Description
A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring griddled vegetables and golden halloumi cheese served over fluffy couscous. This recipe balances smoky grilled flavors with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, making it a satisfying vegetarian main course perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Couscous and Broth
- 1 cup dry couscous
- 1 cup boiling vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
Vegetables
- 1 zucchini, sliced lengthwise
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 small eggplant, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
Halloumi and Seasoning
- 8 ounces halloumi cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous: Place couscous in a bowl and pour over boiling vegetable broth. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil to keep the grains separate and add flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for grilling vegetables and halloumi effectively.
- Season and grill vegetables: Toss zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, eggplant, and red onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Grill the vegetables for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and lightly charred.
- Grill halloumi cheese: Brush halloumi slices with a little olive oil and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy, ensuring it holds its shape and develops a delicious crust.
- Combine and serve: Stir lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and the optional fresh mint into the couscous for freshness and added flavor. Serve the couscous as a base topped with the griddled vegetables and grilled halloumi slices for a complete, nutritious meal.
Notes
- Halloumi cheese is perfect for grilling as it holds its shape well and develops a crispy exterior.
- You can swap or add seasonal vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or asparagus based on preference.
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked chickpeas to the couscous.
- A drizzle of a light yogurt and herb sauce enhances the dish with creaminess and additional flavor.
