Flaming cheese (Cheese Saganaki)

This simple and delicious Greek starter is a great way to learn the art of flambe

Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy, 30 minutes

Ingredients:

300g haloumi or kefalotyri cheese

60g (½ cup) semolina, maize meal or flour

Olive oil, for frying

15ml (1 tbsp) dried oregano

Juice of 1 lemon or 2 limes

50-100ml ouzo or brandy

Sesame seeds (optional)

30ml (2 tbsp) honey, warmed (optional)

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Method:

1) Slice the cheese into 1cm-thick strips. Hold under running water, then dip in the semolina to coat, shaking off the excess.

2) Heat about 2cm oil in a pan over moderate heat and fry strips for 2 minutes, then carefully turn over with a spatula. Sprinkle with oregano and squeeze over the lemon or lime juice. Fry for a further 2 minutes or until cheese strips are golden brown.

3) Remove from the heat and add the alcohol, then return to the stove and cook until the alcohol is bubbling.

4) Remove from the heat, tilt the pan slightly to pool the alcohol and light that side of the pan with a long match. Allow the alcohol to burn off, garnish with sesame seeds and honey (if using) and serve immediately with lemon wedges.