With Grilled Halloumi Cheese
This is a culinary tale from a visit to Israel.
In my early 20's, I was hired as a chef at a Creperie in Jerusalem. Over the 3 years that I worked there, I became very close friends with the owner Ziva, who is an amazing woman with a flair for life that comes across in her cooking as well as in her personality.
When I visited Ziva and her husband Nissim, she made a fantastic, seemingly simple yet delicious vegetable salad, with grilled Halloumi cheese. I always say that the fruits & vegetables in Israel taste the best, so even the simplest salad is a celebration for the taste buds.
In this salad, the Halloumi cheese adds another layer of flavor and makes it a very satisfying lunch! I'm going to use it more on OZ Catering menus! ISRAELI SALAD WITH GRILLED HALLOUMI CHEESE.
Let me tell you a little about Halloumi cheese... Traditionally, it is made from Sheep's milk although there are other versions almost as tasty. The cheese, as is, is quite odd tasting and rubbery in texture. I only recommend using it warmed up, grilled, or fried.
It's great in salads, combined with any vegetable, quinoa, or other grains, or as an appetizer cut in cubes and skewered with cherry tomatoes and a leaf of basil. You can find Halloumi cheese in Middle Eastern stores, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods.
Here is the recipe for Israeli Salad with Grilled Halloumi cheese. You can add, subtract or change the ingredients of the salad. Serves 4 as a light lunch.
Ingredients
Mix all ingredients and season with good olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Enjoy!
x Idit