Description
Marry Me Halloumi: A One-Pan Wonder!
This dish is inspired by the classic “Marry Me Chicken,” famous for its creamy, flavor-packed sauce that’s so delicious, it’s said to spark proposals! Our vegetarian version swaps the chicken for halloumi, making it a delightful one-pan wonder perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The creamy blend of garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and parmesan, combined with golden-brown halloumi, makes for an irresistible meal. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a simple yet impressive dish that could steal anyone’s heart!
225g reduced fat halloumi cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 onion, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
150g cherry tomatoes
240ml vegetable stock
120ml reduced fat single cream
½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp grated parmesan
Handful of fresh spinach
Directions:
1. Cook halloumi till golden brown.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, add tomatoes, stock, and cream.
3. Season with herbs and paprika.
4. Mix in parmesan, spinach, and halloumi.
5. Let it all simmer.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Kcal: 459
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pat the halloumi dry and slice into 1cm thick pieces. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large, non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook the halloumi for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the diced onion for 4-5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and blister. Pour in the vegetable stock and cream, stirring to combine.
4. Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan until melted. Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted.
6. Gently return the seared halloumi to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer together for 2-3 final minutes to heat through.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous, orzo pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, crusty bread or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a perfect contrast. Garnish with extra fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
How-to Summary
Sear halloumi until golden and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic, then add tomatoes, stock, and cream. Season with herbs and paprika. Simmer, then stir in parmesan and spinach until wilted. Return the halloumi to the pan and heat through. Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular halloumi instead of reduced-fat? Absolutely. Regular halloumi will brown beautifully and may have a slightly richer, saltier flavor. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
How can I make this dish vegan? Use a firm, brined vegan cheese for searing. Substitute the cream with a plant-based single cream and use a vegan parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. For a quicker fix, create a slurry with 1 tsp cornflour and 1 tbsp cold water, then stir it into the simmering sauce.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? You can prep the sauce ahead, but add the halloumi and spinach just before serving to maintain the cheese’s texture and the spinach’s color.
What can I use instead of spinach? Kale, chard, or even frozen peas make excellent substitutes. For kale or chard, add it a minute earlier to ensure it cooks through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: When searing the halloumi, ensure the pieces aren’t touching. This allows for proper browning and a crispy exterior.
- Boiling the Sauce: After adding the cream, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Boiling can cause the cream to separate or become grainy.
- Underseasoning: Halloumi and parmesan are salty, but the cream and stock dilute the flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end.
- Overcooking the Spinach: Add the spinach last and only wilt it. Overcooking makes it soggy and drains its vibrant color.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Halloumi truly lives up to its name, offering a decadent, flavorful, and incredibly quick vegetarian meal. The combination of creamy, herby sauce with perfectly seared, salty halloumi is guaranteed to impress. It’s a versatile one-pan wonder that proves simple ingredients can create something truly special for any night of the week.