Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Greece with our mouthwatering Saganaki Greek Fried Cheese, perfectly paired with a vibrant Tomato Pepper Chutney! This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a delightful crunch that will have you coming back for more. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply craving a unique appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. With just 25 minutes from prep to plate, you can elevate your culinary game without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to discover the secrets to achieving that golden, crispy perfection? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g kasseri or halloumi cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup flour for dusting
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the kasseri or halloumi cheese into thick slices, about 1/2 inch thick. This will help the cheese maintain its shape while frying.
- In a shallow dish, add the flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be used to dust the cheese slices before frying.
- In a medium skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. You can use vegetable oil or olive oil for frying. Ensure the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of cheese into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- While the oil is heating, prepare the tomato pepper chutney. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the pan with the bell pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the oil is hot, take each slice of cheese and dredge it in the seasoned flour, ensuring it is coated evenly on both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Carefully place the floured cheese slices in the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan; you may need to fry in batches.
- Once the cheese is fried, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- To serve, place the fried cheese on a serving platter and spoon the tomato pepper chutney over the top. You can also serve the chutney on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy your delicious Saganaki Greek Fried Cheese with Tomato Pepper Chutney while it's hot!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: For the best results, use kasseri or halloumi cheese, as they hold their shape well during frying and have a delightful flavor.
- Perfect the Flour Coating: Dust the cheese slices lightly with seasoned flour to create a crispy exterior. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid a gummy texture.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Ensure your frying oil is hot enough before adding the cheese. A good test is to drop a small piece of cheese into the oil; it should sizzle immediately. If it doesn’t, wait a bit longer.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the cheese in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy cheese.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the Saganaki hot and fresh, topped with the homemade tomato pepper chutney. The contrast of the crispy cheese and the tangy chutney is simply divine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
