Grilled Halloumi & Pepper Open Ciabatta Sandwich

My appetite finally returned with an avenge today after nearly a week of having the flu.  I was craving something carb based so I opted for this open ciabatta sandwich which was exactly what I needed!

Serves 1 very hungry person

Ingredients:-

-  2 or 3 thick slices of halloumi

-  4 slices of pepper, ideally red or yellow (I chose both for some variety in colour)

-  2 slices of ciabatta

- a touch of flour

- oil for grilling

How to:-

1.  Heat some oil in a grill pan over a medium temperature.

2.  Gently blot the halloumi slices with some kitchen paper to soak up any excess water, and then lightly flour each slice on both slices.  This will give the halloumi that lovely, slightly crunchy outside texture and some colour.

3.  Place the halloumi slices into the grill pan and cook each one evenly on both sides for a few minutes until lightly browned.  Do the same with the pepper slices.

4.  Pop the ciabatta slices into a toaster or put them straight into the grill pan to warm it up.

5.  Arrange everything into an open sandwich, and tuck in!

Grilled Halloumi & Tomato Salad

I was in the mood for a nice salad today but wanted something that wasn't completely cold.  After a rummage in my fridge, I decided to use up the rest of a pack of halloumi for a quick and easy lunch.  Also a random tip for all you dieters out there - low fat halloumi doesn't taste all that different to the full fat stuff.  In fact, it's probably the best tasting low fat vegetarian cheese in my humble opinion. 

Ingredients:-
- Halloumi, sliced
- 1 tbsp flour
- Oil for grilling
- 1 large tomato cut into quarters or a handful of cherry tomatoes
- Two large handfuls of mixed salad leaves

How to:-
1.  Preheat the grill to a high heat.
2.  Slice the halloumi and pat each slice dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
3.  Lightly coat the slices in the flour and then drizzle a little oil over them.  Place under the grill for a few minutes until it's grilled how you like it (I've only lightly grilled mine as you can see), remembering to turn it over half way so that both sides are done evenly.
4.  Place the mixed salad leaves and tomato into a bowl and arrange the grilled halloumi slices on top.

Halloumi & Veg Kebabs

The weather has been gloriously sunny here in the UK and I've managed to get the old BBQ out this week and make some delicious food for my friends.  These Halloumi & Veg Kebabs have been going down a treat!  I made mine with peppers and mushrooms, but these are just as good with any combination of your favourite vegetables.

Serves 4

Ingredients:-
- 2 peppers, any colour you like
- 250g pack halloumi
- Handful of small mushrooms or 2 large flat mushrooms
- 1tbsp olive oil in a small bowl
- Skewers (if using bamboo ones, make sure to soak in water before use)

How to:-
1. Preheat the grill or barbecue.  Cut the vegetables and halloumi into bite size pieces/cubes.
2. Toss the pieces in the bowl of olive oil so everything is coated lightly.
3. Thread the pieces onto the skewers and grill/barbecue for 5-10 minutes until everything is cooked and the halloumi is soft.
4. Serve with salad if desired and your favourite dips.