Grilled Halloumi with Tomatoes
Introduction
Grilled Halloumi with Tomatoes is a delicious and easy dish that brightens up any meal. This recipe combines the salty, chewy goodness of halloumi cheese with sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a side dish and can be whipped up in just a few minutes.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Grilled Halloumi with Tomatoes because it’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Halloumi is a great source of protein and adds a unique taste to your plate. The combination of grilled cheese and fresh tomatoes is so satisfying that it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends and family with minimal effort!
How to Make Grilled Halloumi with Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch slabs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Directions
- Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Brush both sides of the halloumi slices with a little olive oil.
- Grill the halloumi slices for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown with grill marks. Remove them and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the cherry tomatoes with minced garlic for 3–4 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and blistered.
- Arrange the grilled halloumi on a serving plate and top it with the warm tomatoes and garlic.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a grind of black pepper.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
- Serve immediately.
How to Serve Grilled Halloumi with Tomatoes
Grilled Halloumi with Tomatoes is best served warm. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it alongside crusty bread, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables. It also makes a great addition to a charcuterie board.
How to Store Grilled Halloumi with Tomatoes
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cheese rubbery.
Tips to Make Grilled Halloumi with Tomatoes
- Make sure your skillet is hot before grilling the halloumi for the best grill marks.
- You can adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
- Feel free to add other herbs like oregano or thyme for a different flavor.
- If you can’t find fresh basil or parsley, dried herbs work too, just use less.
Variation
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the grilled cheese for more color and flavor. Roasted red peppers can also give a sweet twist to the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular cheese instead of halloumi?
Yes, but halloumi is unique in that it holds its shape when grilled. Other cheeses may melt instead.
2. Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, Grilled Halloumi with Tomatoes is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the grilled halloumi and tomatoes separately and combine them right before serving.
Enjoy trying out this simple yet flavorful dish of Grilled Halloumi with Tomatoes at your next meal!