Fried Halloumi with Kalamatas and Mint

Salty, golden-fried Halloumi cheese is tossed with brined Kalamatas and softened with fresh mint.

Fried Halloumi with Kalamatas and Mint

Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Yield: 2 cups

Serving Size: 1⁄2 cup

Ingredients

8 oz. (225g) Halloumi 1 TB. avocado oil

1 TB. extra-virgin olive oil 12 large Kalamata olives 1⁄4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 TB. fresh mint, chopped 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Nutrition per Serving

Fat 79% Protein 19% Net Carb 2% Ratio 1.7:1

Calories 250 Fat 22g Protein 12g Total Carbohydrate 1g Dietary Fiber 0g Net Carbohydrate 1g 1 Slice Halloumi into 3⁄4-inch (2cm) cubes. Pat cubes dry with a paper towel.

2Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add avocado oil. Wait for 15 seconds.

3Place Halloumi cubes in hot oil. Cook for 30 to 45 seconds, or until a deep, golden-brown crust forms. Use a spatula to turn cubes and brown opposite side.

4Transfer cubes to a small serving dish. Drizzle with remaining avocado oil from the skillet.

5Add extra-virgin olive oil, Kalamata olives, black pepper, mint, and lemon juice, and gently toss to combine. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variation: To make Spicy Halloumi and Castelvetranos, replace Kalamata olives with buttery Castelvetrano olives and use 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes instead of mint. Because Halloumi is heated early in its production, it won’t melt when fried like other cheeses.