Whole Grilled Halloumi with Stone Fruit and Pistachios
Servings: 4 as an appetizer (2 as a main)
Savor the perfect summer bite with whole grilled halloumi, paired beautifully with juicy stone fruits and crunchy pistachios for a flavorful appetizer.
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Ingredients
- 250-300 grams (8-10 oz) block of halloumi cheese
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 6-8 large apricots (or 4 large plums), pitted and sliced
- 3 tbsp liquid honey
- zest from half a lemon
- 3-4 tbsp chopped pistachios
- pinch of chili flakes
- fresh mint and/or basil leaves
- baguette or other crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- To a medium bowl add boiling water and the block of halloumi cheese. Let soak for 10 minutes.
- While the halloumi soaks, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400-425F) and grease the grates with a bit of oil.
- After the halloumi soaks for 10 minutes, remove it from the bowl of boiling water and use paper towel to pat it as dry as you can. Plate on a plate and score both sides of the block of halloumi with a sharp knife. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and rub the olive oil into the halloumi. Set aside.
- In a cast iron pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced apricots (or plums). Toss a bit with the olive oil and bring it out to the grill along with the plate of halloumi.
- Once the grill is hot, add the cast iron pan to the grill and add halloumi straight onto the grill grates beside it. Sear the halloumi for 2 minutes per side to get some nice grill marks. Then, move the halloumi into the cast iron pan and nestle the halloumi in the middle of the apricots (or plums). Drizzle the honey over everything in the pan and give the fruit a little stir.
- Cook for about 8-12 minutes, until the fruit has softened and is bubbling a bit, check it once or twice and stir the fruit if desired. Once ready, remove from the grill.
- Move the halloumi to a serving platter and scoop the cooked fruit around and on top of the cheese. Garnish with lemon zest, pistachios, chili flakes and fresh basil and/or fresh mint leaves. Use a knife to cut slices of the halloumi. Serve with the toasted baguette or other crusty bread of choice.
Notes
- How to make crostini to serve with this appetizer: To a baking sheet add slices of baguette bread. Brush the bread slices with olive oil on one side and place in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5-7 minutes until toasted. Set aside to cool.
- If you don't have pistachios, try toasted almonds or walnuts.
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