Saganaki Cheese
Equipment
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 150 g hard cheese it can be graviera, halloumi, feta, etc.
- 50 g white flour
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Make sure your cheese is cut no thinner than 1cm. Otherwise it would melt completely.Wet the cheese slices with water and cover with flour completely. Fry them in olive oil in a small dish with thick bottom. Fry them in oil for a couple of minutes on one side and then turn them and do the samo on the other side. When they become golden-yellow, remove them from the stove. Serve Saganaki warm with some slices of lemon or sprinkle them with lemon juice.The Greeks mostly eat it with bread.This wonderful basic meal can be mixed with mussels or shrimps and tomato sauce.
Saganaki is a traditional Greek appetizer made of cheese. Its name comes from the Turkish word ‘sagani’ – a small round frying pan with two handles where it is prepared. So the base of this meal is fried or baked cheese. You can combine it with different spices, vegetables, etc. Here is the main recipe for this delicious treat.
Ingredients:
- 150g hard cheese (it can be graviera, halloumi, feta, etc.)
- 50g white flour
- Olive oil for frying
- 1/2 lemon
Preparation:
Make sure your cheese is cut no thinner than 1cm. Otherwise, it would melt completely.
Wet the cheese slices with water and cover with flour completely. Fry them in olive oil in a small dish with a thick bottom. Fry them in oil for a couple of minutes on one side and then turn them and do the same on the other side. When they become golden-yellow, remove them from the stove. Serve Saganaki warm with some slices of lemon or sprinkle them with lemon juice.
The Greeks mostly eat it with bread.
This wonderful basic meal can be mixed with mussels or shrimp and tomato sauce.
What is Saganaki?
Saganaki is a Greek dish involving cooking ingredients, often cheese, in a small frying pan. The term can also refer to various dishes prepared in this pan, including the popular fried cheese version.
What type of cheese is typically used for Saganaki?
Commonly, firm Greek cheeses like kefalograviera or graviera are used for Saganaki, providing a gooey inside and a crispy exterior when fried.
How is Saganaki cheese prepared and cooked?
Sliced or blocked cheese is coated in flour and then fried until golden. Served hot, it often receives a finishing touch of lemon juice.
What are some variations of Saganaki dishes?
Variations include Shrimp Saganaki and Vegetable Saganaki, incorporating tomatoes, peppers, and onions in a tomato-based sauce with herbs and cheese.
Is Saganaki always served as an appetizer?
While classic fried cheese Saganaki is often an appetizer, variations like those with shrimp or vegetables may be served as part of a main course.
Saganaki in Thessaloniki: A Culinary Twist on Greek Tradition
While Saganaki itself may not have originated in Thessaloniki, the city’s culinary scene often embraces and puts its own twist on traditional Greek dishes. In Thessaloniki, you can find various restaurants and tavernas serving Saganaki alongside other regional specialties. The local variations might include unique seasoning, serving styles, or accompaniments that reflect the city’s culinary preferences.
Additionally, the emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients in Thessaloniki contributes to the excellence of dishes like Saganaki. The city’s proximity to the sea also ensures a rich supply of seafood, further influencing the local gastronomy.
When exploring the culinary scene in Thessaloniki, you’ll likely encounter a mix of traditional Greek dishes, local specialties, and creative adaptations that showcase the city’s unique flavors and culinary heritage. So, while Saganaki itself is not exclusive to Thessaloniki, experiencing it in this cultural context adds to the overall richness of the dining experience in the city.
Bon appetite!