Spiced Chickpea Orzo With Fried Halloumi
Spiced Chickpea Orzo With Fried Halloumi
(VG)
Grilled halloumi is an absolute delight for both vegetarians and cheese lovers alike. This firm and salty cheese becomes even more irresistible when pan-fried or gilled. As it makes contact with the heat, the halloumi develops a beautiful golden crust on the outside, while maintaining its firm and slightly chewy interior. This dish is a perfect combination of flavors: citrus, herbs, smoky spices, and salty crisp cheese. It’s also sure to impress anyone who comes for dinner, because it looks much more complex than it is to actually make it.
Servings | 4
Ingredients
1 1/2 c dry orzo
3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 lemon, zest and juice
1/2 c fresh basil, chiffonade
1 block halloumi cheese
1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
Directions
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Season the water generously with Kosher salt. Boil orzo according to package instructions for al dente. Drain the orzo in a fine mesh sieve, and add back to the pot. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, basil, Kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Stir to combine, cover, and set aside.
Slice halloumi into 1/2 inch thick slices. Heat a pan over medium heat, and place halloumi directly into pan. Cook until halloumi has browned on both sides. Remove from the pan, set aside, and cover with a paper towel to keep warm.
To the same pan over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil, chickpeas, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook until chickpeas are well coated and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
To the chickpeas, add 1 Tbsp of olive oil, asparagus, and minced garlic. Continue cooking with chickpeas until asparagus is cooked all the way through and slightly charred, about another 5 minutes. Add Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.
Plate each serving with a base of lemon orzo, top with chickpea-asparagus mixture, and add a few slices of fried halloumi on top.
