Halloumi Tzaganaki Recipes

HALLOUMI TZAGANAKI

Steps:

• Preheat a grill or broiler to high. Cut the onion crosswise into 1/2-inch slices, keeping the rings intact. Lay the slices in one layer on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Grill or broil, flipping once, until browned and crispy on the edges, about 5 minutes per side. Cool to room temperature.
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the onions, anchovies, red peppers, olives, capers, parsley, dill and mint. Dress with the lemon juice, 2 teaspoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, adjusting the amounts as needed to taste.
• Place a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, sear the halloumi until browned on both sides. Transfer to a platter and top with salad and serve with bread.

HALLOUMI SAGANAKI

Steps:

• Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet big enough to fit all halloumi slices.
• Once oil is hot but not smoking, add halloumi. Cook until well browned on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until browned, about 3 minutes. Pour lemon juice over browned halloumi and let reduce slightly.
• Remove from heat and sprinkle with oregano. Serve hot.

FLAMING GREEK CHEESE (SAGANAKI)

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.