I (Litsa) first tried Halloumi when I visited the island of Cyprus over ten years ago. I was reminded of this briny goat and sheep milk cheese when it was served golden and crispy at dinner tables on my third trip to Cyprus last summer.
What is it?
Halloumi is a semi-soft cheese that is closely associated with Cyprus and the Middle East. This cheese is a popular inclusion in many Cypriot dishes, and it is incredibly versatile. It can be grilled, roasted, fried, or eaten fresh, and it has a mild, vaguely tangy, creamy, slightly salty taste that pairs well with a wide range of foods. Some specialty markets and import stores carry halloumi.
Traditional halloumi is made from a blend of sheep and goat milk. Some consumers compare halloumi to mozzarella since both cheeses are heat proofed in the curd form, which allows them to be used on the grill or in roasts while retaining their shape. It also has the classic layered, fibrous texture associated with mozzarella. Typically, the cheese is formed into roughly rounded blocks to sale, and, like fresh mozzarella, halloumi is packaged in brine to keep it free of bacteria until consumers want to use it. Some producers also vacuum pack it for a longer shelf life, and the cheese can be frozen for up to one year.
Halloumi Cheese, 8.8oz can be bought on Amazon for $8.26 —pan-sear or grill halloumi to get caramelized, crisp texture.
If you are hosting a dinner party and/or entertaining with wine this holiday season, you might find that mini grilled bites of this fabulous cheese will leave your guests vowing for more cheese and wine at your place! Or call your local Whole Foods to see when they’ll host another Cheese Night—and invite your self in to sample Halloumi!
Enjoy this Cypriot staple at your home!
Remember to checkout our other try something new posts!
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