Pear Halloumi Skewers With Chili Sauce
Pear Halloumi Skewers with Chili Sauce is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. The soft, sweet pears pair perfectly with the salty, grilled halloumi cheese, making these skewers a fantastic appetizer or side dish. They are quick to prepare and feature bright colors that are sure to impress your guests.
Why Make This Recipe
These skewers are not only delicious, but they are also easy to make! They bring together simple ingredients in a way that elevates any meal. This recipe is great for outdoor grilling or a cozy evening at home. The combination of flavors will impress your family and friends, making it the perfect choice for gatherings or special occasions.
How to Make Pear Halloumi Skewers With Chili Sauce
Ingredients:
- 7 oz (200g) halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 ripe but firm pears, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh mint or parsley, for garnish
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
Directions:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if you like extra heat). Set aside this tasty sauce.
- Alternate threading the halloumi cubes and pear chunks onto the skewers.
- Brush the skewers with olive oil.
- Grill the skewers on a grill pan or an outdoor grill over medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side, until the halloumi is golden and the pears are slightly caramelized.
- Drizzle the skewers with the prepared chili sauce and garnish with fresh mint or parsley.
- Serve immediately as an appetizer or alongside a light grain salad.
How to Serve Pear Halloumi Skewers With Chili Sauce
These skewers are best served warm. You can serve them on a platter for guests to enjoy while mingling or alongside a fresh salad for a light meal. Drizzling more chili sauce on top right before serving can add an extra kick!
How to Store Pear Halloumi Skewers With Chili Sauce
If you have leftovers, place the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 2 days. To reheat, you can warm them on a grill pan over low heat, ensuring they do not dry out.
Tips to Make Pear Halloumi Skewers With Chili Sauce
- Make sure the pears are ripe but firm; this way, they will hold their shape when grilled.
- Experiment with different herbs for garnish, such as basil or cilantro, to refresh the flavors.
- If you don’t have fresh ginger, powdered ginger can be used in a pinch, but fresh will give you the best flavor.
Variation
You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers for added color and nutrition. If you prefer a different protein, shrimp or chicken could also work well with this flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! If you can’t find halloumi, you can try using feta or another firm cheese that can withstand grilling.
2. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for meat-free meals.
3. Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
You can prepare the skewers and store them in the refrigerator. Just grill them shortly before serving for the best taste and texture.