Grilled Halloumi Skewers are a delightful appetizer or side dish made with halloumi cheese, a semi-hard, brined cheese that's known for its excellent grilling properties. A step-by-step guide to making Grilled Halloumi Skewers:
Ingredients:
- 250g (about 9 ounces) of halloumi cheese
- Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion (cut into chunks)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, or oregano)
- Wooden skewers (pre-soaked in water to prevent burning)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Halloumi:
- Cut the halloumi cheese into chunks or slices that are suitable for skewering. Keep in mind that halloumi is quite salty, so you don't need to add additional salt.
2. Marinate the Cheese and Vegetables:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped fresh herbs. This will be your marinade.
- Toss the halloumi chunks and the cut vegetables in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for about 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated halloumi cheese, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion chunks onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers. You can alternate the ingredients for a colorful presentation.
4. Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
- Place the skewers on the grill, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until the halloumi has grill marks and the vegetables are tender. Be careful not to overcook the halloumi, as it can become rubbery if grilled for too long.
6. Serve Hot:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve them hot. You can drizzle any remaining marinade over the grilled halloumi and vegetables for extra flavor.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
- Grilled Halloumi Skewers are best enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish and can be served with a dipping sauce like tzatziki or a balsamic reduction for added flavor.
These Grilled Halloumi Skewers are perfect for summer cookouts or as a delicious vegetarian option at any barbecue. Enjoy the savory, slightly salty, and wonderfully grilled halloumi cheese alongside the sweet and smoky grilled vegetables.