Spiced Halloumi & Vegetable Couscous

Golden pan-fried halloumi cheese seasoned with warm, earthy spices, served over fluffy couscous with a medley of colorful roasted Mediterranean vegetables.

• Prep: 15 min
• Cook: 30 min
• Total: 45 min
• Servings: 6
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Difficulty: Medium
• Cost: $6.36/serving

Dietary

• Vegetarian
• Nut-Free
• Soy-Free
• Egg-Free
• Pescatarian
• High-Protein

Tags

• fresh
• healthy
• quick
• roast
• savory

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 zucchini (medium, cut into 1/2-inch half-moons)
• 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 0.5 red onion (cut into wedges)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1.5 pound halloumi cheese (sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1.5 cup couscous (uncooked)
• 1.5 cup vegetable broth
• 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
• 0.25 cup fresh mint (chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss 1 medium zucchini, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 red onion, and 1 pint cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper.
2. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. While vegetables roast, prepare the couscous. Bring 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in 1 1/2 cups uncooked couscous, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes until liquid is absorbed and couscous is fluffy. Fluff with a fork.
4. In a shallow dish, combine 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Press the 1 1/2 pounds sliced halloumi cheese into the spice mixture to coat both sides.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spiced halloumi slices and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Serve the fluffy couscous topped with the roasted vegetables and pan-fried spiced halloumi. Garnish with fresh chopped mint and lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

Halloumi cheese is naturally salty, so adjust added salt to your taste. For added texture, toss in some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 510
• Protein: 31.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 42.1 g
• Fat: 25.8 g
• Fiber: 6.2 g
• Sodium: 1350 mg
• Saturated Fat: 14.5 g
• Sugar: 7.1 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg