Vegetarian halloumi pan with cherry tomatoes and courgette

Vegetarian halloumi pan with cherry tomatoes and courgette: a quick pan dish with golden-brown halloumi, olive oil and herbes de Provence.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 10 min
• Cooking time: 15 min
• Total time: 25 min
• Calories: 480 kcal per serving
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 38 g
• Carbs: 12 g

Ingredients

• 1 red onion
• 1 courgette
• 200 g cherry tomatoes
• 1 packet of halloumi cheese (200g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Balsamic cream (choose one without added sugar)
• 1 tsp dried herbes de Provence

Method

You’ll need: frying pan · chopping board · knife · sieve

1. Drain the halloumi and cut it into pieces. Cut the courgette into half-moons and the red onion into large wedges.
2. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the halloumi on both sides until golden brown. Then take it out of the pan and set aside briefly.
3. In the same pan, fry the courgette and red onion until they take on colour and develop a light roasted flavour.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and herbes de Provence and toss everything briefly until the tomatoes start to burst and soften.
5. Return the halloumi to the pan and carefully mix it with the veg so everything heats through and the flavours combine.
6. Arrange on plates, drizzle with balsamic cream and serve straight away.

Good to know

When it needs to be uncomplicated but still really good, this pan is just my thing. Warm, salty, juicy and on the table in no time.

Swaps

Halloumi cheese → feta in brine (stronger in flavour, so a smaller amount does the job; in pregnancy, use feta made from pasteurised milk) Balsamic cream → balsamic vinegar (sharper in flavour; many balsamic creams contain added sugar) 1 tbsp olive oil → 1 tbsp avocado oil (heat-stable for frying, mild in flavour) Cherry tomatoes → peppers (often a little less acidic, also provide vitamin C)

Allergens

The dish contains milk (halloumi). It's fine for many children, though in smaller portions because halloumi is often quite salty; in pregnancy, only use pasteurised halloumi.

Frequently asked questions

Does halloumi contain calcium?

Yes, halloumi naturally contains calcium, because it's made from milk. Depending on the brand, the salt content can also be quite high.

What's in cherry tomatoes, nutritionally?

Cherry tomatoes provide vitamin C, potassium and carotenoids such as lycopene. The exact amounts depend on the variety and ripeness.

Do onions suit everyone, even with a sensitive digestion?

Not necessarily. Red onions contain FODMAPs, which can cause bloating or a feeling of pressure in sensitive people.

What fats does olive oil bring to this dish?

Olive oil mainly contains monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid. There are also small amounts of polyphenols, although the content varies greatly from oil to oil.

Does balsamic cream have any nutritional benefits?

It mainly brings acidity and sweetness to the pan. Many products contain added sugar, so it's worth checking the ingredients list.