Halloumi cheese is magical to me. Because of its high melting point, it doesn’t easily melt, which makes it an excellent cheese to grill or fry.
Halloumi or hellim cheese originated in Cyprus. It’s popular in Turkey, Greece and the Middle East. A combination of sheep and goats milk, the cheese has a mild, salty and tangy taste. It’s gotten a nickname as the “squeaky” cheese. It has a springy feel and squeaks a little when you chew it. I admit the sound freaked me out a little the first time I ate it years ago. The best types of cheese to compare it to would be Queso Para Frier or Queso Para Frier. Halloumi makes a great base for the sweet grilled figs and fresh nectarines. It's the perfect combination of salty, tangy and sweet flavors.
Here’s what you need to make Grilled Halloumi and Figs with Nectarine and Thyme:
3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided
1 package Halloumi Cheese, sliced into 4 pieces (¼” slices)
6 fresh figs, sliced in half
2 nectarines, pitted and diced
Honey to drizzle
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced
The natural sugar from the figs may cause them to stick a bit. Make sure each one is lightly coated with olive oil to reduce sticking.
This recipe is a good exercise in bettering your knife skills.
You want the halloumi to have golden grill marks. Assembling the dish is quick. Pour on the honey and make your slices as sweet as you like.
Fresh thyme is the finishing touch. Bonus? You're working on your knife skills again.
Grilled Halloumi and Figs with Nectarines and Thyme
This appetizer is easy and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil divided
- 1 package Halloumi Cheese sliced into 4 pieces ¼” slices
- 6 fresh figs halved
- 2 nectarines pitted and diced
- Honey to drizzle
- 2 tablespoons Fresh thyme minced
- ¼ cup almonds toasted and chopped
Instructions
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Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
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Brush both sides of figs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place figs onto grill and cook for 2 - 3 minutes each side. Remove from pan and set aside.
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Cut 4 slices of Halloumi cheese into ¼” thick slices. Brush both sides with remaining 2 tablespoons of oil.
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Place halloumi cheese in pan and grill for 2 - 3 minutes each side. You want to get grill marks on the cheese. Remove from pan and place on a platter or individual plates.
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Spoon nectarines and figs onto halloumi slices. Drizzle with desired amount of honey.
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Springle thyme evenly over slices then top cheese with toasted almonds. Serve immediately.
Want to watch how I made this recipe on my show? Click the video below.