SAGANAKI: FLAMING CHEESE

Saganaki: Flaming Cheese image

Provided by rosie316

Categories Spreads

Time 2h5m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb kasseri cheese (sliced 1/2-inch thick, brick or wheel)
2 tablespoons olive oil (more if needed)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brandy or 1/2 cup ouzo
2 fresh lemons, cut into wedges
4 pita bread, warmed and cut into triangles for serving

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!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229, Fat 5.1, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 215.2, Carbohydrate 28.1, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 1, Protein 4.4