Skip to main content

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.
Read More
Like a watermelon salad and salmon burgers.
A beefed-up take on a BBQ staple.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The secret to juicy grilled chicken, a sheet-cake swap for banana pudding, and more reasons to light up the grill and have people over all summer long.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
Chicken salad, pasta salad, and Caesar salad, all in one.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Use the beer, not the can, for this citrusy take on a classic that nods to mojo criollo.