Grilled Halloumi With a Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Grilled Halloumi With a Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

(appetizer for 6)

1/3 cup diced red onion

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 clove of garlic, smashed

1 roasted red pepper, peeled, seeded and chopped

1/2 cup of hand-crushed plum tomatoes (from good quality canned variety)

salt and pepper to taste

pinch of Boukovo (chilli flakes)

1/2 tsp. dried Greek oregano

1 block Halloumi cheese, cut into 1/4 inch slices (makes about 12 slices)

Pita bread, cut into triangles (about the size of your Halloumi slices)

1. In a small skillet, add your olive oil over medium heat and add your onions and garlic and saute for a couple of minutes to soften. Add your chopped roasted red peppers and crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce back to medium and simmer. Add some salt and pepper to taste and simmer for another 7-10 minutes or until thick. Remove from the heat and allow to cool a bit. Add the sauce to a food processor or blender and puree. Adjust seasoning, add your pinch of Boukovo and dried Greek oregano and keep warm.
3. Pre-heat your gas grill or stove-top grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush your slices of Halloumi cheese with olive oil (but leave the pan dry). When the grill surface is hot, grill your cheese for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes a side.
4. Place your pita triangles on your serving dish and them top with the grilled Halloumi slices and a ribbon or dollop of the warm roasted red pepper sauce. Serve immediately.

Note: If you have any leftover sauce, this is great with some pasta and shrimp.