Halloumi [Cyprus]

Ingredients :

An 8-ounce package of halloumi cheese, cut into 3/8-inch slices.

½ teaspoon of olive oil

For the garnish :

freshly ground black pepper

oregano or mint leaves

4-5 cherry tomatoes cut in half

balsamic vinaigrette

Steps :

§    Preheat a nonstick frying pan over high heat.

§    Place the halloumi slices on a plate with the olive oil and brush lightly to coat both sides of each slice of cheese.

§    Sear the cheese in the pan, 1 minute on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the other side. It will smoke (open a window), and form a deep brown crust. The cheese should soften but no liquid should escape – poke with your spatula to test – but it will not melt.

§    Place fried cheese on a plate and garnish with pepper, herbs, tomatoes, and vinaigrette.