoking. Pour in olive oil. Carefully place the floured cheese in the hot oil. Cook until cheese begins to ooze and a golden brown crust forms, about 2 minutes. Quickly flip cheese over with a spatula. Fry until bottom is golden brown, about 30 seconds more.
Remove skillet from heat and transfer onto a napkin-lined plate. Pour brandy over the cheese. Light the brandy using a fireplace lighter. Now you can exclaim "Opa!" and marvel at the fire. Squeeze some lemon juice on top to extinguish the last few flames and garnish with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 391.2 calories, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 61.2 mg, Fat 25.4 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 16.3 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 543.5 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

CLASSIC SAGANAKI WITH OLIVES AND LEMON

Classic Saganaki with Olives and Lemon image

Categories Cheese Olive Appetizer Fry Lemon Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 8-ounce package kasseri cheese or Pecorino Romano, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rectangular slices
All purpose flour
3 tablespoons (about) olive oil
1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
tomato wedges
pita wedges
Kalamata olives

Steps:

Rinse cheese slices under cold water (do not pat dry). Coat with flour. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat until almost smoking. Add cheese and cook until beginning to brown, about 1 minutes per side. Transfer to plates.
Squeeze lemon over cheese; sprinkle with oregano and pepper. Serve with tomatoes, pita and olives.