Best 3 Crispy Grains And Halloumi With Smashed Cucumbers Recipes
CRISPY GRAINS AND HALLOUMI WITH SMASHED CUCUMBERS
This vegetarian sheet-pan meal is inspired by crispy rice dishes like tahdig, fried rice and pegao, but, instead of white rice, this recipe calls for whole grains like brown rice, wheat berries or farro. For best results, spread the grains and chickpeas on a sheet pan and pat lightly with a paper towel to remove moisture before cooking - the drier they are, the more they'll crisp up. Then top everything with smashed cucumbers that have been combined with citrus and fresh herbs. As the whole grains cook, the cucumbers marinate, releasing sweet, grassy juices that are then used as a dressing. (You can also use the liquid on a simple panzanella or a baby-green salad.)
Provided by Ali Slagle
Categories dinner, lunch, weekday, grains and rice, salads and dressings, main course, side dish
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat the broiler on high with a rack six or fewer inches from the heat source. Put the grains, halloumi and chickpeas on a sheet pan to air dry while you prepare the other ingredients. (You can do this up to a day ahead and refrigerate the sheet pan.)
- Meanwhile, smash the cucumbers with the side of your knife until they're craggy and split. Coarsely chop into irregular 1/2-inch pieces. Transfer the cucumbers and any liquid on the cutting board to a small bowl and season with salt. Finely grate about 1 teaspoon of the citrus zest over the cucumbers, then squeeze in 3 tablespoons juice. Cut any remaining citrus into wedges for serving. Add the herbs and 1 tablespoon olive oil, stir to combine and set aside. (Cucumbers can be prepared up to 3 hours in advance.)
- Add remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and the cumin to the sheet pan. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, spread in an even layer, and broil, shaking the pan occasionally or tossing with a fork, until the chickpeas start to pop and everything is crisped and golden brown, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Serve the grain-bean mixture topped with the cucumbers and the dressing in the bowl. Season to taste with salt, pepper, citrus juice and olive oil.
SMASHED CUCUMBER SALAD
By crushing our cucumber before we cut it, we produce flavors that un-smashed cukes can't. When you crush the cells in a vegetable, as opposed to cutting cleanly through them, certain compounds get mixed together, which can result in a significantly different flavor. In cucumbers this is a good thing--onions, not so much. But this salad is one of my all-time favorite cold summer side dishes. The only decision you're going to have to make is how long to let the cucumbers marinate--half an hour or so or not at all.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Cucumber Salad Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Wrap each cucumber in plastic wrap to minimize splattering. Place on a work surface and pound with a flat object (like a meat pounder) until cucumbers crack and are slightly flattened. Remove from plastic. Cut cucumbers in half; halve each side lengthwise. Slice into 1- to 1 1/2 -inch wide slices. Transfer to a strainer set over a bowl.
- Sprinkle cucumber with sugar and salt; mix until well combined. Refrigerate bowl and strainer for 30 to 60 minutes so cucumber pieces can drain into the bowl.
- Place garlic, seasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Whisk together thoroughly.
- Transfer drained cucumbers into bowl with dressing. Toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.
- Place cucumbers in serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 28.5 calories, Carbohydrate 3.5 g, Fat 1.4 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 530.2 mg, Sugar 1.7 g
CRISPY HALLOUMI CHEESE WITH CAPER SAUCE
Salty halloumi cheese makes a delicious summer starter when grilled until golden and presented with a homemade caper sauce. Halloumi is ideal for the grill because it holds its shape and does not melt, but just becomes crisp on the outside and pleasantly soft inside.
Provided by cheesemite
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Cheese
Time 25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cover capers with fresh water in a bowl and soak for 5 minutes to remove excess salt; drain.
- Chop capers coarsely. Stir together capers, garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, and crushed coriander seeds in a small bowl. Season with ground black pepper.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate.
- Brush the halloumi slices with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Cook halloumi slices directly on the grill grate until golden, about 2 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side until soft in the center and golden on the outside, about 2 more minutes.
- Place halloumi slices on a serving plate. Drizzle with caper sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 196 calories, Carbohydrate 2.9 g, Cholesterol 31.2 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 9.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 629.8 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
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