Fried cheese delight: Discover Greece's saganaki secret

Greek cuisine is known for its simplicity combined with bold flavours. Saganaki, prepared with hard cheese, such as kefalotyri, halloumi, or feta, is an excellent example of how little it takes to create a delicious and satisfying dish. The combination of a crispy crust and creamy interior makes this Greek treat perfect both as a snack and as part of a more elaborate meal.

Saganaki offers not only taste but also nutritional value. The cheeses used in this dish are a source of protein and calcium, making it a filling yet nutritious snack. Moreover, fried cheese combined with lemon and olives fits perfectly into the Mediterranean style of eating, which is considered one of the healthiest diets in the world.

Ingredients:

          
• 200 grams of kefalotyri, halloumi, or feta cheese,
• 60 grams of flour,
• 1 egg,
• 60 grams of breadcrumbs (optional),
• olive oil for frying,
• lemon for serving.

Preparation:

      
1. Cut the cheese into slices about 1cm thick.
2. Coat each slice in flour, then dip in a beaten egg (optionally also in breadcrumbs for additional crunchiness).
3. Fry the cheese slices in hot olive oil until golden brown on both sides, about 1–2 minutes per side.
4. Drizzle the cooked saganaki with lemon and serve immediately.

Additional tips:

• to enhance the flavour, you can add herbs such as oregano or rosemary to the coating;
• saganaki pairs perfectly with extras like fresh tomatoes, olives, or pita bread.

Saganaki is an example of Greek culinary artistry, where both flavour and simplicity of preparation with local ingredients are important. In Greece, saganaki can be found in various versions – in some regions, it's made with the addition of seafood, such as shrimp, or with vegetables, which further enrich the dish. This tradition reflects the Greek approach to cuisine – enjoying seasonal products and freshness, which gives saganaki a unique, authentic character.