Saganaki: Flaming Greek Cheese?

Question

I tried this the other day at my fav Greek restaurant and the cheese was really good but I found the taste of the alcohol very strong and almost bitter. The cheese was Kefalotyri and the alcohol was Ouzo. I am not a big licorice fan but I have had Ouzo shots before and didnt mind it. My question: is the dish supposed to have such a strong bitter alcohol flavor? How will using other types of cheese (halloumi, kasseri....) and other types of alcohol (cognac, brandy....) affect the overall taste and flavor of the dish?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Though I've eaten this dish many times, I have yet to taste an alcohol flavor.  Perhaps it did not flame long enough for the alcohol to burn off?  Kefalotyri is what makes the dish so I'm not sure that you'd want to substitute the cheese.   Did you give it a squirt of fresh lemon?  I find that this is essential to the flavor as well.

I would order it again the next time you're out for Greek and give it another try.  Made properly, this dish is amazing!

Answer 2

Cheese saganaki doesn't have to contain alcohol, the one I tried was made with fetta cheese, honey with some vinegar, flour and sesame.

Answer 3

You might check with some of the Chicago foodies online--Chicago is where saganaki originated

Answer 4

No, u shouldnt have tasted the liquor..also they douse lemon on it as well to put out the fire...next time say something to your server if youre not happy with the taste of your food.

Answer 5

I am a former chef and your ideas for a different cheese and liqour are fine, it is a matter of the particular restaurant to the ingredients, as for a strong alcohol taste, some will overdue the alcohol for effect anf then douse it or spritz the lemon on before it has had a chance to evaporte the alcohol completely.

Most place do use a coating of flour as the one gentleman said, and it is gently sauted then put on the plate, then flambed at the table, you need no more than a tablespoon or so for effect, as it burns off quickly. The Halloumi and Kasseri are good subs, and the same treatment is fine.