Are you a food enthusiast looking to explore the delectable flavors of the Mediterranean? If so, oven-roasted saganaki is a culinary masterpiece that deserves a spot on your must-try list. Originating from Greece, this dish combines tangy, salty cheese with a crispy, golden crust that will tantalize your taste buds. With its simplicity and bold flavors, saganaki is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even a side dish. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this article will guide you through the steps of creating a perfect oven-roasted saganaki, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
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FLAMING GREEK CHEESE (SAGANAKI)
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
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
PRAWN SAGANAKI
In Greek cuisine, saganaki is any one of a variety of dishes prepared in a small frying pan, the best-known being an appetizer of fried cheese. We're raising the bar for this recipe by adding prawns and lots of fresh feta! Serve with crusty bread.
Provided by Angie
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Seafood Shrimp
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir tomato paste into onion mixture; cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour wine into tomato mixture; simmer until liquid is reduced by about half, about 5 minutes. Stir tomato sauce into wine mixture and simmer until mixture is thick, about 10 minutes.
- Spread tomato mixture into the base of a 6-cup baking dish; top with prawns and sprinkle evenly with feta cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until prawns are bright pink on the outside and the meat is no longer transparent in the center, about 10 minutes; top with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 341.4 calories, Carbohydrate 19.7 g, Cholesterol 277.5 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 33 g, SaturatedFat 4.3 g, Sodium 967.5 mg, Sugar 11.7 g
OVEN ROASTED SAGANAKI
Fifteen minutes in the oven and these cheeses are transformed into hot savory mezethes, appetizers, or even side dishes. Feta and kasseri cheeses are most common. A saganaki is a small, two-handled pan, which gives its name to these oven- or stove-to-table dishes that use it. In the market, look for small paella pans or small au gratin dishes. Taken from Nancy Gaifyllia, former About.com Guide.
Provided by alligirl
Categories Cheese
Time 20m
Yield 1 ramekin, 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the slice of feta cheese in a small oven-proof serving dish.
- Sprinkle the oregano over the cheese and add a grind of black pepper; drizzle with olive oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the cheese slice, and serve hot with pita wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 59.7, Fat 6.8, SaturatedFat 0.9, Sodium 0.1
CLASSIC SAGANAKI WITH OLIVES AND LEMON
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.
Tips:
- Use good quality cheese: The cheese is the star of the dish, so make sure you use a good quality cheese that melts well. Halloumi and kefalotyri are both good choices.
- Slice the cheese evenly: This will help it cook evenly. If the slices are too thick, they will take longer to cook and may burn on the outside before the inside is cooked through.
- Coat the cheese in flour: This will help the cheese to brown nicely and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Use a hot pan: This will help the cheese to sear quickly and develop a crispy crust.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you overcrowd the pan, the cheese will not cook evenly and may steam instead of fry.
- Cook the cheese until it is golden brown: This will ensure that it is cooked through and has a nice crispy crust.
- Serve the cheese immediately: Saganaki is best served hot and fresh out of the pan.
Conclusion:
Saganaki is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy appetizer or a hearty main course, saganaki is sure to please. With its crispy crust and gooey center, saganaki is a dish that everyone will love.
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