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Crispy Halloumi & Roasted Tomato Skillet

Crispy Halloumi & Roasted Tomato Skillet

A quick and flavorful vegetarian recipe featuring crispy pan-fried halloumi cheese paired with sweet, caramelized roasted cherry tomatoes, enhanced with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon juice. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this skillet dish balances textures and tastes beautifully with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 200g firm halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces

Vegetables

  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Herbs

  • Fresh basil or thyme leaves, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until they blister, soften, and start caramelizing.
  2. Slice and dry the halloumi: While the tomatoes roast, slice the halloumi into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect crispy crust.
  3. Fry the halloumi: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Add the halloumi slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Combine and finish: Once the tomatoes are done roasting, add them to the skillet along with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. Nestle the crispy halloumi slices back into the skillet and gently toss or serve as is, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.

Notes

  • Pat the halloumi dry before frying to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the halloumi; cook in batches if needed to get a nice sear.
  • Use a hot skillet to achieve a golden crust without sticking.
  • Choose ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for the best roasting flavor.
  • Add fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish without compromising texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: halloumi, roasted tomatoes, skillet, vegetarian, gluten-free, quick recipe, Mediterranean, cheese dish