Grilled haloumi
When it comes to Lebanese cuisine, there are plenty of dishes that stand out, with their flavorful ingredients and unique taste profiles. One of the staple ingredients that you will often find in Lebanese cuisine is haloumi. This cheese is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, and it is especially known for its versatility when it comes to cooking.
In this recipe, we will be taking the classic Lebanese ingredient of haloumi cheese and adding a grilled twist to it. By doing so, we are able to bring out the smoky and savory flavor of the cheese - creating a dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Before we dive into the specifics of the recipe, let’s talk a little more about haloumi cheese. This cheese is often made from a combination of cow, goat, and sheep’s milk. It is known for its unique texture - it is a firm cheese that can be sliced, grated, or fried without melting. This makes it a great choice for grilling as it maintains its shape and texture even when exposed to high heat.
When it comes to serving grilled haloumi, it is often served as a side dish or appetizer. It pairs well with a variety of different ingredients, such as tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs. In this recipe, we will be grilling slices of haloumi until they are slightly charred and crisp on the outside. We will then be serving the haloumi with a simple yet flavorful herb-based dressing.
To get started with this recipe, you will need to gather a few key ingredients. The first of these is haloumi cheese itself. You should be able to find this cheese at most grocery stores or specialty food stores. You will also need a few basic herbs and spices, such as fresh parsley, mint, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt.
To prepare the cheese for grilling, slice it into thin pieces - around 1/4 inch thick. Brush each slice with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt. Heat up your grill to medium-high heat and place the slices of cheese onto the grates. Cook for around 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is slightly charred and crispy on the outside.
While the cheese is grilling, you can prepare the herby dressing. Combine freshly chopped parsley, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and whisk everything together until the ingredients are well combined.
Once the cheese is finished grilling, remove it from the grill and arrange it on a plate. Drizzle the herb dressing over the cheese and serve immediately. You can also add some additional ingredients to the plate, such as fresh tomatoes or olives, to add some variety to the dish.
In conclusion, grilled haloumi is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following this recipe, you can create a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting appetizer or side dish to serve, give this grilled haloumi recipe a try!
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of haloumi cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Juice of half lemon
Instructions:
- Begin by slicing the haloumi cheese into thick slices.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, cumin and lemon juice.
- Coat each slice of haloumi cheese with the spice blend.
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Place the haloumi cheese slices directly onto the grill grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear.
- Once grilled, remove the haloumi cheese from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy as an appetizer or alongside a salad.