Tahini-Kissed Grilled Halloumi with Roasted Peppers

Halloumi is a brined cheese that originated in Cyprus and is now beloved throughout the Middle East and beyond. It has a high melting point, which means that it can be grilled or fried without melting, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans. In this recipe, we pair grilled halloumi with roasted peppers for a colorful, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. The key to this recipe is to get the halloumi nice and crispy on the outside while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside. We achieve this by grilling the halloumi over medium heat for a few minutes per side. Once the halloumi is cooked, we brush it with a simple tahini sauce made with tahini, lemon juice, and a touch of salt and pepper. This sauce adds a creamy, nutty flavor to the halloumi and helps to balance out the smoky flavor of the grill. The roasted peppers add a vibrant pop of color and flavor to the dish. We roast the peppers in a hot oven until they are tender and slightly caramelized. This process brings out the natural sweetness of the peppers and gives them a slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with the halloumi and tahini sauce.

Halloumi is brined cheese that originated in Cyprus in the Middle Ages. It is typically made from a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk and has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for grilling or frying. The exact origins of halloumi are unknown, but it is believed to have been created by accident when a cheesemaker was trying to preserve milk left out in the fields and used a nearby plant called 'halloum' for its leaves to coagulate the milk. The resulting cheese had a unique texture and flavor and soon became a popular food in Cyprus and the surrounding region. Halloumi has been a staple of the Cypriot diet for centuries and is often served as part of a meze, an appetizer consisting of small dishes served with drinks before the main meal. It can also be used in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. In recent years, halloumi has become increasingly popular worldwide and is now available in most supermarkets. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes and is a great way to add some Mediterranean flavor to your meals. Halloumi is a delicious cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a good source of protein and calcium and has a unique flavor and texture that makes it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package (8 ounces) halloumi cheese, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the bell peppers with olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Spread the bell peppers in an even layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly caramelized.
5. While the peppers are roasting, grill the halloumi slices in a grill pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and lemon juice.
7. Drizzle the tahini sauce over the grilled halloumi slices.
8. Serve the halloumi with the roasted peppers.

Why It Works

• The high melting point of halloumi makes it possible to grill or fry it without melting, which gives it a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
• The tahini sauce adds a creamy, nutty flavor to the halloumi and helps to balance out the smoky flavor of the grill.
• The roasted peppers add a vibrant pop of color and flavor to the dish and their natural sweetness pairs well with the halloumi and tahini sauce.