Saganaki Burger Recipes

SHRIMP SAGANAKI

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat, add the garlic, then add the onion and cook until softened, but not brown. Add the shrimp (complete with head and shell for flavor) with the salt, pepper, chili flakes and oregano, to taste. Once simmered, remove the pan from the heat and add the ouzo with caution. Cook for 1 minute and add wine to pan. Simmer another 30 seconds and, using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the pan and put on a plate. When the shrimp are cool enough to handle remove the heads and peel off the shells.
• Add the crushed tomato and the olive paste to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes. Return the shrimp to the pan, being careful not to overcook and toss in the sauce. Finally sprinkle the crumbled feta over the contents of the pan and melt it into the sauce by pushing it down with the back of a spoon.

GREEK SAGANAKI

Steps:

• Season both sides of the cheese with salt and pepper. Place the cheese in a shallow dish and cover with brandy. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. Season the flour with salt and pepper. Remove the cheese from the pan, reserving 1/4 cup of the brandy and dredge in the seasoned flour, coating completely. In a large saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Pan-fry the cheese for 2 minutes on each side. Add the reserved brandy and carefully flame the liquor, shaking the pan back and forth several times. Add the lemon juice. Remove from the pan and serve with the pita bread and olives.

SAGANAKI

Steps:

• Dip the cheese slices in cold water, then flour them lightly.
• Heat 1/4-inch olive oil in a wide pan until smoking. Fry cheese slices 30 to 40 seconds on each side until golden brown. Remove and drain briefly on paper towels. Warm ouzo over a low flame. Put slices of cheese in a cast metal serving dish, pour ouzo over the slices and, standing clear, ignite the ouzo.
• Allow to burn briefly, then extinguish fire with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.
• Suggested drink: Kourtakis Retsina of Attica