Pan-Fried Halloumi with Fennel, Olive & Mint Compote

Serves four to six as an appetizer or “small plate.”

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Quick & Delicious: Recipes Meant for Sharing
by Jessica Bard
from Fine Cooking
Issue 80
Last Edit Date: 6/3/2011 1:00:05 PM

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3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium fennel bulb, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1-1/4 cups)
1/2 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 3/4 cup)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 pitted Kalamata olives, slivered (about 1/3 cup)
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
1/3 cup minced fresh mint
1 8-oz. package halloumi cheese, cut into 1/4- to 3/8-inch-thick slices

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a heavy, 10-inch sauté pan over medium heat until hot. Add the fennel and onions and cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften (but don’t let them brown), 4 to 5 min. Reduce the heat to medium low, add 1/4 tsp. kosher salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper and continue to cook until the vegetables soften completely, another 3 to 5 min. Turn the heat to low and stir in the olives, lemon zest, mint, and the remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

Set a large (preferably 12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-high heat (no oil is necessary) until hot, about 1 minute. Working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan, cook the halloumi until golden in spots, about 2 min. Flip and cook until the second side of each slice is golden, about 2 min. more. Reduce the heat as needed if the halloumi is browning too fast.

Shingle the halloumi on a serving platter. Stir the compote and spoon half of it over the halloumi. Serve immediately with the remaining compote on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with slices of crusty bread warmed in the oven

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : based on six servings; Calories (kcal): 210; Fat (g): 18; Fat Calories (kcal): 160; Saturated Fat (g): 8; Protein (g): 9; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 6; Carbohydrates (g): 5; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1; Sodium (mg): 560; Cholesterol (mg): 25; Fiber (g): 1;