Pan-Seared Halloumi with Caramelised Balsamic Glaze
This delectable Pan-Seared Halloumi with Caramelised Balsamic Glaze is a delightful Greek-inspired dish that combines the rich, tangy flavor of halloumi cheese with a sweet and sticky balsamic vinegar reduction. Perfectly seared until golden brown, the halloumi's salty taste contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the caramelised balsamic. Serve this dish as an elegant appetizer or as part of a mezze platter alongside warm pita bread and fresh herbs, and watch it become a favorite at any gathering!
4
Servings
145
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Halloumi cheese
8 ounces (Cut into 6 slices)
Flour
3 tablespoons (Season with salt and pepper)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (For frying)
Balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons (For caramelising)
Soft brown sugar
1 tablespoon (For caramelising)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (For dressing)
Salt
to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Fresh parsley
for garnish (Sprigs)
Pita bread
to serve (Warmed)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the caramelised balsamic dressing. In a small saucepan, heat the balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2
Once simmering, add the soft brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and darkens in color, approximately 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
4
Unwrap the halloumi cheese and cut it into six evenly-sized slices. The slices should be about 1/2 inch thick to ensure they cook evenly.
5
In a shallow dish, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Dredge each piece of halloumi in the seasoned flour, coating both sides thoroughly.
6
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the floured halloumi slices to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd it.
7
Fry the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
8
To serve, pour half of the caramelised balsamic dressing onto a warm plate, spreading it evenly.
9
Carefully place the fried halloumi slices on top and drizzle the remaining dressing over the cheese.
10
For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh parsley sprigs and serve immediately alongside warm pitta bread.
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
6.25g
Carbs
5.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pan-Seared Halloumi with Caramelised Balsamic Glaze?
It is a Greek-inspired dish featuring seared halloumi cheese paired with a sweet and sticky balsamic vinegar reduction.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the halloumi dish?
The main ingredients are halloumi cheese, flour, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and soft brown sugar.
How do I prepare the balsamic glaze?
Simmer balsamic vinegar with soft brown sugar until it thickens and darkens, then whisk in extra virgin olive oil.
How long should the halloumi be fried?
Each side of the halloumi should be fried for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
What type of sugar is required for the glaze?
The recipe specifically calls for soft brown sugar to achieve the desired caramelisation.
What kind of oil should be used for frying?
Standard olive oil is used for the frying process, while extra virgin olive oil is used for the dressing.
Why is the halloumi dredged in flour?
Dredging in seasoned flour helps the cheese achieve a crispy, golden-brown texture when seared.
How thick should I cut the halloumi slices?
The slices should be approximately 1/2 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it immediately as an appetizer or as part of a mezze platter with warm pita bread.
Can this recipe be adapted for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour for dredging and serve it with gluten-free bread alternatives.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of this recipe contains approximately 145 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 10.5g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this halloumi dish?
Each serving contains 5.5g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content?
This recipe contains 6.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prevent the balsamic reduction from burning?
Stir the vinegar and sugar mixture continuously and monitor the heat carefully as it thickens.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
The recipe recommends garnishing with fresh parsley sprigs.
Is halloumi a salty cheese?
Yes, halloumi is known for its distinctively rich and salty flavor profile.
How should the pita bread be prepared for serving?
The pita bread should be warmed before being served alongside the seared cheese.
What heat setting should be used for the frying pan?
Medium-high heat is recommended to get the best sear on the halloumi.
How many slices are made from the 8 ounces of cheese?
The 8 ounces of halloumi should be cut into 6 evenly-sized slices.
How is the caramelised dressing applied to the plate?
Half the dressing is spread on the plate first, and the rest is drizzled over the cheese.
What should the flour be seasoned with?
The flour should be seasoned with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
While best fresh, the glaze can be made ahead, but the cheese should be fried just before serving.
Is this dish suitable for a mezze platter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a great addition to a mezze platter.
What is the purpose of the extra virgin olive oil in this recipe?
It is whisked into the cooled balsamic reduction to create the final dressing.
How long should the glaze cool before adding oil?
Allow the saucepan to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before whisking in the oil.
How many ingredients are listed in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients required to make this dish.
Should the fried cheese be drained?
Yes, place the fried slices on a paper towel briefly to drain any excess frying oil.