Greek Halloumi Power Bowl (Printable version)

Golden halloumi, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki over rice with warm pita.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Cheese & Grains

01 - 1 block (8 oz) halloumi cheese
02 - 2 cups cooked white rice

→ Vegetables & Garnishes

03 - 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

→ Sauces & Breads

08 - 1/2 cup prepared tzatziki sauce
09 - 2 pita breads, cut into wedges

→ Oils & Seasoning

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Black pepper, to taste

# How to make it:

01 - Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and pit the olives if necessary. Set aside.
02 - Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft. Cut into wedges and keep warm.
03 - Slice the halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Pat each slice thoroughly dry with paper towels to prevent sticking.
04 - Heat a large non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot but not smoking.
05 - Place the halloumi slices in a single layer in the hot pan, working in batches if needed. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
06 - Flip the halloumi slices and cook for another 2–3 minutes until both sides are golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
07 - Divide the cooked rice between two large bowls. Arrange the seared halloumi, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives over the rice.
08 - Top each bowl with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh dill, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately with warm pita wedges.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The halloumi develops this irresistible salty crisp exterior while staying creamy inside
  • You get that perfect balance of hot seared cheese against cool crisp vegetables
  • Everything comes together in under half an hour but looks restaurant beautiful
02 -
  • Dry the halloumi thoroughly with paper towels or it will steam instead of getting that gorgeous crust
  • Do not crowd the pan or the cheese will never brown properly
  • Halloumi is naturally salty so taste your olives and adjust seasoning accordingly
03 -
  • A cast iron skillet gives the best sear but non stick works perfectly fine too
  • Let the halloumi rest on paper towels for a minute after cooking to absorb excess oil
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