A simple, speedy and delicious dish that is great as part of a tapas selection.
This is one of those “put together in moments and get it all prepared ahead of time” dishes.
They are great just to tuck into but I sometimes like to serve these on top of a bed of couscous, studded with jewels of pistachios, pomegranate seeds, dried apricots and sultanas.
You can use harissa paste from a jar or harissa in powdered form. I tend to use the powdered form so that I can control the level of the spice kick, but both are good.
I usually use small wooden skewers (or pics) rather than the longer ones, but larger skewers or metal skewers work well. If using metal skewers, be careful as they will very hot to handle.
Different vegetables and other ingredients can be added to the skewers: red peppers, Chorizo chunks, Parma ham and raw king prawns are particularly wonderful.
Halloumi, mint & pomegranate kebabs – makes about 8 small ones
Halloumi, mint & harissa kebabs
- about 200g halloumi cheese
- 1 red onion, peeled
- a few medium mushrooms, quartered
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- a small handful of mint leaves, finely chopped
- a fat clove of garlic, peeled and crushed
- 2 teaspoons harissa powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- a few pinches of black pepper
You will need to heat the oven to 200°C (fan) and have a baking tray lined with greaseproof ready.
You will also need wooden or metal skewers.
Method
(1) Cut the Halloumi into small cubes (about the size of dice) and add to a small bowl.
(2) Separate the onion into layers and cut into pieces about an inch wide. Add to the bowl.
(3) Add the mushrooms to the bowl along with the mint leaves, garlic, pomegranate molasses, harissa, smoked paprika and pepper. Stir well to give everything a good coating.
(4) Place the Halloumi, mushrooms and onions onto small skewers – in whichever order you like – and place onto the baking tray. Spoon over any remaining juice and cook in the oven for about 10 minutes.
Note: you could also glaze them once they come out of the oven with any of the juices on the tray.
Halloumi, mint & harissa kebabs
