Crispy Halloumi Bites with Zesty Caper Vinaigrette
Indulge in the delightful crunch of crispy fried halloumi, perfectly paired with a zesty caper vinaigrette that invigorates your palate. This dish is a celebration of flavors, combining the richness of the halloumi cheese with the tangy brightness of lemon and savory capers. It's an elegant appetizer or a delightful snack, ideal for impressing your guests or enjoying with family. If you can't find white balsamic vinegar, a simple substitute is a mix of regular balsamic vinegar with a hint of honey or sugar to mimic its sweetness and acidity. Serve these golden bites alongside crusty bread for a complete experience!
4
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
lemon
1 (juice and zest, finely grated)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon
white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon
capers
1-2 tablespoons
garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
shallot
1 (finely chopped)
parsley
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
salt
to taste
freshly ground black pepper
to taste
olive oil
for frying
halloumi cheese
300 g
plain flour
for dusting ((all purpose))
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and zest, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, white balsamic vinegar, finely chopped capers, garlic, shallots, and parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
While the dressing is resting, prepare the halloumi. Pat the cheese dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then slice it into 8 even pieces.
3
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the cheese.
4
Lightly dust each slice of halloumi with flour, shaking off any excess. Carefully place the cheese in the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5
Fry the halloumi for about 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. If needed, adjust the heat to prevent burning.
6
Once cooked, remove the halloumi from the skillet and place it on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7
Serve the crispy halloumi immediately, drizzling the zesty caper vinaigrette over the top and pairing it with slices of crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
13g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Halloumi Bites with Zesty Caper Vinaigrette?
They are a delightful appetizer consisting of fried halloumi cheese paired with a tangy dressing made of lemon, capers, and herbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it uses halloumi cheese as the primary protein.
What can I use if I do not have white balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute white balsamic vinegar with a mix of regular balsamic vinegar and a hint of honey or sugar.
How much halloumi cheese do I need?
The recipe requires 300 grams of halloumi cheese.
How should I prepare the halloumi before frying?
You should pat the cheese dry with paper towels and then slice it into 8 even pieces.
Why is it important to pat the halloumi dry?
Patting the cheese dry removes excess moisture, which helps it achieve a crispier texture when frying.
What ingredients are in the zesty caper vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette contains lemon juice and zest, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, white balsamic vinegar, capers, garlic, shallots, and parsley.
How long should the halloumi be fried?
Fry the halloumi for about 1 minute on each side until it is golden brown and crispy.
What should I dust the halloumi with before cooking?
Lightly dust each slice with plain all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
What kind of oil should be used for frying the cheese?
Use a generous amount of olive oil in a non-stick skillet for frying.
How do I prevent the halloumi from burning while frying?
Ensure the oil is hot before adding the cheese and adjust the heat as needed during the process.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 13 grams of carbohydrates.
Should the vinaigrette be prepared in advance?
Yes, set the dressing aside while preparing the cheese to allow the flavors to meld.
How many pieces of halloumi should I get from 300g?
The recipe recommends slicing the block into 8 even pieces.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley.
What should I serve with the crispy halloumi?
It is recommended to serve the bites with the vinaigrette drizzled over the top and slices of crusty bread.
Is garlic included in the vinaigrette?
Yes, the dressing includes one finely chopped garlic clove.
What type of mustard is required?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
How much lemon is used?
The recipe uses the juice and the finely grated zest of one lemon.
What should I do with the cheese after it is fried?
Place the fried halloumi on paper towels to absorb any excess oil before serving.
Can I fry all the cheese at once?
You should fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include halloumi, fried cheese, caper vinaigrette, appetizer, snack, vegetarian, and easy recipe.
How many capers are needed for the dressing?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of capers in the vinaigrette.
What kind of pan is best for this recipe?
A non-stick skillet is recommended for frying the halloumi.
Is there shallot in the vinaigrette?
Yes, the recipe uses one finely chopped shallot.
When should the dish be served?
The crispy halloumi should be served immediately for the best texture.