Description
This Greek Halloumi Power Bowl is a vibrant and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring seared halloumi cheese, fresh vegetables, fluffy white rice, and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick and easy main course, this recipe combines a delightful mix of textures and fresh flavors served with warm pita wedges.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 block (8 ounces) halloumi cheese
Grains
- 2 cups cooked white rice
Vegetables
- 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (mixed colors if desired)
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives
Condiments & Others
- 1/2 cup prepared tzatziki sauce
- 2 pita breads, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Set these aside for assembly later.
- Warm Pita Bread: Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft. Then cut into wedges for serving.
- Slice and Dry Halloumi: Carefully slice the halloumi cheese into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Thoroughly pat each slice dry on all sides using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure a golden crust and prevent sticking.
- Heat Skillet and Add Oil: Heat a large non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering hot but not smoking.
- Sear Halloumi: Place the dried halloumi slices in a single layer in the hot skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Leave the halloumi undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a deep golden-brown crust and allow natural release from the pan.
- Flip and Cook Other Side: Flip each piece of halloumi using tongs and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is evenly browned. Remove the seared halloumi and set aside.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked white rice between two large bowls. Arrange the seared halloumi, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives over the rice.
- Add Tzatziki and Garnish: Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce to each bowl. Garnish with fresh chopped dill, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately alongside the warm pita wedges.
Notes
- Thoroughly patting the halloumi slices dry with paper towels before frying is essential for achieving a non-stick surface and golden crust.
- To avoid overcrowding, cook halloumi in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Use a well-seasoned cast iron or non-stick skillet for best results when searing the halloumi.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to serve more people.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Greek halloumi power bowl, Mediterranean bowl, seared halloumi, tzatziki bowl, halloumi recipe, easy Mediterranean meal, healthy power bowl
