Fried Feta Food

CRISPY FETA WITH LEMON

Steps:

• Cut the feta in 1/4-inch-thick slices, then cut each rectangular slice in half crosswise to form two squares. You should end up with about 16 squares. Transfer the squares to a paper towel on your cutting board and pat dry.
• In a large shallow bowl or rimmed plate, stir together the cornstarch and sesame seeds. Working with one at a time, gently coat the feta on both sides with the cornstarch mixture.
• In a large, nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the feta in a single layer and cook until golden-brown, about 1 minute. Using a spatula, gently flip and cook until golden-brown on the other side. Transfer to a platter and sprinkle with flaky salt, black pepper and red-pepper flakes. Serve warm with crackers or toasted baguette slices, with lemon wedges alongside for squeezing on top.

FRIED FETA WITH SESAME SEEDS

Steps:

• Cut feta cheese into squares or rectangles about 1/2 inch thick.
• Crack eggs into a bowl wide enough to fit the feta and beat lightly with a fork. Place flour on a plate. Place sesame seeds on a second plate.
• Coat each piece of feta in flour, then eggs, and then sesame seeds. Be sure to coat well with each step, so all sides are covered.
• Heat enough olive oil to shallow fry in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches if necessary, carefully add the feta and fry until nicely golden, about 5 minutes. Flip and fry on the other side, about 5 minutes more. Drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Drizzle honey on top and serve warm.

GREEK FRIED FETA

Steps:

• Cut he feta slices into two triangles.
• Roll them first through flour, then through the egg, and finally cover with breadcrumbs.
• Put in the fridge for two hours.
• Fry the feta slices in hot oil, about two minutes per side.
• Arrange the vegetables on a plate with the feta.
• Beat the vinegar and oil together and drizzle over the vegetables.
• Sprinkle with mint.

FRIED FETA GREEK SALAD PITAS

Steps:

• Combine the olives, cucumbers, red pepper and onion in a mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, a big pinch of salt and some black pepper and toss to combine. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator while you make the feta.
• For the feta, prepare a dredging station. In a rimmed dish, add the flour. In a separate rimmed dish, whisk the egg with a splash of water. In a third separate dish, whisk together the breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few turns of black pepper. Coat each chunk of feta in the flour and tap off the excess. Dunk in the beaten egg and then coat in the breadcrumbs, tapping off the excess.
• Heat a 1/4-inch layer of olive oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. (Test to see if it is hot enough by sprinkling a bit of breadcrumb in the oil. If it sizzles right away, it's ready.) Carefully place the breaded feta cubes in the oil and fry in batches for 90 seconds to 2 minutes on the first side, undisturbed. Flip and fry on the other side for another minute or so, or until golden brown. Remove to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet and allow excess oil to drain. Repeat until all pieces are fried.
• To serve, slice open each pita and create a pocket. Schmear a big plop of hummus inside each one, followed by some arugula. Top with a pile of the Greek salad, a few chunks of the warm, fried feta, a dollop of yogurt and a few pieces of mint. Serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce, if desired.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, mix together the water, sugar and yeast just to dissolve. Add the oil and salt and then gradually add the flour. Increase the speed to medium-high and mix for 7 to 10 minutes, adding just enough additional flour so that the dough no longer sticks to the bowl. Do not add too much flour. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky. Lightly coat a clean large bowl with oil or cooking spray, then place the dough in the bowl and turn it once or twice to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
• Turn the dough onto a clean work surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Mold each piece into a ball by stretching the top and tucking the edges under. Place the balls 1 inch apart on a piece of parchment paper, cover them with plastic wrap and let them rise for 30 minutes.
• Set an oven rack in the middle position. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment.
• With a rolling pin, roll out the balls of dough into 6-inch circles. Place them on the baking sheets and bake for about 5 minutes, or until they're puffy and just starting to brown.

TOMATO SALAD WITH FRIED FETA

Steps:

• Whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, sugar, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Divide and arrange the tomatoes, onion, arugula, and olives on four plates.
• Cut the feta cheese into 1" cubes. Beat egg in a small bowl and put the flour on a plate. Toss the cheese into the egg and shake off excess. Toss the egg coated cheese in the flour on the plate.
• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Add the cheese and fry over medium heat, turning until all sides are golden brown.
• Scatter the fried feta over the salad. Whisk the dressing again and spoon over the salad. Serve while the feta cheese is still warm.