Introduction to the Recipe

As a chef, the richness of Mediterranean cuisine has always captivated me. That’s why I’m excited to share a staple of Greek cooking with you: my Vegetarian Halloumi Souvlaki. This Greek culinary gem, bursting with flavours, features grilled halloumi cheese, balsamic-roasted aubergine, and a delightful sun-dried tomato tapenade. It’s all topped off with a tangy Tzatziki sauce and wrapped in warm Greek flatbread, perfectly capturing the Mediterranean spirit.

Halloumi Cheese Soaking Technique

In this recipe, I share a technique for soaking halloumi cheese, which helps remove excess salt, making it more palatable for the dish. I use this technique on many occasions for various dishes. It also affects the texture of the cheese, making it softer. The longer you soak it, the more salt is removed.

Greek Flatbread or Pita Bread

I always recommend preparing your own flatbread, but if you can purchase a pre-made, good-quality one, go for it. Here, you can find my recipe for Greek Flatbread, which doesn’t require much work and can be prepared in a pan on the stove.

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Tzatziki Sauce

Definitely one of my favorite sauces for a variety of dishes. It is fresh, healthy, and flavorful. It’s perfect as a side for any grilled meat or vegetables and makes a lovely dip too. Here, you can find my recipe for homemade Tzatziki Sauce. All you need is cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic and dill.

What is Greek Souvlaki?

Souvlaki, a staple of Greek cuisine, pairs marinated meat or cheese with the finesse of grilling or frying. Chefs typically skewer these ingredients before expertly cooking them. Accompanying this are servings of warm Greek flatbread, creamy Tzatziki sauce, crisp onions, fresh tomatoes, and occasionally chips, offering a symphony of flavors that define the vibrancy of Greek culinary traditions. This combination not only offers a burst of flavors but also showcases the vibrant essence of Greek cuisine. Notably, souvlaki offers versatility, as you can prepare it with various meats such as chicken, beef, pork, lamb or halloumi cheese. Transitioning from one ingredient to the next, it’s clear that this dish is both flavorful and adaptable.

A Journey Through Souvlaki’s Rich History

Tracing back to ancient Greece, souvlaki has a rich history as a favored street food, especially among soldiers and laborers. During that era, they would grill meat on skewers over open flames, providing a swift and delicious solution to feed many. As the years progressed, souvlaki underwent transformations, cementing its place in Greek culinary traditions. Nowadays, this delectable dish graces the menus of taverns and restaurants not only in Greece but also across the globe.

Classic Varieties of Greek Souvlaki

Greek cuisine’s gem, souvlaki, comes in numerous variations, each offering a unique taste experience. The chicken variant, known as “kotopoulo souvlaki,” is soaked in a tangy mix of lemon and olive oil. Meanwhile, the pork souvlaki, termed “hirino souvlaki,” is enriched with a medley of spices and herbs. Additionally, the beef souvlaki, called “moschari souvlaki,” captivates with its deep marination in red wine, complemented by fragrant rosemary. Not to forget, there’s also the halloumi souvlaki, “souvlaki halloumi,” a delightful vegetarian option where the brined cheese is grilled to perfection, adding a creamy texture and salty tang to the mix.

What is Halloumi Cheese?

Halloumi cheese, a delightful product of sheep’s and goat’s milk, boasts a high melting point. This characteristic makes it exceptionally suitable for grilling, frying, and roasting. Notably, its unique properties make it an ideal choice for a vegetarian version of souvlaki. Originating from the sunny landscapes of Cyprus, the warm climate and time-honored production techniques have endowed it with a distinctive flavour and texture.

Tracing its roots back to the ancient era of the Ottoman Empire, halloumi cheese once served as a primary food source for the military. As merchants and traders journeyed across the Mediterranean, they introduced this cheese to various regions. Consequently, it seamlessly integrated into the culinary traditions of countries like Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. Over time, the allure of halloumi cheese has spread globally, and today, it garners appreciation from food enthusiasts everywhere.

Have you ever wondered about Tapenade?

Originating from the sun-kissed shores of southern France, Tapenade is a traditional Mediterranean spread, primarily crafted from olives and capers. Interestingly, the term “tapenade” takes its name from the Provencal word for caper, “tapeno.” Historically, this robust spread was employed to capture and preserve the essence of summer flavors.

While it began as a condiment to complement meats, it has gracefully transitioned to become a favoured bread spread. As the years have passed, numerous variations of tapenade have surfaced, seamlessly blending in ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and crunchy nuts. Given its rich and multifaceted flavours, it’s no surprise that tapenade serves as a delightful complement to dishes like Halloumi Souvlaki, elevating its taste to new heights.”

Recipe Card for Greek Halloumi Souvlaki:

Few words from Chef Lukasz

I hope you enjoyed this delicious vegetarian recipe for Halloumi Souvlaki. Please Subscribe to my online cookbook for more Vegetarian Recipes and more. Check out my Instagram to see more amazing dishes. Let me know if you prepared this recipe in the comment section below 🙂 Have a good Day!