Halloumi Marbella
This play on a chicken marbella covers all the flavor bases: rich, salty, sweet and delicious.
Serve with some crusty bread as a starter, or over couscous or pasta for more of a full dish.
Pro tip: if eating with bread, smush the prunes to make a jam-like spread!
Equipment
- small baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or basting brush
Ingredients
- 2 blocks halloumi cheese 7.9 ounces / 225 grams each
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¾ cup California Prunes
- ½ cup pitted green olives
- 2 TBSP capers
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- 2 TBSP fresh oregano chopped
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp ground white pepper
- ¼ cup white wine
- 2 TBSP honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) .
Prep the halloumi:
- Unwrap and pat the halloumi dry. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a crosshatch pattern halfway through each block—be careful not to cut all the way through. Set aside.
Make the marinade:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, California Prunes, green olives, capers, bay leaves, garlic, oregano, salt, white pepper, and white wine.
(Optional) Marinate the halloumi:
- You may place the halloumi into the marinade cut-side up for 30 minutes to 2 hours (or overnight). Be gentle—the cheese can be delicate.
Assemble for baking:
- Pour the marinade into a small baking dish and nestle the halloumi blocks cut-side up into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top, then drizzle with honey.
Bake:
- Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, basting the cheese with the sauce every 15 minutes. The tops should be golden and crispy.
Rest and serve:
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread, or serve over couscous, pasta, or grains and greens for a heartier dish.
Video
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Spread softened prunes on bread like a jam (yes, it’s that good).
Leftovers are excellent cold or reheated—this dish only gets better with time.
For a dinner party, pair with a chilled white wine or rosé.
Nutrition
Serving: 1portionCalories: 274kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 2gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 676mgPotassium: 309mgFiber: 4gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 373IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 2mg