Pan Fried Mastelo

This was such a fun episode to film in Greece. It’s a classic Greek recipe for Pan Fried Mastelo with Pasteli, which is a drizzle made with sesame and honey. You can find versions of this recipe in restaurants all over Greece and my family and I order it all the time. Today I decided to make it at home, which I do from time to time, and filmed it for you. 

Mastelo is a soft white cheese that can be found in most grocery stores. For this recipe we bread it simply with flour and eggs and pan fry it in olive oil. It’s not a complicated recipe at all, but it does take care because you want to fry it well so the coating gets crispy, not burnt, and the cheese softens inside. 

Making the Pasteli is easy, the sesame seeds need to be lightly toasted and then add to honey that’s been warmed on the stovetop. This is then drizzled over the fried cheese and served immediately. You really want there to be a lot of sesame seeds for flavor and the honey to be liquified so it makes a light sauce and doesn’t harden. 

We loved Pan Fried Mastelo with Pasteli and make it year-round in our kitchen. I hope you’ll give this Greek favorite a try, it really is worth making at home. Or, if you go to a Greek restaurant you should definitely order it. Enjoy! 

Pan-Fried Mastelo with Pasteli drizzle  

This is one of the most delicious, sweet dishes. I love to make this for my family in Greece and had the best time filming this in Greece last summer. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 block Mastelo cheese (approx. 200–250g) 

• 1 egg, beaten 

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or as needed for coating) 

• Olive oil for frying 

• Honey  

• Sesame seeds  

Instructions: 

1. Prepare the cheese by slicing the Mastelo into even pieces. Thicker slices hold together better during frying. 

2. Set up a breading station for the cheese by placing the flour in a shallow plate and setting it aside. Then beat an egg in a separate bowl and set aside. 

3. Bread the cheese by dredging each slice in flour so it’s well-coated. Then dip each floured slice in the beaten egg, coating each side, then dip it in the flour again. For a thicker crust repeat this process. 

4. Cook the cheese by heating the olive oil in a skillet with high sides and frying each slice of cheese for about 2-3 minutes per side. 

5. Line a plate with a paper towel and place the freshly fried cheese slices on the towel to drain for a few minutes. 

6. Move the cheese to a serving plate. 

7. In a small saucepan, warm the honey and add the sesame seeds. Drizzle this mixture over the fried cheese and serve. 

Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.