These flavorful halloumi bites are perfect as party appetizers or as snacks. Paired with a chutney dip, these keto-friendly/ vegetarian bites are sure to be a hit.
Coated with a flavorful, homemade marinade, fried in a pan to golden perfection. These halloumi bites are then inserted into skewers, which not only makes them visually appealing but also easier to serve.
Where to find Halloumi cheese in Germany?
You can find halloumi cheese by the name Halloumi Käse at any well stocked grocery store like Edeka, Rewe, Real, Hit, Kaufland etc. You are not likely to find them at the discount stores. They are stocked in the refrigerator section, and could usually be found near cheese/milk product area.
Ingredients at a glance
- Halloumi Cheese: You can use any brand that is easily available to you. Its preferable to use plain but if your cheese has a few herbs added, that is fine as well.
- Greek Yogurt: You can use any brand of greek yogurt (10% fat).
- Ginger-Garlic paste: I prefer using homemade ginger garlic paste. To make yours, take equal amounts of garlic cloves and ginger pieces. Peel them and then make a smooth paste. Use the paste in this recipe and store the rest in an airtight container in the fridge to use later. You may also use store bought one.
- Garam Masala: I prefer using my homemade blend of garam masala but you may use store bought one as well. Aldi has recently started carrying bio garam masala in their sortiment which is good as well.
- Red chili powder, cumin powder: You can find these at any Indian grocery store. I use deggi red chili powder, but you may use any variation.
- Saffron : I use a pinch of ground saffron for my recipe. If you have saffron strands, soak them in a teaspoon of warm water for a few minutes before adding it to your marinade. You may skip adding saffron if it is not available to you.
- Lemon juice: Use fresh lemon juice for best results.
- Olive oil: Feel free to use any variation of olive oil, or replace it with any other oil of your choice.
- Bell Pepper (various colors): I like to add bell peppers to my skewers which gives them a nice sweetness and balances out the spice and flavors.
- Red Onion: Red onion gives the skewers a nice crunch.
Halloumi Tikka Bites with Yogurt Chutney Dip
Coated with a flavorful, homemade marinade, fried in a pan to golden perfection. These halloumi bites are perfect as snacks or appetizers.
Ingredients
For the Halloumi Tikka Bites:
- 3 Tbsp greek yogurt
- 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- a pinch of saffron
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- juice of half lemon
- 500 grams Halloumi cheese
- 1 green paprika
- 1 red paprika
- 1 yellow paprika
- 1 big red onion
- 1 Tbsp oilve oil
For the chutney dip:
- 2 tsp coriander and green chili chutney (linked below)
- 1 cup yogurt
Instructions
- To make the marinade, take a big bowl. Add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, cumin powder, garam masala, pinch of saffron (if using saffron strands soak into a teaspoon of warm water for a few minutes and then add it), olive oil and lemon juice. Mix until everything is well comibed.
- Cut the halloumi cheese in cubes (about 3×4 cm). Add them to the marinade. Coat it well from all sides and keep it aside for a few minutes, until you cut the vegetables.
- Cut the paprika and onion into 3×3 cm squares. Keep aside.
- Put a pan on medium heat and add some olive oil. When the pan is heated, add the halloumi pieces and cook on this side without moving them for about 3-4 minutes.
- When the halloumi pieces turn brown from this side, move around to change sides. Cook them to until brown from at least 2 sides. Remove from the pan and keep aside.
- Add your chopped vegetables into the bowl with the leftover marinade. Mix to coat the vegetables well with the marinade.
- Add your vegetables to the pan on medium heat and cook, stirring continuosly for about 4-5 minutes until they turn glossy. Do not overcook them otherwise they will turn soggy. Remove from pan immediately.
- Take a few skewers (about 12 cm long). Insert a piece of paprika, followed by a piece of onion, then a halloumi cube, then a piece of paprika, then an onion. Vary the colors to make the skewers look colorful and more appetizing.
- To make the chutney dip, add a few teaspoons of this coriander and green chili chutney to the yogurt. Mix well and transfer to a serving bowl.
- Arrange the skewers on a serving tray. Serve along with the chutney dip.
It actually sounds doable. I will try it next weekend so fingers crossed. Thanks for sharing xx
Let me know how they turns out. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.