Golden Halloumi Skillet with Spiced Lentils, Roasted Tomatoes, and Lemon Yogurt
🌙 Dinners
Intermediate

Golden Halloumi Skillet with Spiced Lentils, Roasted Tomatoes, and Lemon Yogurt

An original, satisfying vegetarian dinner featuring crisp halloumi, tender lentils seasoned with warm spices, roasted cherry tomatoes, and a quick lemon-herb yogurt sauce. It balances texture, brightness, and creaminess in one plate.

20 minPrep
25 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
VegetarianHigh ProteinDiabetic-Friendly

Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 300 g halloumi cheese (cut en 8 slices)
  • 480 g cooked lentils (escurridas si son of conserva)
  • 300 g cherry tomatoes (whole)
  • 120 g red onion (en pluma fina)
  • 12 g garlic (chopped)
  • 180 g plain Greek yogurt (for the sauce)
  • 1 unit lemon (zest and 30 ml/2 tbsp of juice, divided)
  • 20 g fresh parsley (chopped, divided)
  • 4 g ground cumin
  • 4 g smoked paprika
  • 2 g dried oregano
  • 1 g red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 120 ml water or vegetable broth
  • 4 g salt (or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)

Nutrition facts

per serving

465 kcal
Calories
24 g
Protein
26 g
Carbs
28 g
Fat
8 g
Fiber
18 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Dairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the cherry tomatoes and red onion on a small tray, toss with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, half of the chopped garlic, 1 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the onion is tender.

  2. 2

    While the tomatoes roast, make the sauce by mixing the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, 10 g (1/4 cup) chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Chill until needed.

  3. 3

    Heat a wide skillet over medium heat. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and cook the remaining garlic for 30 seconds without letting it burn. Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes; stir for 15 seconds to bloom the spices.

  4. 4

    Add the cooked lentils and the water or vegetable broth to the skillet. Season with the remaining salt and black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are hot and saucy but not watery.

  5. 5

    In another nonstick skillet, or in an open area of the same pan, heat the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the halloumi for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until deeply golden and crisp on the surface.

  6. 6

    Transfer the roasted tomatoes and roasted red onion to the lentil skillet along with any tray juices. Fold gently, then add the remaining 10 g (1/4 cup) parsley and the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice.

  7. 7

    Serve the spiced lentils on plates or on a platter. Arrange the golden halloumi on top and finish with spoonfuls of lemon yogurt. Adjust salt and black pepper if needed and serve right away.

Chef tips

Pat the halloumi dry before searing for better browning. For a silkier lentil texture, lightly mash a small portion with your spoon as they cook.

Substitutions

You can substitute paneer for halloumi, though the result will be less salty. Parsley can be swapped for cilantro or dill. If you do not have Greek yogurt, use any thick plain yogurt.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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