bohemianwanderer – This halloumi with pineapple salsa recipe delivers a bold balance of salty, sweet, and fresh flavours. It works equally well as a shared snack or a light side dish. Preparation takes around 20 minutes, with a short cooking time. The contrast between crisp halloumi and vibrant salsa makes it ideal for casual entertaining. The dish serves six people comfortably.
Preparing the Pineapple Salsa With Fresh Citrus and Herbs
Begin by preparing the pineapple salsa. Place the chopped pineapple into a mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped red onion and deseeded red chilli. Scatter in the finely chopped mint leaves. Grate the lime zest directly into the bowl to capture aromatic oils.
Add the lime juice gradually, tasting as you go. The amount needed will depend on how juicy the limes are. Sprinkle in a small pinch of sea salt flakes. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The salsa should taste fresh, sharp, and slightly spicy. Adjust seasoning if needed and set aside.
The salsa can be prepared slightly ahead of time. Allowing it to sit briefly helps the flavours meld together. Avoid adding too much lime juice at once. Over-acidity can overpower the sweetness of the pineapple. The finished salsa should be punchy but balanced.
Frying the Halloumi and Assembling the Dish
Heat the oven to 70C, or 50C using a fan setting. This will keep the cooked halloumi warm while you fry in batches. Place a large frying pan over medium heat. Add half a tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to warm gently.
Lay the halloumi slices in the pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even browning. Fry for two to three minutes on each side. The halloumi should develop a golden crust while remaining soft inside. Transfer the cooked slices to kitchen paper to drain excess oil.
Place the cooked halloumi in the warm oven while repeating the process with the remaining slices. Add a little more oil if needed between batches. Continue until all the halloumi is cooked. Keeping the cheese warm ensures it stays supple and appetising.
Read More : Za’atar roast carrots emerge as modern side dish
To serve, arrange the hot halloumi slices neatly on a serving platter. Spoon some of the pineapple salsa over the top. Use only as much salsa as needed, reserving the rest for another use. Serve immediately while the halloumi is hot and crisp.
This dish is best enjoyed straight away. The warm, salty halloumi contrasts beautifully with the cool, zesty salsa. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, flatbreads, or as part of a larger spread. Simple to prepare yet full of flavour, it is well suited to relaxed gatherings.
