
Golden Halloumi Bowl with Lemon Couscous, Roasted Tomatoes, and Mint Pistachios
An original, vibrant lunch bowl featuring golden pan-seared halloumi, fluffy lemon-scented couscous, roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a crunchy mint-pistachio finish. It balances salty, citrusy, and herbal notes in a complete, appealing meal.
Ingredients
- 180 g dry couscous (base of the bowl)
- 240 ml water (for hidratar the cuscús)
- 45 ml olive oil (divided)
- 1 unit lemon (2 tbsp de jugo)
- 300 g cherry tomatoes (whole)
- 15 ml honey (for the tomates)
- 2 g ground cumin (for the tomates)
- 5 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 300 g halloumi cheese (cut en slices)
- 120 g baby spinach (fresh)
- 40 g roasted pistachios (chopped gruesos)
- 10 g fresh mint (leaves chopped)
- 120 g plain Greek yogurt (for the sauce)
- 1 clove garlic (grated or muy chopped)
Nutrition facts
per serving
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
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. On a baking tray, toss the cherry tomatoes with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, honey, ground cumin, 2 g (about 1/2 tsp) salt, and black pepper. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized.
- 2
2. While the tomatoes roast, bring the water to a boil. Place the dry couscous in a heatproof bowl with a pinch of salt, pour in the boiling water, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. Uncover, add the lemon zest, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, then fluff with a fork.
- 3
3. In a small bowl, mix the plain Greek yogurt with the garlic, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- 4
4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and sear the halloumi for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until deeply golden outside and tender inside.
- 5
5. Combine the roasted pistachios and chopped fresh mint in a small bowl.
- 6
6. Divide the baby spinach among 4 bowls. Top with the lemon couscous, roasted tomatoes with their juices, and the golden halloumi slices.
- 7
7. Finish each serving with spoonfuls of the garlic yogurt sauce and sprinkle the mint-pistachio mixture over the top. Serve immediately.
Chef tips
For the best texture, do not move the halloumi too early in the pan; when it is ready to flip, it will release easily. If you want a brighter flavor, add a little extra lemon zest to the couscous just before serving.
Substitutions
You can substitute the pistachios with toasted almonds for a different crunch. Baby spinach can be replaced with arugula. If you do not have halloumi, use firm panela-style cheese or grilling cheese, though the final result will be slightly different.
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 imageCosori 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
Illustrative imageT-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
Illustrative imageVictorinox 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
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