Recipe

Eritrean-style Fried Cheese

Melting Cheese Delight: Eritrean Twist on Fried Cheese

4.6 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Eritrea with this delightful twist on the classic Czech dish, Smažený sýr. Eritrean-style Fried Cheese combines the rich and creamy texture of fried cheese with the aromatic spices and unique flavors of Eritrean cuisine.

Snack› Smažený sýr

European cuisine› Alpine cuisine› Czech cuisine

African cuisine› East African cuisine› Eritrean cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

10 minutes

Total time

25 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free flour), Nut-free, Soy-free, Egg-free (if using an egg substitute)

Allergens

Dairy (cheese, eggs)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

In the Eritrean adaptation of Smažený sýr, the traditional Czech dish, we incorporate Eritrean spices such as berbere and mitmita to infuse the cheese with a distinctively spicy and flavorful profile. Additionally, instead of serving it with the usual accompaniments like fries or tartar sauce, Eritrean-style Fried Cheese is typically enjoyed with injera, a traditional Eritrean flatbread, which adds a unique texture and taste to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Smažený sýr, so you can check it out.

200g (7oz) cheese (such as Gouda or Edam) 200g (7oz) cheese (such as Gouda or Edam)
1 teaspoon berbere spice 1 teaspoon berbere spice
1 teaspoon mitmita spice 1 teaspoon mitmita spice
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
Injera, for serving Injera, for serving

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 15g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 1g
Protein: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Salt: 1g

Preparation

1.
Cut the cheese into rectangular slices, about 1cm (0.4in) thick.
2.
In a shallow bowl, mix together the berbere spice and mitmita spice.
3.
Dredge each cheese slice in the spice mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4.
Dip the spiced cheese slices into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
5.
Coat the cheese slices in flour, shaking off any excess.
6.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
7.
Fry the cheese slices until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8.
Remove the fried cheese slices from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9.
Serve the Eritrean-style Fried Cheese with injera for a traditional Eritrean touch.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Cheese — Choose a cheese that melts well, such as Gouda or Edam, for the best results in achieving a gooey center.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the cheese slices in the beaten eggs and flour.
Adjust the amount of berbere and mitmita spice according to your spice preference.
Serve the Eritrean-style Fried Cheese immediately after frying to enjoy it at its best.

Serving advice

Serve the Eritrean-style Fried Cheese hot, alongside injera, to fully experience the combination of flavors and textures.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden and crispy Eritrean-style Fried Cheese slices on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, for an appetizing presentation.