Here’s a detailed recipe for a Mediterranean Vegetable and Halloumi Tray Bake—a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It combines colorful vegetables with the salty, squeaky goodness of halloumi cheese, all roasted together in a tray for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients:
For the Vegetables:
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
1 red onion, sliced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 eggplant, cut into cubes
1/2 cup black olives, pitted (optional)
1/2 cup kalamata olives (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Halloumi:
250g Halloumi cheese (sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Lemon wedges
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Prep the Vegetables: Slice the zucchinis, bell peppers, red onion, and eggplant. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Season the Vegetables: Add the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, dried oregano, thyme, paprika (optional), and lemon juice to the vegetables. Toss everything together well so the vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 2: Roast the Vegetables
Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a large baking tray with parchment paper (or lightly grease with olive oil).
Roast the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly on the tray. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and starting to caramelize. Stir halfway through cooking for even roasting.
Step 3: Prepare the Halloumi
Prepare the Halloumi: While the vegetables are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Cook the Halloumi: Add the halloumi slices to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle the cooked halloumi with dried oregano and freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Combine the Vegetables and Halloumi: Once the vegetables are roasted, remove the tray from the oven. Carefully add the cooked halloumi slices on top of the roasted vegetables.
Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve: Serve the Mediterranean vegetable and halloumi tray bake hot, either on its own or with a side of couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Tips:
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap or add other Mediterranean vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, or sweet potatoes.
Halloumi Alternatives: If you can’t find halloumi, you can use another firm cheese like feta, though it won’t have the same texture when cooked.
Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add Protein: For extra protein, consider adding chickpeas or grilled chicken alongside the vegetables before roasting.
This Mediterranean Vegetable and Halloumi Tray Bake is a colorful, nutritious, and satisfying dish full of vibrant flavors, perfect for a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare. Enjoy!