haloumi bites

 I was looking to create something savoury but I was sick of using bread as a carrier for vegetarian food. I LOVE haloumi and I love mushrooms and the last time I had gremolata, well, it was a while ago......think 2004, honeymoon, fresh seafood at Sandy Bay Tasmania......FAB!!! So I thought I would throw the 3 together and see what happened.............These even have the seal of approval from our vegetarian friend Yay!

haloumi bites

1 pack of haloumi
150g mushrooms, peeled and sliced thinly
2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley
3 teaspoons lemon zest (roughly 1 small lemon)
1 small clove of garlic finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste


how to make your haloumi bites

You can prep the gremolata up to an hour before serving. Just keep it at room temperature. Throw the last 4 ingredients together (the salt and pepper being to taste - don't add too much though) Slice the haloumi into 3 large pieces and then slice these pieces into 4 pieces so you have 12 pieces that are the same size. Pop some extra virgin olive oil in a pan and place over a medium high heat. Meanwhile, grab a saucepan, pop in some extra virgin olive oil over a high heat. When hot, throw in the mushrooms and a touch of salt. Stir until cooked through. When the frypan is hot enough add the haloumi and after about 40seconds turn them over. (you can see in the pic I overdid them a little bit so keep an eye on them, they don't take any time at all!) When slightly browned on both sides, pull them out and place on your tray. Top with the drained mushrooms and then sprinkle your gremolata mixtures over each bite. Serve and enjoy!