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Speedy Mince and Haloumi

Speedy Mince and Haloumi

Speedy Mince and Haloumi is a quick and flavorful dish combining savory spiced minced meat with crispy, salty haloumi cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting and versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals, offering a delicious balance of textures and vibrant flavors with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 400g minced beef or lamb
  • 200g haloumi cheese, cut into thick slices
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 400g chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or coriander, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Replace minced beef or lamb with 400g turkey or chicken mince (leaner option)
  • 1 cup chopped spinach or kale (for extra greens)
  • Swap haloumi for 200g feta or paneer
  • Chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, chopped (to add spice)
  • Serve with cauliflower rice or quinoa (for gluten/grain-free serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the fresh herbs. Cut the haloumi into thick slices ready for shallow frying to achieve a golden crust.
  2. Cook the Mince: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Add the garlic, then the minced meat. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the spices to toast lightly to release their aroma. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently, letting the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
  4. Fry the Haloumi: In a separate non-stick pan, add a splash of olive oil and fry the haloumi slices over medium heat until they develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior while remaining soft inside. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Combine and Garnish: Spoon the spiced mince mixture onto serving plates. Top or serve alongside with the crispy fried haloumi slices. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or coriander over the dish for a burst of freshness before serving.

Notes

  • Use quality haloumi cheese for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying haloumi to ensure a crispy crust.
  • Toast the cumin and paprika spices briefly to unlock deeper flavors.
  • If mince is fatty, drain excess fat before adding tomatoes for a cleaner taste.
  • Add fresh herbs right before serving for the brightest flavor boost.

Nutrition

Keywords: speedy mince, haloumi recipe, quick dinner, spiced mince, Mediterranean dish, easy weeknight meal, haloumi cheese