Known for its unique texture and ability to be grilled without melting, halloumi appeals to cheese lovers the world over. Originally from Cyprus, this Mediterranean specialty is at the heart of several delicious recipes. How does it taste ? How to cook it? Where to find it? We tell you everything about halloumi and what recipes to prepare with this cheese.
Halloumi: how does it taste?
The flavor of halloumi is salty and spicy with an elastic texture and varies according to the seasons and the type of milk used. In the original recipe, halloumi was made from mouflon milk. Now it most often consists of sheep’s and goat’s milk mixed together (and sometimes even with a little cow’s milk). The sugars it contains caramelize on the outside when cooked and give it a pleasant sweet onion taste. Its texture is supple, elastic and rubbery.
How to successfully cook halloumi?
To cook this cheese, there are two preferred methods. First option, grill the halloumi in the oven for 30 minutes at 210°C. At the exit, you get a nice slice of roasted cheese, caramelized on the outside, but still melting in the heart. Second option, fry the halloumi 3 minutes on each side. Otherwise, it is also possible to prepare grilled halloumi on the barbecue or the plancha, for your summer grills!
Is halloumi good for health?
Food rich in protein (22 g per 100 g), halloumi is ideal for people wishing to eat a meal without meat. “This cheese contains essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin B12 and zinc“, indicates the site Words of Cheesemakers. Nevertheless, be aware that halloumi remains a relatively high in fat and sodium, which is why it should be consumed in moderation.
Where can I find halloumi?
Now very popular in many countries around the world, halloumi is found in various places. Many supermarkets offer this cheese in their dairy section. Specialty grocery stores, especially Mediterranean grocery stores, are places where you can get this Cypriot specialty. Some artisan cheese shops offer halloumi, especially if they focus on making traditional and international cheeses. It is also possible to find halloumi from producers at farmers’ or local markets.
Halloumi: our recipe ideas
The recipes are for 4 people.
Veggie burger with red cabbage and pan-fried halloumi
You can serve these burgers with sweet potato fries.
Cut halloumi cheese into 8 slices and marinate them for 20 minutes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice and zest. Pepper lightly. Grate half a red cabbage. Salt then add 3 tablespoons of cottage cheese, chopped dill and a little horseradish. Stir and taste to adjust the seasoning. Cut 4 loaves in half and warm them in the oven. Slice a cucumber into thin strips. Sear the slices of cheese in the pan to brown them slightly on each side. Assemble the burgers: on the basic half-loaves, place a few slices of cucumber, a lettuce leaf, the red cabbage then 2 slices of halloumi and a little sprouted seeds.
Arugula salad, nectarines and grilled halloumi
For a tangy touch, you can add a few fresh raspberries at the time of dressing.
In a bowl, mix the ingredients for the vinaigrette: 1 tbsp. tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp. tablespoons olive oil and 1 tbsp. liquid honey. Season to taste and set aside. Rinse 3 nectarines and cut them into thin strips. Peel and chop a red onion finely. Cut the halloumi cheese into 4 large slices. Brush it with honey. Pour a little oil on a very hot griddle and brown the cheese for a few seconds on each side. Sear the nectarines for a few seconds on each side. In the bottom of 4 soup plates, distribute 250 g of mesclun and 100 g of arugula. Add the roasted nectarines and the red onion strips. Place the cheese slices. Sprinkle with pink berries. Serve immediately.
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⋙ Artichoke with vinaigrette: Cyril Lignac’s super simple recipe