Greek cuisine · Salads & Mezze

Mastelo Psito

The semi-firm mastelo cheese from Chios is browned in the pan and eaten hot with lemon and oregano.

Ingredients · for 4 servings

• 400 g mastelo cheese (or halloumi instead)
• 2 lemons
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Cut the cheese into four slices about 1.5 cm thick and pat dry all over with paper towel so it browns in the pan instead of releasing water.
2. Preheat a heavy pan without fat over medium heat for 2 min., then add the olive oil and spread it evenly.
3. Place the cheese slices in the pan and fry for 2–3 min. per side without moving them, until a golden crust forms and the center softens.
4. Toast the sesame seeds in a second dry pan for 2 min. until fragrant and light brown.
5. Pour the juice of half a lemon over the hot cheese, sprinkle immediately with oregano and pepper and let the pan juices bubble up briefly.
6. Lift the slices onto a warmed platter, drizzle with honey, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately with the remaining lemon wedges.