Haloumi (2024)

Halloumi has a very appealing flavor that's unlike any other cheese: mellow, but not in the least boring, mildly feta-like, notably tangy, and never too strong. It can be enjoyed almost any of the ways you'd eat other cheeses: sliced, for a simple snack, cubed in salads or melted it in or on casseroles. But the best way to eat this unique cheese is to fry it or grill it—briefly—until its exterior is a lovely golden brown. No other cheese grills up as nicely as Halloumi. The light, golden-brown crust bubbles up on the outside of the cheese and the interior gets soft, not quite runny, and is delicious. Grilling Halloumi is easy. Simply slice the cheese into half-inch thick pieces, lay them on a hot skillet that's been lightly brushed with olive oil. (You can go skip the oil, if that's your preference). Leave the cheese in the pan about two to three minutes, until it's lightly browned on its down side. Carefully flip the slices and fry the other side. When the cheese is golden brown on both sides, serve them one of many ways. Enjoy them solo as an appetizer with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper. Or try them with wedges of ripe melon. Top the fried Halloumi with a caper sauce consisting of salted capers, soaked for a few minutes to remove the salt, (then drained) and mixed with olive oil, vinegar, a bit of lemon, some crushed coriander seeds, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, chopped garlic, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Slices of grilled Halloumi are wonderful in a green salad. On Cyprus, the salad green of choice is arugula which, fortunately for us, is a green now widely available in the U.S. Consider adding a few grilled ripe fig halves or sliced apples or pears. Again, vinaigrette made with a high quality extra virgin olive oil works wonderfully. Consider having Halloumi for breakfast. Cypriots enjoy it with wedges of ripe watermelon. You can enjoy it with your melon of choice. For a more familiar morning format, serve it grilled with a few slices of toast, wedges of tomato, eggs (cooked in olive oil, of course) and a good cup of java.

Haloumi (2024)

FAQs

How to know if halloumi has gone bad? ›

How do you tell if halloumi cheese is bad? Spoiled halloumi cheese can be easily identified. If the cheese has become slimy or developed a mold, it's time to toss it out. Moreover, a strong sour smell or change in color can also indicate that the cheese is past its prime.

Why is halloumi so hard? ›

As mature halloumi is stored in brine it has a harder, drier texture, as well as a saltier flavor. Both versions have a slight minty flavor, due to the addition of spearmint during the production of the cheese.

Is halloumi healthy to eat every day? ›

When eaten regularly in large quantities halloumi can be considered unhealthy, as this fried cheese is pretty high in saturated fat and salt. However, when eaten sporadically as part of a balanced diet, halloumi has a range of health benefits, as it's high in calcium and protein.

Does it matter if halloumi is undercooked? ›

Halloumi could be eaten raw, but it typically isn't as its flavour and texture is enhanced when cooked. A big part of enjoying halloumi is the crisp, browned outside and soft inside when cooked, and this would be lost if eaten raw.

Can you eat leftover halloumi? ›

Halloumi cheese is commonly grilled, barbecued or fried. Find out how you can use up leftover halloumi cheese in your cooking here. Toss salad leaves with chopped fresh mint, thinly sliced orange and roasted red peppers from a jar. Fry 1cm slices of halloumi in a little oil until golden.

How long does halloumi last in the fridge once opened? ›

Then refrigerate until firm again before cooking. Halloumi will keep in the refrigerator for as long as a year, if it's unopened. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator in salt water in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Or wrap it tightly in waxed paper, parchment paper or cheese wrap.

Which is healthier feta or halloumi? ›

Brands vary, but feta is usually the winner. Haloumi tends to have more calories and a higher fat content. Plus, it usually has more salt. Haloumi makes a good cooking cheese thanks to its high melting point.

Why is halloumi not vegetarian? ›

It has a dairy-base usually made from unpasteurised goat or sheep's milk (sometimes cow's) meaning that it is not vegan-friendly and won't be consumed by anyone following a strictly plant-based diet.

What country eats the most halloumi? ›

Currently, the UK is the country consuming the highest number of halloumi cheese outside of Cyprus.

Should you rinse halloumi? ›

Should I soak haloumi before cooking? When you buy a packet of haloumi, it comes with a little salty brine. Simply patting the haloumi dry with paper towel will remove some of the saltiness, but you can also place it in a bowl of cold water to remove more of the salt, if you prefer.

Is halloumi anti-inflammatory? ›

Halloumi cheese also contains high levels of selenium, which is a mineral that has anti-inflammatory properties. Selenium helps reduce inflammation throughout the body, which can help relieve pain and improve joint health. The high levels of selenium in halloumi cheese also help boost the immune system.

What does soaking halloumi in water do? ›

Why do you soak halloumi before cooking? While completely optional, many swear by this step for a softer, more flavourful, and sweeter result that will set your halloumi apart from all others. The easiest method is to soak the whole block of cheese in cold water for at least two hours (or overnight if you have time).

What are the symptoms of halloumi food poisoning? ›

"Symptoms of sickness caused by Bacillus cereus include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. "Illness occurs 1 to 6 hours after eating contaminated food. Most people get better within 6 to 24 hours."

Does packaged halloumi go bad? ›

An unopened packet of halloumi will keep in the fridge for up to a year. Once opened store in salt water in the fridge.

What is the lifespan of halloumi? ›

The shelf-life of Halloumi cheese as stated by different regional producers ranges between 4 and 6 months under refrigeration. Although Halloumi cheese is boiled in whey, several studies have shown the presence of differ- ent types of microorganisms due to the low quality of milk (Milci et al.

Can you eat out of date halloumi fries? ›

Once opened use within 1 day and do not exceed the use by date. Freeze as soon as possible after purchase and always within the use by date. Once frozen use within 3 months.

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