Best Saganaki Flaming Greek Cheese Oompa Dangerous And Delicious Recipes

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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

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

SAGANAKI: FLAMING CHEESE



Saganaki: Flaming Cheese image

This is so very simple, very impressive and fun to make! "Opa"... (Prep time includes marinade time)

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

FLAMING CHEESE (GREEK SAGANAKI)



Flaming Cheese (Greek Saganaki) image

Greek restaurants famous Flaming Cheese. The hard Greek cheese can be found in Greek or Middle Eastern grocery stores and gourmet food shops.

Provided by Deb Mattson

Categories     Greek

Time 32m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

kasseri cheese
salt & freshly ground black pepper
2 cups brandy
1 cup flour
4 tablespoons butter, softened
2 lemons, juice of
8 pita bread, brushed with olive oil and grilled
1 cup kalamata olive

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.

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