Ah, summer—the season of endless sunshine, buzzing barbecues, and, of course, the sizzle of grilled delights wafting through the air. There’s a certain magic in those smoky char marks, especially when they dance across golden halloumi and vibrant veggies on skewers. Trust me, these skewers are like a summer playlist—each bite a hit, perfect for those balmy evenings when time stands still.
Steps
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and chopped mint in a large bowl. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
- Add the halloumi cheese cubes, zucchini rounds, onion chunks, and grape tomatoes to the bowl. Toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are coated with the vinaigrette.
- Carefully thread the marinated cheese, zucchini, onion, and tomatoes onto wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare a charcoal grill by lighting a chimney full of charcoal. Once the charcoal is lit and covered in gray ash, spread it evenly across the coal grate. Place the cooking grate on top, cover the grill, and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
- Clean and oil the grilling grate, then grill the skewers over direct heat. Cook until the halloumi browns and the zucchini softens slightly, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the grilled skewers to a serving platter and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them. Serve immediately, accompanied by tzatziki and warm pita if desired.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon), plus additional lemon wedges for serving
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic (approximately 2 medium cloves)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh mint leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound halloumi cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 medium red onions, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving (optional)
- Warm pita bread, for serving (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1320-1760 | Fat: 96g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Cholesterol: 270mg | Sodium: 2634mg | Carbohydrates: 42g | Dietary Fiber: 6g | Total Sugars: 24g | Protein: 84g | Vitamin C: 78mg | Calcium: 1872mg | Iron: 6mg | Potassium: 1878mg
FAQ
- What is halloumi cheese, and why is it suitable for grilling?
- Halloumi is a semi-soft cheese originating from Cyprus, typically made from goat or sheep’s milk. It has a unique property of not melting when grilled, but instead becoming soft and flavorful, making it ideal for grilling.
- What ingredients are needed for the halloumi and vegetable skewers?
- You will need olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, fresh mint leaves, salt, pepper, halloumi cheese, zucchini, red onions, grape tomatoes, and optionally tzatziki and pita for serving.
- How do you prepare the skewers for grilling?
- First, whisk together the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and mint. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Toss the halloumi, zucchini, onions, and tomatoes in the marinade. Then, thread these ingredients onto pre-soaked skewers.
- What is the grilling process for these skewers?
- Preheat the grill after lighting a chimney full of charcoal and spreading it evenly. Clean and oil the grilling grate, then grill the skewers over direct heat until the cheese browns and the zucchini softens, about 3-5 minutes per side. Serve immediately after squeezing lemon wedges over them.
- What can be served with the skewers for a complete meal?
- These skewers can be served with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread, which makes them perfect for turning into instant sandwiches.
Tips
- Pre-soak the Skewers: Ensure that wooden skewers are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before use. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Balance Ingredients on Skewers: Distribute the halloumi and vegetables evenly on the skewers to ensure even cooking. This also helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Use Direct Heat for Grilling: Grill the skewers over direct heat until the halloumi is golden brown and the zucchini is tender. This typically takes 3-5 minutes per side, resulting in a deliciously charred and flavorful finish.
- Serve with Fresh Lemon and Accompaniments: After grilling, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skewers to enhance the flavors. Pair with tzatziki and warm pita for a complete meal experience.
Equipment
- Charcoal grill
- Chimney starter
- Wooden skewers (ensure they’re suitable for grilling and can be soaked in water)
- Grilling grate (if not included with your grill)