Greek-Style Fried Cheese with Honey and Walnuts

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) Kefalotyri or Halloumi cheese 250g (8.8 oz) Kefalotyri or Halloumi cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey 2 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh lemon wedges, for serving Fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 8g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cut the cheese into thick slices or wedges.
2. 2.
   Dredge each slice of cheese in flour, shaking off any excess.
3. 3.
   Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Add the cheese slices to the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. 5.
   Remove the fried cheese from the skillet and transfer to a serving plate.
6. 6.
   Drizzle the cheese with honey and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.
7. 7.
   Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cheese — Make sure to use a firm cheese like Kefalotyri or Halloumi that can withstand frying without melting completely. This will ensure a crispy exterior and a gooey interior.
• Honey — Opt for a high-quality honey with a mild flavor to balance the saltiness of the cheese. Greek thyme honey or wildflower honey work well.
• Walnuts — Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some dried oregano or chili flakes over the fried cheese before drizzling with honey and adding walnuts.
• Serve the Saganaki with warm pita bread or crusty bread to mop up the melted cheese and honey.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Graviera or Manouri, to create unique flavor variations.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the cheese in the oven instead of frying it. Simply place the cheese slices on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-Style Fried Cheese with Honey and Walnuts immediately while it's still warm and the cheese is gooey. Provide fresh lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the cheese, as the acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing touch.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden brown cheese slices on a serving plate and drizzle the honey over them, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top for an attractive garnish. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color.