Saganaki is a Greek appetizer made with fried kasseri cheese. The ritual of adding brandy and flamb?ing the cheese 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.
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
Directions
Step 1
Brush each side of kasseri cheese with water; dredge both sides in flour, making sure the surface is completely covered.
Step 2
Preheat a well-seasoned cast iron skillet on medium-high heat until smoking; pour in olive oil. Carefully place floured cheese in hot oil and cook until cheese begins to ooze and a golden-brown crust forms, about 2 minutes. Quickly flip cheese over with a spatula. Fry until the bottom is golden brown, about 30 seconds more.
Step 3
Remove from the heat and place skillet onto a napkin-lined plate. Pour brandy into the skillet over the cheese. Light the brandy using a fireplace lighter. Squeeze some lemon juice on top to extinguish the last few flames and garnish with parsley.
Chef’s Notes:
I've also done this with a cheese called halloumi, which is tasty but doesn't melt at all, and for me, that's the best part. You can also use Graviera, Kefalograviera, Kefalotyri, or even a firm feta cheese.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 2 | |
Calories 391 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat25g | 33% |
Saturated Fat11g | 56% |
Cholesterol61mg | 20% |
Sodium544mg | 24% |
Total Carbohydrate15g | 5% |
Dietary Fiber2g | 6% |
Total Sugars0g | |
Protein16g | |
Vitamin C24mg | 121% |
Calcium431mg | 33% |
Iron1mg | 6% |
Potassium68mg | 1% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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source by allrecipe
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