Description
Crispy fried halloumi cheese served atop vibrant grain bowls packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. This vegetarian recipe combines the salty, squeaky texture of golden-fried halloumi with wholesome grains and crunchy veggies, making for a satisfying and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Halloumi and Cooking
- 200g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
Grain Bowl Base
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Grain Base: Cook the quinoa and brown rice according to package instructions, then spread them out on a plate or bowl to form the base of your grain bowl.
- Fry the Halloumi: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the halloumi slices and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the halloumi is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the parsley. Toss the mixed salad greens gently to freshen them.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and minced garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Grain Bowls: On top of the quinoa and brown rice base, arrange the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley evenly. Place the golden fried halloumi slices on top.
- Drizzle and Serve: Generously drizzle the lemony dressing over the assembled grain bowls. Serve immediately while the halloumi is warm and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa or brown rice with other cooked grains like bulgur or farro.
- For a vegan option, try tofu marinated and fried similarly instead of halloumi.
- Adjust the dressing sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup to suit your taste.
- This recipe is best eaten fresh to enjoy the halloumi’s crispy texture.
