Hello, dear readers! Today, I invite you on a culinary journey to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with a dish that’s as delightful as it is elegant: Grilled Halloumi with Honey-Glazed Figs and Toasted Almonds.
If there’s one thing I love about Mediterranean cuisine, it’s the brilliant simplicity and the celebration of natural flavors. This dish embodies just that. The star of our show, halloumi, is a cheese with a firm texture that’s perfect for grilling. It transforms into golden, crispy perfection, with a soft interior that sings with every bite.
Now, let’s talk figs. As a busy parent, I’m always on the lookout for ingredients that bring both flavor and nutrition to the table. Figs are a fantastic choice; their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with cheese, making them a match made in heaven. Grilled lightly, they caramelize to a syrupy goodness, enriched by a drizzle of warm honey and balsamic nectar.
One of the best parts? This elegant dish is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare, perfect for those hectic evenings when you’re craving something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the kids love it! My little ones are always fascinated by the “squeaky” cheese, and the figs are a sweet surprise they’re always eager to try.
The toasted almonds add a lovely crunch that complements the textures and delivers a delightful nutty aroma. And the mint – ah, it brings everything together with a refreshing finish that’s unmistakably Mediterranean.
Whether you’re serving this as a starter, a light lunch, or part of a larger feast, it’s bound to impress. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
I’d love to hear how your Mediterranean adventure unfolds, so do drop a comment letting me know how you enjoyed this dish and any personal touches you might have added. Bon Appétit!
Ingredients
– 250g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1cm thick pieces
– 8 fresh figs, halved
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 50g almonds, sliced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves, chopped
– Sea salt, to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method
1. Preheat your grill or griddle pan to medium-high heat.
2. Lightly brush the halloumi slices and fig halves with olive oil and season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Place the halloumi slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown color and grill marks appear. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Grill the fig halves for about 2 minutes, cut side down, until they start to caramelize and soften slightly. Remove from heat.
5. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and balsamic vinegar. Stir until the mixture is warmed through and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. In a dry frying pan over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
7. Arrange the grilled halloumi and figs on a serving platter. Drizzle the honey-balsamic glaze over them.
8. Sprinkle the toasted almonds and chopped mint leaves over the top.
9. Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm. Enjoy!
