{"id":"recipe_eb88e03b3c","slug":"saganaki-greek-fried-cheese","title":"Saganaki (Greek Fried Cheese)","description":"A quintessential Greek appetizer featuring a thick slice of firm cheese pan-fried until it develops a golden-brown crust and a warm, softened center. Served sizzling with a fresh squeeze of lemon.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":5,"totalMinutes":10,"activeMinutes":10},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"200g Kefalograviera or Kefalotyri cheese, sliced 1/2 inch thick","name":"Red Lentils","quantity":200,"unit":"g","usQuantity":7,"usUnit":"oz","form":"1/2 inch thick slice","notes":"Kefalograviera, Kefalotyri, or Graviera","group":"Main","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"Cold water for dipping","name":"Cold Water","quantity":100,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"1/3","usUnit":"cup","form":"cold","notes":"Used only for wetting the cheese surface","group":"Coating","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging","name":"All-purpose flour","quantity":65,"unit":"g","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"powder","notes":"","group":"Coating","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"2 tbsp olive oil for frying","name":"Olive Oil","quantity":30,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"oz","form":"liquid","notes":"extra virgin preferred","group":"Cooking","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"1 lemon wedge","name":"Lemon","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"wedge","notes":"freshly cut","group":"Serving","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"A pinch of dried oregano","name":"Oregano","quantity":1,"unit":"pinch","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"pinch","form":"dried","notes":"optional garnish","group":"Serving","optional":true}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Dip the cheese slice into the cold water, ensuring all sides are damp.","group":"Preparation","title":"Dip the cheese slice","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Dredge the damp cheese in the flour, pressing firmly to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour.","group":"Preparation","title":"Dredge the damp cheese","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Preparation"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Heat the olive oil in a small heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking (approx 350°F / 177°C).","group":"Cooking","title":"Heat the olive oil","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Place the cheese in the skillet and fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until a deep golden-brown crust has formed.","group":"Cooking","title":"Place the cheese","timerMinutes":4,"sourceTitle":"Cooking"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Remove the cheese to a small plate. Squeeze the fresh lemon wedge over the top and garnish with a pinch of oregano if desired. Serve immediately while hot.","group":"Serving","title":"Remove the cheese","timerMinutes":null,"sourceTitle":"Serving"}],"notes":"Traditionally, Kefalograviera or Kefalotyri cheese is used because they have a high melting point. Graviera is also a popular choice. Ensure the cheese is cold before frying to prevent it from melting too quickly.","cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["appetizer"],"cookingMethod":["fry"],"equipment":["small heavy-bottomed skillet (saganaki pan)","tongs"],"diet":["vegetarian"],"allergens":["milk","wheat","gluten"],"difficulty":"easy","yield":{"amount":1,"unit":"portion","note":"A standard individual appetizer plate"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"Must be served immediately after cooking for best texture."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Leftovers do not store well as the cheese becomes rubbery; reheat in a pan if necessary.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_eb88e03b3c%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=28dc1dd6-861e-4bed-8312-a0211cefd9f6","imageAlt":"Saganaki (Greek Fried Cheese) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["greek","cheese","appetizer","saganaki","fried cheese","mediterranean"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Saganaki (Greek Fried Cheese)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T01:52:56.899Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T01:52:56.899Z","related":[{"id":"ac_l_ezme_d064be0373","slug":"acili-ezme","title":"Acılı Ezme","description":"A classic Turkish spicy vegetable salad and condiment featuring finely chopped tomatoes, peppers, and onions, balanced with the tang of pomegranate molasses and aromatic herbs.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":20,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Turkish"]},"course":["sauce","appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","nut_free","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fac_l_ezme_d064be0373%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=ac6fc624-4435-4cfa-9991-d45441036707","imageAlt":"Acılı Ezme — recipe cover","tags":["spicy","dip","vegetable","healthy","turkish","mezze"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":14,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_2f05621352","slug":"bouyiourdi-greek-baked-feta","title":"Bouyiourdi (Greek Baked Feta)","description":"A traditional Greek meze featuring salty feta cheese baked until melted with juicy tomatoes, spicy peppers, and fragrant extra virgin olive oil.","serves":2,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Greek"]},"course":["appetizer"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","gluten_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_2f05621352%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=fd6db74e-cfd9-46b5-aa96-6e0e76c26c9a","imageAlt":"Bouyiourdi (Greek Baked Feta) — recipe cover","tags":["feta","baked cheese","greek meze","spicy","vegetarian"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":6,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_66184712aa","slug":"creamy-homemade-hummus","title":"Creamy Homemade Hummus","description":"A silky, rich, and authentic Mediterranean chickpea dip blended with nutty tahini, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for dipping or as a spread.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":0,"totalMinutes":15,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"Mediterranean","specific":["Levantine","Middle Eastern"]},"course":["appetizer","side"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegan","vegetarian","gluten_free","dairy_free","high_protein","mediterranean","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_66184712aa%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=648d20cf-84fe-4052-b8d8-79fced2e9554","imageAlt":"Creamy Homemade Hummus — recipe cover","tags":["hummus","chickpeas","vegan","healthy","mediterranean","dip","high protein","gluten free"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5}]}