The Perfect Halloumi Sandwich | Charalambides Christis

Are you tired of the same dishes and would like something different for your lunch? You could try a delicious halloumi sandwich.

For this sandwich, we can fry the halloumi, to achieve a more intense texture and flavor. That way, it will become crispy on the outside but stay soft on the inside. For a healthier option, we can use the oven grill or a grill pan.

Ideally, we can add a handmade, spicy mayonnaise. 

INGREDIENTS

1. Halloumi

2. Sandwich bread: You can choose between a classic baguette, a multigrain bread, a carob bun, a bagel, a tortilla, or even two slices of country bread.

3. Tomato, lettuce and onion, for the garnish and the crunchy texture.

 For the handmade mayonnaise, you will need:

1. 1 egg yolk

2. 1 tbsp. mustard

3. 1 tbsp. white vinegar

4. 1 tbsp. lemon juice

5. salt and pepper

6. 30 gr. olive oil

7. 220 gr. sunflower oil

THE RECIPE

1. Start with the mayonnaise, because it will need time to “cool” while you prepare the halloumi.

2. Add the yolk, the mustard, the vinegar, the lemon juice, salt and pepper in a bowl and start stirring with a hand whisk.

3. While stirring, start pouring in, very slowly (in a continuous thin stream), the olive oil and then the sunflower oil, until the mayonnaise starts to curdle. If it comes out too firm, add a little water. Your mayonnaise, which contains no preservatives, is ready to be flavored with whatever you wish. You can add a few drops of tabasco, grated chili or other peppers, or herbs of your choice.

4. Take the halloumi out of the package and cut it into thin slices.

5. Heat a non-stick pan or grill pan. When it's hot enough, add the halloumi, without any fat, and cook for a few minutes on each side, until it gets a nice golden color.

6. Open the bread in half, spread the mayonnaise on one side, add the lettuce, tomato and onion and finally the grilled halloumi.

SUCCESS TIPS

1. For an even better result, toast the sandwich bread in the toaster or grill pan before adding the ingredients.

2. For a crispier result, dry the halloumi with some kitchen paper before baking.

VARIATIONS AND SERVING PROPOSALS

Sandwich variations:

1. For an alternative breakfast or snack, instead of mayonnaise you can add jam or fruit coulis, or even whole fruits, such as strawberries, apricots, peaches, apples.

2. Alternatively, add basil, arugula or red pepper pesto.

3. Add slices of roasted beetroot or beetroot mousse, for a more refreshing effect, and garnish with nuts, ideally walnuts or cashews.

4. For a creamier texture, add grilled mushrooms or avocado.

Accompany with: potato salad, green salad, spinach rice, coleslaw, sauerkraut or mushroom soup.

SPECIAL DIETS

If you avoid gluten, replace the classic bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. If you want to avoid carbs completely, you can wrap the sandwiches in lettuce leaves!

Let your imagination run wild and improvise.

Bon appétite!