Halloumi Psito (Cypriot Grilled Halloumi)
Local name: Χαλλούμι / Hellim
In short: Slices of salty halloumi grilled until golden and squeaky, then finished with lemon, olive oil and dried mint, served hot with watermelon or tomato. It takes about 11 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 6 min
- Total
- 11 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 330 kcal
Halloumi, called hellim by Turkish Cypriots, is the cheese of Cyprus, traditionally made from sheep and goat milk and folded around fresh mint. Its high melting point means it can be grilled over charcoal or pan-seared without melting away, so it forms a crisp golden crust and a soft, squeaky center. Cypriots eat it for breakfast, as a meze, in sandwiches and beside grilled meat. Serve it the moment it comes off the heat, with lemon and something juicy like watermelon in summer.
Instructions
- Pat the halloumi slices dry with paper towels. Wet cheese steams and spits in the pan instead of searing.
- Heat a grill or a heavy pan over medium-high heat. Brush the slices lightly with half the oil.
- Cook the slices for 2 to 3 minutes per side, without moving them, until deep golden with grill marks and they release easily.
- Move the cheese to a warm platter. Squeeze over the lemon juice, drizzle with the remaining oil and sprinkle with the mint and pepper.
- Serve at once with lemon wedges and watermelon or tomatoes.
Tips
- Halloumi turns rubbery as it cools, so grill it last and serve it right away.
- If the cheese tastes very salty, soak the slices in cold water for 15 minutes first, then dry them well.
Questions and answers
Can I make grilled halloumi ahead of time?
It is best fresh. You can slice the cheese a day ahead and keep it chilled, but cook it just before serving because it hardens as it cools.
Is halloumi the same as feta?
No. Halloumi is a firm cheese that can be grilled without melting, while feta is soft and crumbly and is usually eaten as it is or baked.
What do you serve with grilled halloumi?
Cypriots eat it with watermelon in summer, with tomatoes and cucumbers, or beside grilled meat and bread. A squeeze of lemon is the usual seasoning.
How long does it take to make Halloumi Psito (Cypriot Grilled Halloumi)?
About 11 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 6 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Halloumi Psito (Cypriot Grilled Halloumi)?
About 330 kcal per serving, with 22 g of protein, 3 g of carbohydrates and 26 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 330 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
