Description
Halloumi, Chorizo & Roast Tomato One-Pot
This Mediterranean-inspired one-pot wonder brings together the rich flavors of caramelized chorizo, golden halloumi, and roasted cherry tomatoes. It’s the perfect centerpiece for sharing, complete with herbs and a zesty lemon finish. Don’t forget the flatbread to savor every delicious bite!
100ml extra virgin olive oil
4 chorizo sausages, sliced
200g halloumi
600g cherry tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 bird’s eye chilies, chopped
Sea salt & black pepper
1 bunch sage, torn
½ bunch rosemary, leaves picked
Juice & zest of 1 lemon
Flatbread
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Cook chorizo in oil until caramelized.
2. Add tomatoes and halloumi to the pan, scatter garlic & chili, season, and bake for 5 min.
3. Flip halloumi, add herbs, bake 4 min, then garnish with lemon. Serve with flatbread.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: ~450 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat & Sear: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large, oven-proof skillet or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for 4-5 minutes until it releases its oils and becomes beautifully caramelized.
2. Assemble & Season: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the whole cherry tomatoes and the block of halloumi (cut into 4-6 thick slices). Scatter the chopped garlic and bird’s eye chili over everything. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper.
3. First Bake: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 5 minutes. This allows the tomatoes to begin blistering and the halloumi to start softening and browning on the bottom.
4. Flip & Add Herbs: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Use tongs to flip each piece of halloumi. Scatter the torn sage and rosemary leaves over the entire dish. Return to the oven for a final 4 minutes, or until the halloumi is golden and the tomatoes are bursting.
5. Finish & Serve: Remove from the oven. Immediately drizzle with the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest. Serve directly from the pan with warm flatbread on the side.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile. For a complete meal, serve it over a bed of couscous, orzo, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful oils. A simple side salad of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, peppery contrast. It also makes an excellent, impressive brunch option when topped with a fried egg.
How-to Summary
This one-pot dish involves searing chorizo, then baking it with halloumi, tomatoes, garlic, and chili. After a brief bake, flip the halloumi, add fresh herbs, and bake again until golden. Finish with a zesty lemon garnish and serve with flatbread for dipping and scooping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients (slice chorizo, halloumi, chop garlic/chili) ahead, but for best texture, assemble and cook just before serving. Leftovers can be reheated gently.
What can I use instead of halloumi? Halloumi is unique for its grilling properties. For a similar texture, try pan-fried slices of firm tofu or queso panela. For a dairy-free option, seasoned, thick slices of eggplant work well.
How can I reduce the spiciness? Simply omit the bird’s eye chilies or use a pinch of red pepper flakes for milder heat. Deseeding the chilies will also reduce their intensity.
Is there a substitute for chorizo? Yes. For a different flavor, try spicy Italian sausage or smoked paprika-spiced chicken pieces. For a vegetarian version, use smoked tofu or mushrooms.
My halloumi is rubbery. What went wrong? Overcooking halloumi makes it tough. Ensure your oven is properly preheated and stick strictly to the baking times. It should be golden and soft, not browned for too long.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Use a pan large enough so ingredients aren’t piled high. This ensures proper caramelization and cooking.
- Skipping the Chorizo Sear: Searing the chorizo first is crucial to render its flavorful fats, which become the base of the dish.
- Overcooking the Halloumi: Halloumi turns chewy and rubbery if baked too long. Follow the timed steps closely.
- Adding Lemon Too Early: The fresh lemon juice and zest are a finishing garnish. Adding them before baking will cause them to bitter.
Conclusion
This Halloumi, Chorizo & Roast Tomato One-Pot is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a spectacular, shareable meal. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s a perfect recipe for both weeknights and entertaining. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a beautifully balanced dish where salty, spicy, and zesty flavors shine in every bite.