Delight in Mediterranean flavors with Halloumi Fries and Tzatziki

Consider indulging in these fries, where momentarily setting aside calorie concerns is entirely justified. This dish is a treasure for enthusiasts of Mediterranean cuisine and cheese aficionados alike. Wrapped in a golden, crispy coating with a subtly creamy interior, halloumi offers a delightful option for a quick, meat-free lunch that becomes even more refreshing when paired with a light tzatziki sauce.

This dish is undeniably delightful. The crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth creamy heart, with a hint of salt, will indulge your taste buds to no end. Diving into such fries is an easy affair. All you need is to whip up a simple tzatziki sauce that embodies the essence of summer, and voilà, you have a satisfying, vegetarian meal. Dare to step away from traditional potato fries and introduce your palate to the joys of halloumi cheese fries.

Ingredients:

FOR THE FRIES

• 1 lb of halloumi cheese (two packages),
• 1 egg,
• Wheat flour for breading,
• Breadcrumbs for breading,
• Olive oil.

FOR THE TZATZIKI

• 7 oz of Greek or thick natural yogurt,
• 3 field cucumbers,
• 1 garlic clove,
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil,
• Two pinches of salt,
• 1 tablespoon of chopped dill.

Method:

1. Begin by wrapping the halloumi cheese in paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Slice the cheese into bars.
3. Beat the egg, and place flour and breadcrumbs in two distinct dishes for breading.
4. Coat the cheese sticks sequentially in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
5. Fry the coated cheese in a deep skillet with hot oil until golden.
6. Remove excess oil by draining on paper towels.
7. Prepare the cucumbers by washing, peeling, and grating or finely chopping them. Place the pieces in a bowl, lightly salt, and set aside for a moment to draw out water. Drain the liquid.
8. Combine finely chopped or crushed garlic with the cucumbers.
9. Introduce Greek yogurt and olive oil to the mixture, season with salt, and blend well.
10. Garnish the sauce with dill before serving.

Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese from Cyprus made from goat, sheep, or cow's milk. Notable for its elasticity and firm texture, halloumi stands out with a distinctive salty flavor. Though perfectly enjoyable raw, halloumi is famous for retaining its form when heated, making it ideal for frying or grilling.

Despite its high-calorie count—321 kcal in 3.5 oz—and substantial content of sodium and saturated fats, moderation is key. While individuals with cow's milk protein allergies, lactose intolerance, high blood pressure, or weight concerns should exercise caution, it's also crucial to acknowledge halloumi's nutritional benefits. Notably, a 2.8 oz serving delivers an impressive 1112 mg of calcium, fulfilling 139% of the daily recommendation, making halloumi a valuable addition to your diet when consumed wisely.