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Beid bi Gebna Maqli

This is usually prepared in individual portions in two-handled frying pans and served in the same pans straight from the fire. You can, of course, use one larger frying pan, or as many as are convenient. In the Middle East, the hard, dry Greek cheeses kashkaval, kefalotyri, or kasseri and the white, firm, slightly rubbery halumi are used.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 1

Ingredients

1 thick slice cheese
Flour (optional)
1 tablespoon butter or extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
1 egg
Salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Some people dip the slice of cheese in flour before frying it, but this is not really necessary.

    Step 2

    Fry the cheese in hot butter or oil. When it begins to melt, sprinkle with lemon juice if you like, and open the egg over it. Cook until the white sets. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper (taking into consideration the saltiness of the cheese), and serve piping hot.

Cover of Claudia Roden's The New Book of Middle Easter Food, featuring a blue filigree bowl filled with Meyer lemons and sprigs of mint.
Reprinted with permission from The New Book of Middle Eastern Food, copyright © 2000 by Claudia Roden, published by Knopf. Buy the full book on Amazon or Bookshop.
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