Halloumi is a cheese from Cyprus, made from goat’s milk.
In Greece, it’s fried and lit on fire as an appetizer. It’s quite delicious. I wanted a healthier version so I grilled the halloumi, and topped it with seasonal fresh fruit. Roasting the fruit brings out a rich flavor and savory taste. I cut the strawberries and cherries in half, and the watermelon in small chunks for a more chunky style.
This also makes a great appetizer, just grill the cheese slices and place in a platter and sprinkle the fruit all around. Serve with a crusty bread. I served it as a salad after the meal.
- 1 lb. Halloumi cheese, cut in ¼" slices
- 1 lb. strawberries, cut in half
- ½ small red watermelon, cut into 1' cubed
- 1 lb. red cherries, pitted, and halved
- 1 tsp. dried powdered vanilla or a very small dash of liquid vanilla
- Zest of one orange
- Juice of one orange
- olive oil for roasting pan, BBQ and fruit
- Set oven to 400 degrees.
- Start the grill, or grill pan.
- Place the cut fruit in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
- Oil a large sheet pan or cookie sheet. Spread fruit on pan.
- Sprinkle with vanilla. Place in the middle of the oven.
- Roast for 3-4 minutes or until fruit is slightly soft. Do not overcook.
- Remove from oven and set aside.
- Place the cut slices in a flat plate.
- Brush with olive oil on both sides.
- Add orange zest.
- Oil grill and place cheese on one side for 2-3 minutes, flip carefully and grill for additional 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from the grill and place in individual plates or a large platter.
- Arrange the fruit on the small plates and add the cheese.
- Add a sprinkle of orange juice, and zest.
In my recipe, I used powdered vanilla by Cooks. It can be found online.
The cheese can be found at any ethnic store or natural food stores in your area.
The olive oil I used was the orange-flavored oil from the “O Olive Oil” company . Or you can use any flavored olive oil found at your local olive oil store. http://www.weolive.com/ or http://www.temeculaoliveoil.com/
Hint: Make and serve immediately. Cheese can be BBQ or grilled early in the day and re-heated. But I recommend the fruit be prepared before serving.
© 2011 – 2019, Mary Papoulias-Platis. All rights reserved.
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