Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Marry Me Halloumi Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 13 reviews

Marry Me Halloumi is a luscious, creamy skillet dish featuring grilled halloumi cheese enveloped in a flavorful sauce made with sundried tomatoes, garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs. Enhanced with spinach, basil, parmesan-style cheese, and finished with a hint of lemon, this recipe delivers a rich, savory experience perfect for a quick 30-minute meal with three hearty servings.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

For the Halloumi

  • 8 oz halloumi cheese (sliced widthways into 6 pieces)
  • Olive oil or sundried tomato oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce

  • 1/2 red onion (finely diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper or chili flakes (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp Italian herbs / seasoning
  • 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2/3 cup vegetable broth
  • 2/3 cup heavy (double) cream
  • 3/4 cup parmesan style cheese (grated)
  • 1 small bunch basil (chopped)
  • 1 handful baby spinach
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: In a large, deep saucepan with a lid, heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil or oil from the sundried tomato jar over low-medium heat. Sauté the finely diced red onion until soft, then add crushed garlic, red pepper or chili flakes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and chopped sundried tomatoes. Continue sautéing for a few minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and sauté for another two minutes, allowing its sweetness and flavor to develop. Add extra oil if needed to prevent sticking.
  3. Simmer broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer the sauce partially covered while you cook the halloumi.
  4. Grill halloumi: Heat a grill pan over medium heat and brush lightly with oil. Place halloumi slices on the pan, cooking each side for approximately 3 minutes until browned and grill lines form.
  5. Wilt greens: When the halloumi is nearly cooked (after flipping), return to the sauce pot, add baby spinach and chopped basil, stirring through until wilted.
  6. Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and grated parmesan-style cheese, simmering gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Combine and serve: Add the grilled halloumi slices into the sauce, mix gently, then serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

  • Using oil from the sundried tomato jar adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish.
  • If sundried tomatoes are not available, finely chopped roasted tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
  • The tomato paste intensifies the sauce’s sweetness and richness; do not skip this step.
  • Grilling halloumi rather than frying helps to achieve attractive grill marks and a firmer texture.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to preferred spice level.
  • This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a side of your favorite salad for a complete meal.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/marry-me-halloumi-recipe/