Grilled Halloumi With Vegetables

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Halloumi

For the best results, choose a firm halloumi cheese that can withstand the grilling process without falling apart. Look for halloumi that's slightly squeaky to the bite, as this indicates freshness. When grilling, make sure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat, which allows for a nice golden crust to form on the surface. Watch closely as halloumi can go from perfectly grilled to overly charred in a mere minute or two.

To enhance the flavor, consider brushing the halloumi slices lightly with olive oil before placing them on the grill. This not only helps prevent sticking but also adds an extra layer of richness. Remember to grill halloumi for about 2-3 minutes on each side, flipping gently with a spatula to maintain its shape. The goal is to achieve a beautiful golden-brown coloration with a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft.

After grilling, let the halloumi slices rest for a minute or two off the heat. This allows the cheese to firm up a bit and makes it easier to slice later, ensuring you get that delightful texture in every bite, whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Choosing and Preparing Vegetables

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms can be excellent substitutes for the bell peppers or zucchini. If using tomatoes, consider threading them onto skewers to avoid them falling through the grill grates. Uniformly sliced vegetables will cook more evenly, so try to keep the pieces similar in size to ensure even grilling.

When marinating vegetables, let them sit for at least 15 minutes after tossing them with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. This allows the flavors to penetrate and enhances their taste significantly. If you're short on time, even a quick 5-minute toss will do. Keep an eye on the vegetables while grilling; they should be tender and have nice char marks but not be overly mushy. It's better to be slightly underdone than overcooked as they'll continue to soften off heat.

For added flavor, consider sprinkling the grilled vegetables with fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving. This not only incorporates fresh notes but also gives a burst of color, making the dish even more vibrant. A drizzle of balsamic glaze could also enhance the flavor profile nicely.

Storage and Reheating Options

If you find yourself with leftovers, grilled halloumi and vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until heated through; avoid microwaving as it can make the cheese rubbery.

For those looking to meal prep, consider grilling a larger batch of vegetables and halloumi at once which can then be portioned for quick lunches throughout the week. They make excellent additions to salads or wraps, offering a heartier filling alternative. To make this dish even easier for weeknight dinners, grill the vegetables in advance and combine them with fresh, grilled halloumi right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This grilled halloumi dish can be served as an appetizer, side, or main course. For a light lunch or dinner, pair it with a bright citrus salad or a grain-based side like couscous or quinoa, which will soak up the flavorful juices from the grilled vegetables. Don’t shy away from drizzling a little extra olive oil or balsamic vinegar on top for an added layer of taste.

If you're thinking of making this dish for a gathering or picnic, consider packing the components separately and assembling them on-site. This preserves the texture of the halloumi and vegetables, making for a fresh presentation. Adding dips like tzatziki or hummus on the side can elevate the experience and provide a creamy contrast to the grilled flavors.