Description
Halloumi & Butter Bean Bake
This versatile vegetarian dish is a perfect mix of comfort and nutrition, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s great for a hearty lunch or a cozy dinner, and you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste – add more chili for some heat or swap the beans for chickpeas. Serve it as is or with a slice of crisp sourdough for extra delight.
1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili flakes
1 tsp oregano
1 jar roasted red peppers, sliced
2 tins (800g) chopped tomatoes
1 jar (600g) butter beans
1 packet (225g) halloumi
2 large handfuls fresh spinach
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
2. Heat a large oven-safe pan over medium heat, add olive oil.
3. Cook red onion for 8 mins, add garlic, then paprika, oregano, and chili flakes.
4. Add peppers, tomatoes, and let bubble.
5. Add butter beans and halloumi, bake for 20 mins.
6. Stir in spinach to wilt before serving.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Preheat: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Slice the red onion and garlic. Drain and rinse the butter beans, and slice the roasted peppers and halloumi into bite-sized chunks.
2. Build the Base: In a large, oven-safe skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for 8 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and chili flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Create the Sauce: Stir in the sliced roasted peppers and the chopped tomatoes. Bring to a gentle bubble and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Combine & Bake: Gently fold in the butter beans and the chunks of halloumi, ensuring they are nestled into the sauce. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
5. Finish & Serve: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Add the fresh spinach in two large handfuls, stirring gently until it wilts into the residual heat of the bake. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This bake is incredibly versatile. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of crusty sourdough or garlic bread to mop up the delicious sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier option, spoon it over a bed of couscous, quinoa, or creamy polenta.
How-to Summary
Sauté onion and garlic with spices, add peppers and tomatoes to form a sauce, then stir in beans and halloumi. Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes until golden. Finish by wilting fresh spinach into the hot bake just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the tomato and bean base up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, then add the halloumi and bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of halloumi? For a similar salty, firm texture, try pan-fried slices of extra-firm tofu or a block of feta cheese (added in the last 10 minutes of baking).
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or in a covered pan on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? It’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can drastically alter the texture of the halloumi and butter beans, making them grainy.
Can I use dried beans instead of tinned? Absolutely. Use about 240g of dried butter beans. Soak and cook them thoroughly according to package instructions before adding them to the recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Ensure your skillet is large enough so the halloumi pieces are mostly on the surface to get a proper golden bake, not steamed.
- Skipping the Simmer: Letting the tomato sauce bubble for a few minutes before baking is crucial for developing depth of flavor and reducing excess liquid.
- Adding Spinach Too Early: Stirring the spinach in after baking allows it to wilt perfectly without becoming slimy or disappearing into the sauce.
- Using a Non-Oven-Safe Pan: Double-check your pan is ovenproof before starting to avoid a dangerous transfer mid-recipe.
Conclusion
This Halloumi & Butter Bean Bake is the ultimate quick, satisfying, and customizable vegetarian meal. With its rich, smoky sauce, creamy beans, and perfectly baked cheese, it delivers on both comfort and flavor in under 30 minutes. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a reliably delicious dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Enjoy experimenting with the ingredients to make it your own.