🇬🇷 Lemon-Honey Roasted Halloumi with Herbed Bulgur Pilaf

🍽️ What Makes This Dish Unique?

Halloumi is a beloved cheese in Greece and Cyprus, known for its firm texture and amazing grilling ability. This recipe elevates it by roasting it in a zesty lemon-honey glaze, then serving it over a fresh, herb-packed bulgur pilaf with olives and tomatoes.

It’s light but deeply satisfying — perfect for spring or summer, and ideal for vegetarians or Mediterranean diet fans.

🧀 For the Halloumi:

• 250g halloumi cheese (cut into thick slices) 🧀
• Zest & juice of 1 lemon 🍋
• 1 tbsp honey 🍯
• 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• ½ tsp dried oregano 🌿
• Cracked black pepper to taste

🍚 For the Bulgur Pilaf:

• ¾ cup fine or medium bulgur wheat
• 1½ cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small tomato, grated or finely diced 🍅
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped dill 🌿
• 10 Kalamata olives, sliced
• Salt & pepper to taste

🍳 Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Roast the Halloumi

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking tray with parchment.
2. In a bowl, whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, oregano, and pepper.
3. Dip halloumi slices in the mixture and place on tray.
4. Roast for 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and caramelized.

🍚 Step 2: Cook the Bulgur Pilaf

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in grated tomato, cook 2 mins.
4. Add bulgur and water/broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cover, reduce heat, and let cook for 10–12 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
6. Fluff with fork, mix in parsley, dill, olives, salt, and pepper.

🥗 To Serve:

• Spoon bulgur pilaf into a shallow bowl.
• Lay roasted halloumi slices over the top.
• Drizzle with extra lemon-honey glaze if desired.
• Garnish with microgreens or lemon zest.

🧠 Pro Tips

• Use local raw honey for a more complex flavor.
• Want a spicy version? Add a pinch of Aleppo pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Don’t salt the halloumi — it’s naturally salty enough.

❓ FAQ

Q: Can I grill the halloumi instead of roasting?
Yes, but brush with the lemon-honey mix while grilling to caramelize it properly.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
Use firm tofu and maple syrup instead of halloumi and honey.

Q: Can I add veggies to the bulgur?
Absolutely — chopped cucumber, roasted red pepper, or chickpeas go well.