**Oven-Roasted Saganaki: A Symphony of Flavors for Cheese Lovers**
Saganaki, a traditional Greek dish, tantalizes taste buds with its golden-brown crust and delectable melted cheese center. Typically prepared with kefalotyri or halloumi cheese, this dish finds its roots in the tavernas of Greece, where it is often served as an appetizer or main course. Our culinary journey takes you through a collection of oven-roasted saganaki recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish. From the tangy zest of lemon to the aromatic embrace of herbs, these recipes cater to a variety of palates. Whether you seek a vegetarian delight or a meaty indulgence, our selection promises an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a delectable adventure with our oven-roasted saganaki recipes.
**Recipes Included:**
1. **Classic Oven-Roasted Saganaki:** A timeless recipe that captures the essence of traditional saganaki. Savor the simplicity of perfectly roasted cheese, complemented by a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of oregano.
2. **Lemon-Herb Oven-Roasted Saganaki:** Enhance the classic recipe with a burst of citrus and aromatic herbs. Fresh lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary infuse the cheese with a vibrant flavor profile, creating a delightful balance of tanginess and earthiness.
3. **Spicy Oven-Roasted Saganaki:** Ignite your taste buds with this piquant variation. A fiery blend of chili flakes and paprika adds a touch of heat, while a drizzle of honey provides a touch of sweetness, resulting in a harmonious interplay of flavors.
4. **Mushroom and Spinach Oven-Roasted Saganaki:** Transform saganaki into a vegetarian masterpiece. Sautéed mushrooms and spinach lend a hearty texture and earthy flavor, while a sprinkle of feta cheese adds a salty tang. This recipe offers a satisfying and nutritious twist on the classic dish.
5. **Chorizo and Shrimp Oven-Roasted Saganaki:** Indulge in a meaty and seafood extravaganza. Succulent shrimp and spicy chorizo sausage join forces, creating a medley of flavors and textures. The combination of smoky chorizo, briny shrimp, and melted cheese is sure to leave you craving for more.
6. **Roasted Red Pepper and Feta Oven-Roasted Saganaki:** Experience a delightful fusion of flavors. Roasted red peppers bring a touch of sweetness and smokiness, while crumbled feta cheese adds a salty and tangy contrast. This recipe is a vibrant and flavorful addition to any meal.
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
SAGANAKI
Provided by Food Network
Time 10m
Yield 1 serving.
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Dip the cheese slices in cold water, then flour them lightly.
- Heat 1/4-inch olive oil in a wide pan until smoking. Fry cheese slices 30 to 40 seconds on each side until golden brown. Remove and drain briefly on paper towels. Warm ouzo over a low flame. Put slices of cheese in a cast metal serving dish, pour ouzo over the slices and, standing clear, ignite the ouzo.
- Allow to burn briefly, then extinguish fire with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.
- Suggested drink: Kourtakis Retsina of Attica
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 a good quality feta cheese. A firm, flavorful feta will give the best results.
- Cut the feta into 1-inch thick slices. This will help it cook evenly.
- Drizzle the feta with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano. This will help it brown and give it a delicious flavor.
- Bake the feta in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until it is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve the roasted feta immediately with warm pita bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
- You can also add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Conclusion:
Oven-roasted saganaki is a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. It is perfect for any occasion, and it is sure to impress your guests. The salty, creamy feta cheese is perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives. The warm pita bread is the perfect vehicle for scooping up all of the delicious flavors. If you are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy feta cheese, then you should definitely try this recipe.
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