Grilled Halloumi Cheese with Vegetables

This delightful recipe combines the savory flavors of grilled halloumi cheese with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, creating a dish that's both visually appealing and delicious. Halloumi, with its high melting point, is perfect for grilling, offering a slightly crispy outside and a soft, chewy interior. Paired with sweet potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and a hint of chili for spice, this dish is a symphony of textures and tastes. The dressing, made from a combination of rapeseed and olive oils with a dash of white balsamic vinegar and a peppery kick, elevates the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors. Quick to prepare, this dish is ideal for a light lunch or dinner, especially during warmer months when grilling is a favored activity. It's not just a treat for the taste buds but also nutritious, being rich in protein from the cheese and various vitamins from the vegetables. The aromatic herbs and spices add depth to the dish, making it both comforting and invigorating. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and promises a rewarding culinary experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 sweet potatoes
• 1 small zucchini
• 1 eggplant
• 2 red chilies
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 400g halloumi cheese
• 2 large tomatoes
• 1/2 cucumber

Spices

• Santa Maria stone salt grinder
• 2 tsp Santa Maria Five Pepper Blend Grinder

Sauce

• 1/2 dl rapeseed oil
• 1/2 dl olive oil
• 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

Garnish

• 1 large sprig of flat-leaf parsley

Preparation Time

Total Time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Sauce: Mix together the rapeseed oil, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, and the five pepper blend in a small bowl. Set aside for flavors to meld.
2. Peel and Slice: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thin rounds. Boil them in lightly salted water until just tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Chop the Vegetables: Cut the zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and halloumi cheese into large chunks or slices. Keep the slices consistent for even cooking.
4. Prepare for Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the sweet potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers on the grill. Cook until they have nice grill marks and are tender, about 5 minutes per side.
5. Grill the Halloumi: Add the halloumi cheese slices to the grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown with crispy edges.
6. Add the Chili: Grill the chili briefly to soften and release its flavors, being cautious with handling due to its spiciness.
7. Assemble the Dish: In a serving dish, layer the grilled vegetables alongside the cheese. Add fresh slices of tomato and cucumber for a crisp contrast.
8. Dress the Dish: Drizzle the prepared sauce over the vegetables and cheese, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
9. Garnish with Parsley: Chop the parsley finely and sprinkle over the top for a fresh, herby note.
10. Final Touches: Season with additional salt if desired to taste.
11. Serve Immediately: Enjoy while the grilled ingredients are still warm for the best flavor and texture combination.

Tips

• Cheese Grilling Tip: Make sure the grill is well-oiled to prevent the halloumi from sticking.
• Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to swap in other vegetables such as mushrooms or asparagus depending on your preferences.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili to your desired level of heat.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 450 per serving
• Protein: 22g
• Fats: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Variations

• Vegan Option: Replace halloumi with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Herb Modification: Add different herbs like basil or mint for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a light side of quinoa or couscous.
• Pair with chilled white wine or lemon-infused water for refreshment.

Best Places

1. The Cheese Bar - Offers a variety of grilled cheese dishes with fresh ingredients. Location: 94 Camden St, London, UK.

2. Grilled & Roasted - Known for its diverse menu of grilled delicacies. Location: 5th Avenue, New York, USA.

3. Bistro des Grilleurs - A cozy spot with a wide range of grilled specialties. Location: Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.

4. El Asador - Combines Mediterranean flavors with grilling techniques. Location: Calle de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.

5. Osteria al Grill - Italian bistro specializing in traditional grilling. Location: Via Venti Settembre, Rome, Italy.

6. Cheesy Flavours - Offers unique grilled cheese experiences. Location: Königstraße, Stuttgart, Germany.

7. The Grillyard - Casual dining with an emphasis on grilled dishes. Location: Church St, Melbourne, Australia.

8. Brasas y Sabores - Expertly crafted grilled meals with local ingredients. Location: Rua Augusta, São Paulo, Brazil.

9. Smoked Delights - Features a special menu of smoked and grilled items. Location: Broad St, Cape Town, South Africa.

10. Fuegos & Sabores - Traditional Argentine grill with international influence. Location: Avenida Libertador, Buenos Aires, Argentina.