If in Cyprus, you must not miss Halloumi cheese dishes
What's the story
Halloumi cheese, the culinary pride of Cyprus, holds a secret superpower: it doesn't melt when you cook it!
Crafted from a blend of goat's, sheep's, and occasionally cow's milk, halloumi imparts a subtle salty flavor and a signature layered texture.
This article explores how halloumi weaves its magic into Cyprus' culinary tapestry, from traditional dishes to trendy innovations.
Discover the art of halloumi, from timeless classics to contemporary creations.
Grilling
Halloumi grill: A must-try experience
Grilled halloumi is a popular and super easy dish that lets you savor the squeaky cheese in all its glory.
In Cyprus, it's often served as an appetizer or side dish, perfect for sharing.
The cheese is sliced thickly and grilled until it develops a crispy golden-brown crust while remaining soft and chewy inside. Yum!
Often, it's served with a squeeze of lemon juice or alongside fresh veggies.
Salad Twist
Incorporating halloumi into salads
Halloumi is the perfect ingredient to elevate your salads with its unique texture and flavor.
A classic Cypriot salad features grilled halloumi chunks alongside ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a refreshing hint of fresh mint, all dressed in a simple olive oil and lemon juice vinaigrette.
This salad highlights the versatility of halloumi in cold dishes, creating a delicious contrast between the salty cheese and the crisp, fresh veggies.
Morning delight
Halloumi as part of breakfast
In Cyprus, no day begins without a hearty serving of halloumi.
This beloved cheese is a breakfast staple, gracing morning platters alongside fresh bread and fruit.
Sometimes, it's just fried until it turns golden brown.
Thanks to its high melting point, it can be easily fried or grilled without requiring any extra oil.
Sweet innovation
Creative uses in sweets
While it may not be conventional, some adventurous Cypriot chefs are also starting to experiment with halloumi in desserts!
One standout creation is the halloumi cheesecake, in which grated halloumi is blended into the cheesecake mixture prior to baking.
This unexpected pairing showcases the surprising versatility of halloumi - proving that it can hold its own even in the realm of sweet treats that tantalize the taste buds.
Culinary tips
Cooking tips for perfect halloumi dishes
For perfect halloumi dishes, pat the cheese dry before frying or grilling to eliminate moisture. This helps achieve a deliciously crispy exterior.
Marinate in herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Make sure slices are thick enough to withstand grilling. Less is more when it comes to cooking time - you want it to be juicy!