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Irresistible Marry Me Halloumi in Creamy Tomato Bliss Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 29 reviews

This Irresistible Marry Me Halloumi in Creamy Tomato Bliss is a rich and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring grilled halloumi cheese in a luscious creamy tomato sauce infused with sundried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and spices. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal, it combines the salty bite of halloumi with a velvety sauce balanced by fresh basil, baby spinach, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Use oil from sundried tomatoes for added flavor)
  • 0.5 cup Red Onion (Finely diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Crushed)
  • 0.25 tsp Red Pepper or Chili Flakes (Optional, to taste)
  • 0.25 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 2 tsp Italian Herbs/Seasoning
  • 140 g Sundried Tomatoes (Chopped)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 160 ml Vegetable Broth
  • 160 ml Heavy Cream
  • 80 g Parmesan Style Cheese (Grated)
  • 1 handful Baby Spinach
  • 1 small bunch Basil (Chopped)

Halloumi and Garnish

  • 225 g Halloumi Cheese (Sliced widthways)
  • Lemon Wedges (For squeezing over the dish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large, deep saucepan, drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over low-medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for a couple of minutes, getting fragrant without smoking.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the finely diced red onion and sauté until softened, roughly 3-4 minutes. Then add crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and chopped sundried tomatoes. Cook until fragrant, about another 2 minutes.
  3. Incorporate the Tomato Paste: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  4. Simmer the Base: Pour in ⅔ cup (approximately 160 ml) of vegetable broth, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
  5. Grill the Halloumi: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the sliced halloumi for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
  6. Combine Spinach and Herbs: When the halloumi is nearly ready, return it to the sauce, add the baby spinach and chopped basil, and stir until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are well combined.
  7. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in ⅔ cup (about 160 ml) of heavy cream and ¾ cup (approximately 80 g) of grated Parmesan-style cheese. Simmer everything together for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
  8. Serve the Dish: Serve immediately with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice on top to brighten the flavors and enhance the dish’s richness.

Notes

  • Using olive oil from the jar of sundried tomatoes adds extra depth and flavor to the sauce.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level; they are optional.
  • Grilling the halloumi before adding it to the sauce gives it a pleasant texture and smoky flavor.
  • Serve with crusty bread or over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
  • For a vegetarian diet, ensure the Parmesan-style cheese used is free from animal rennet if required.

Keywords: halloumi recipe, creamy tomato sauce, Mediterranean vegetarian dish, easy halloumi meal, sundried tomato sauce, grilled halloumi

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/irresistible-marry-me-halloumi-in-creamy-tomato-bliss-recipe/