Marry Me Halloumi Recipe
What is Marry Me Halloumi?
“Marry Me Halloumi” is a delightful twist on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, but it uses halloumi cheese as the star ingredient instead of chicken. Halloumi is a semi-hard, salty cheese from Cyprus that holds its shape well when fried or grilled, making it perfect for this dish.
The dish features crispy fried halloumi slices served in a creamy, spicy tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and a touch of chili, making it irresistible. It’s often served with crusty bread or over pasta/rice.
Ingredients
For the Halloumi:
250g block of halloumi cheese
1-2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
400g canned chopped tomatoes (or passata)
100ml double cream (or heavy cream)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves (a handful), roughly chopped
Optional: 1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
To Serve:
Fresh crusty bread, or
Cooked pasta, or
Rice
Equipment Needed:
Frying pan/skillet
Knife and chopping board
Spoon for stirring
Serving plate or bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Serves: 2
1. Prepare the Halloumi
Slicle the halloumi into 1cm thick slices.
Heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Fry the halloumi slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towel to drain excess oil.
2. Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add 2 tbsp olive oil (add more if needed).
Sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chili flakes, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes. Stir well.
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the double cream and mix well.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional) and fresh basil leaves.
Let it simmer for another 2 minutes.
3. Combine and Serve
Nestle the fried halloumi slices into the sauce.
Let everything warm together for 1-2 mintes.
Serve immediately with crusty bread or your choice of pasta/rice.
Tips:
Halloumi is salty by nature, so taste the saluce before adding salt.
For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice over the halloumi before serving.
Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also be used instead of basil.
Adjust chili flakes for desired spice level.
Q&A About Marry Me Halloumi
Q: Can I bake the halloumi instead of frying?
A: Yes! You can bake halloumi at 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
Q: Is this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, halloumi is a vegetarian cheese. Just make sure your cream is vegetarian-friendly.
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: For a vegan version, substitute halloumi with firm tofu or a vegan cheese, and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy cream.
Q: How spicy is the dish?
A: It has a mild to medium spice level. You can easily adjust the chili flakes to suit your taste.
Q:What pairs well with Marry Me Halloumi?
A: Crusty bread to soak up the sauce, roasted veggies, rice, or pas
ta are all great choices.