Indulge in the rich flavors of Cyprus with our tantalizing Cyprus Saganaki. This traditional dish features golden-brown cheese, typically halloumi or kefalotyri, fried to perfection and served with a zestful squeeze of lemon. Crispy on the outside, yet delightfully gooey on the inside, each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that transport you straight to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. Whether enjoyed as a savory appetizer or a delectable main course, Cyprus Saganaki is sure to ignite your senses and leave you craving more of its irresistible allure.

Here's a traditional recipe for Cyprus Saganaki:

Ingredients:

• 250g halloumi cheese (or kefalotyri cheese)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1- Begin by slicing the halloumi cheese into approximately 1/4 inch thick slices. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2- Place the flour on a plate or shallow dish. Dredge each slice of cheese in the flour, ensuring that they are evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.

3- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.

4- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated cheese slices to the pan in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to fry the cheese in batches depending on the size of your pan.

5- Fry the cheese slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

6- Using a spatula, carefully transfer the fried cheese to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

7- Serve the Cyprus Saganaki immediately while it's still hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the cheese before eating.

8- Enjoy your delicious Cyprus Saganaki as a delightful appetizer or as part of a mezze spread alongside other Mediterranean dishes.

Note: Cyprus Saganaki is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so try to serve it right away for the ultimate cheesy indulgence.

Nutritional Value:

Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in Cyprus Saganaki:

Halloumi Cheese (per 100g):

• Calories: 316 kcal
• Protein: 21.2g
• Fat: 25.2g
• Carbohydrates: 2.2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0.5g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Calcium: 750mg

benefits:

• Rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• High in calcium, promoting bone health and strength.
• Provides healthy fats, which are important for energy production and nutrient absorption.
• Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets.

All-Purpose Flour (per 2 tablespoons, about 15g):

• Calories: 53 kcal
• Protein: 1.3g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 11.3g
• Fiber: 0.4g
• Sugars: 0.2g
• Sodium: 0.5mg

benefits:

• Contains carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.
• Contains small amounts of protein.
• May contain added nutrients such as iron and B vitamins, depending on fortification.

Olive Oil (per 2 tablespoons, about 30ml):

• Calories: 238 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 3.8g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 18.8g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:

• Rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body.
• Provides healthy fats necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific type of cheese, and cooking methods. Additionally, keep in mind that the nutritional content may change based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying.