Have you ever heard of halloumi cheese? It’s a unique cheese that doesn’t melt when you cook it. This makes it perfect for grilling or frying. Today, we’ll learn how to grill halloumi and serve it in two delicious ways.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What halloumi cheese is, and where it comes from
- How to prepare halloumi for grilling
- Step-by-step instructions for grilling halloumi
- Two easy and tasty ways to serve grilled halloumi
- Tips for buying and storing halloumi
- Ready to discover this yummy cheese? Let’s dive in!
What is Halloumi Cheese?
Halloumi is a unique cheese from Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s popular in Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries too.
Here are some fun facts about halloumi:
- It’s made from a mix of sheep’s and goat’s milk
- It has a salty taste, somewhere between feta and mozzarella
- Unlike most cheeses, it doesn’t melt when heated
- It’s high in protein, making it a healthy choice
Because it doesn’t melt, halloumi is excellent for grilling. When cooked, it gets crispy outside but stays soft on the inside.
Preparing Halloumi for Grilling
Photo Credit – Flickr
Before we start grilling, we need to get the cheese ready. Here’s how:
- Open the package and drain any liquid
- Pat the cheese dry with paper towels
- Cut the cheese into thick slices (about 1/2 inch thick)
- If the cheese is too salty, soak it in cold water for 30 minutes
How to Grill Halloumi Cheese
Now, let’s get grilling! Follow these simple steps:
- Heat a grill pan or regular pan over medium heat
- Add a little olive oil to the pan
- Place the halloumi slices in the hot pan
- Cook on one side for 3-4 minutes (don’t move it!)
- Flip the cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes on the other side
- Remove from the pan when both sides are golden brown
Two Tasty Ways to Serve Grilled Halloumi
1. Mediterranean Platter
This is a great way to serve halloumi for breakfast or as a snack:
- Arrange the grilled halloumi on a plate
- โขAdd sliced cucumbers and tomatoes
- Sprinkle with za’atar (a Middle Eastern spice mix)
- Serve with warm pita bread
2. Halloumi Salad
For a light lunch or dinner, try this easy salad:
- Place mixed salad greens on a plate
- Add the grilled halloumi slices
- Toss in some cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices
- Sprinkle with fresh mint leaves
- Dress with lemon juice and olive oil
Both these serving ideas are simple, healthy, and delicious!
Tips for Buying and Storing Halloumi
Here are some helpful tips:
- Look for halloumi in the cheese section of your grocery store
- Choose brands from Cyprus for the most authentic taste
- Keep unopened halloumi in the fridge for up to a year
- Once opened, use within a week
- If the cheese is too salty, soak it in water before cooking
Conclusion
Grilling halloumi is an easy way to make a tasty and unique dish. This non-melting cheese will impress whether you serve it on a platter or in a salad. Try grilling some halloumi for your next meal.
Have you ever tried halloumi before? What’s your favorite way to eat it?
Photo Credit – Freepik
