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Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes |
Ready In: 50 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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My favorite kind of martini is one that I can eat more than drink! This is not one of those quicky drinks to throw together, but rather it is one you plan a bit for a party or dinner. I found this fabulous little drink online while researching the Greek food of Saganaki which is a fried cheese dish that can be served in various ways. I suggest that you paste the word Saganaki into the search above and check out some of the different styles the great Zaar chefs have here. Ingredients:
10 tomatoes, roughly chopped |
1 garlic clove |
5 leaves basil |
5 leaves mint |
4 ounces gin, to taste |
1/2 cup kalamata olive, pits removed, finely chopped |
1/4 cup caster sugar |
2 roma tomatoes, peeled and seeded, diced very finely |
1 english cucumber, peeled and diced very finely |
1/2 bunch chives, finely chopped |
1 cup halloumi cheese, cut into small cubes |
1 tablespoon olive oil |
Directions:
1. Make the Martini:.
2. Place the tomatoes, garlic, basil and mint in a blender and process until smooth. Strain using a fine sieve - don't press on the mixture, let it happen naturally. It will take a few hours to give you the required 2 cups of liquid.
3. The original recipe said to 'Throw away the remaining solids', but I add them to the bag I have in the freezer to make soup stock with. Add Gin to taste. Place this in the fridge to chill until ready to serve.
4. Make the Candied Olives:.
5. Preheat the oven to 200°F Place the finely chopped olives on a baking paper lined tray and sprinkle with the caster sugar. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the olives are dried.
6. Prepare the Haloumi:.
7. Slice the cheese into 1/2 inch cubes and dust with a little flour. Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the cheese over a medium heat - browning all sides. When cooked thread onto skewers.
8. Assemble the dish:.
9. Divide the diced Roma tomatoes, cucumber, candied olives and chives amongst four martini glasses, then pour over with the chilled martini mixture. Add the haloumi skewers and serve immediately.
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