Frederic Melton
Many people wonder how Nando's cooks their halloumi cheese to achieve that perfect crispiness on the outside and gooey texture on the inside. While the exact method used by Nando's is not publicly known, some sources suggest that the halloumi is cut into sticks or strips and cooked in a pan or on a flat grill with a dash of olive oil until crispy. Others speculate that it might be steamed first, as it tends to be floppy. Recreating the famous Nando's halloumi sticks at home is a popular endeavour, often paired with a spicy chilli jam for dipping.
How to Cook Haloumi Cheese Like Nando's
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | 250g halloumi cheese, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 200g finely chopped tomatoes, 1 deseeded and finely chopped red chilli, 100g sugar, 50ml apple cider vinegar |
| Preparation | Cut halloumi into sticks or strips |
| Cooking Method | Grill or pan-fry until crispy |
| Serving Size | 10 halloumi sticks, 5 per person |
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What You'll Learn
Cut halloumi into sticks
To cut halloumi into sticks, you will need 250g of halloumi cheese. Cut the cheese into strips, about 10 strips, or 5 per person if serving as a starter. The sticks should be cut to a similar size so that they cook evenly. You can either cut the halloumi into thin, floppy strips, or thicker, chunkier sticks, depending on your preference.
Once cut, the halloumi can be cooked in a pan with a dash of olive oil until crispy and golden. You could also try grilling the halloumi sticks for a more authentic Nando's experience.
Halloumi cheese is a great option for those who enjoy a crispy, grilled cheese with a spicy kick. The cheese has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for grilling and pan-frying.
To complete the dish, you can serve the halloumi sticks with a chilli jam made from tomatoes, red chilli, sugar, and vinegar. This adds a sweet and spicy kick to the salty halloumi.
There you have it—a quick and easy recipe for crispy, grilled halloumi sticks, perfect for a starter or snack.
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Fry halloumi in a pan
Halloumi is a Cypriot cheese with a high melting point, which makes it perfect for grilling or frying. It is traditionally made from goat or sheep's milk, or a combination of both, and has a salty flavour.
To fry halloumi in a pan, start by removing the cheese from its packaging and patting it dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the cheese achieve a crispy exterior when cooking. Next, cut the halloumi into slices or sticks, about 1 cm thick. Thicker slices are preferable as they tend to dry up and become hard if they are too thin.
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium to medium-high heat. You can dry fry halloumi, but frying it in olive oil adds flavour and helps the cheese crisp up nicely. Make sure the oil is well warmed before adding the cheese to the pan.
Lay the halloumi slices in the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This side will brown more quickly, as the liquid has already been released from the cheese. Flip the halloumi and repeat with the other side. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
You can also add a garnish of warmed honey and sesame seeds to your fried halloumi for a sweet and salty snack.
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Grill halloumi
Grilling halloumi cheese is a quick and easy way to prepare this popular dish. The key to achieving the perfect grilled halloumi is to get that crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a soft and gooey interior. Here is a step-by-step guide to grilling halloumi:
Preparing the Halloumi
Start by selecting a block of good-quality halloumi cheese. Look for a firm, dense block that feels slightly springy to the touch. The cheese should be free of any cracks or dryness. For a single serving, you will need approximately 60-70g of halloumi, but you can adjust the quantity based on your appetite or the number of people you're serving.
Using a sharp knife, cut the halloumi into uniform strips or sticks. Aim for a thickness of around 0.5-1 cm. Thinner slices will cook faster and become crispier, while thicker slices will retain more of the soft, gooey texture.
Grilling the Halloumi
Preheat your grill or barbecue to a medium-high heat setting. If using a grill pan, brush it lightly with oil to prevent the cheese from sticking. You can also use a non-stick grill pan or a well-seasoned cast iron pan.
Place the halloumi slices directly on the grill or in the pan. Cook the halloumi for 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on it, as halloumi can go from golden to burnt quite quickly. You're aiming for grill marks and a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
Once the halloumi is grilled to your desired level of doneness, transfer it to a plate or serving dish. Serve the grilled halloumi immediately while it's still warm and melty inside.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
Grilled halloumi is often served as an appetizer or side dish. It pairs well with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or grains like quinoa or couscous. For a more substantial meal, you can serve it with grilled meats, such as chicken or lamb.
To elevate your grilled halloumi, consider serving it with a dipping sauce or topping. A spicy chilli jam is a popular choice, and you can find recipes to make your own or use a store-bought option. Other sauce options include a tangy yogurt dip, sweet chilli sauce, or a simple drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Garnish your grilled halloumi with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and perhaps a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavours. Enjoy your perfectly grilled halloumi!
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Steam halloumi
Steaming halloumi is a great alternative to pan-frying, yielding similar results with less mess. One way to do this is by using a combi steam oven, which can brown the halloumi without drying it out.
To steam halloumi in an oven, you can try making a Mediterranean vegetable and halloumi bake. This involves roasting vegetables and halloumi cheese in a steam oven, spiking them with herbs, chilli, and lemon.
Another option is to make halloumi fries in the oven. This involves cutting the halloumi into long rectangular shapes, dredging them in flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs, and then baking them. This method creates a crunchy texture and is a healthier alternative to frying.
If you prefer to cook halloumi on the stovetop, you can use a non-stick frying pan or a griddle pan to achieve perfect grill marks. Add the halloumi to the pan and cook the first side until it releases liquid. Wait for the liquid to evaporate and the salty substance left in the pan turns golden brown before flipping the halloumi.
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Make chilli jam dip
To make chilli jam dip, you will need 200g of finely chopped tomatoes, one deseeded and finely chopped red chilli, 100g of sugar, and 50ml of apple cider vinegar. Start by making the chilli jam, combining the tomatoes, chilli, sugar, and vinegar. While the chilli jam is cooking, prepare the halloumi by cutting it into strips or sticks. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan and cook the halloumi until crispy and golden on both sides. Serve the halloumi sticks with the chilli jam dip on the side for a tasty and spicy treat.
For a more crispy texture, you can coat the halloumi sticks in panko breadcrumbs before frying. If you're looking to recreate the Nando's experience, it is recommended to cook the halloumi on a flat grill with a dash of olive oil.
Chilli Jam Dip:
- Finely chop 200g of tomatoes.
- Deseed and finely chop one red chilli.
- Measure and add 100g of sugar and 50ml of apple cider vinegar.
- Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces, about 20-30 minutes.
Halloumi Sticks:
- Cut 250g of halloumi into strips or sticks.
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry the halloumi sticks in batches until golden and crispy on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain on a paper towel and serve hot with the chilli jam dip.
Tips:
- For an extra crispy texture, coat the halloumi sticks in panko breadcrumbs before frying.
- If you prefer a more grilled flavour, cook the halloumi on a flat grill with a dash of olive oil.
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Frequently asked questions
They cook it on a flat grill with a dash of oil.
You will need halloumi cheese, olive oil, tomatoes, red chilli, sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
First, cut the halloumi into strips or sticks. Then, cook them in a pan or on a grill until crispy on both sides. Meanwhile, make a chilli jam with the tomatoes, red chilli, sugar, and vinegar.
It should take around 10 minutes to cook the halloumi sticks.
Halloumi cheese goes well with chilli jam, which you can make at home or purchase at a store.
