Halloumi skewers with melon

Looking for the perfect vegetarian appetizer? These halloumi skewers with melon are easy, surprising and incredibly tasty. They are also suitable for the barbecue or as a salad when you omit the skewers. I'm so glad it's summer because I love melon. Watermelon, galia melon, cantaloupe: you name it and I love it.

Watermelon and cantaloupe go over the counter like hot cakes at the market stall I go to. They are popular for several reasons that include their taste, nutritional value, moisturizing properties and versatility of use. Here are some of the reasons why these fruits are so popular:

1. Sweet and refreshing taste: both watermelon and cantaloupe have a natural sweet taste that appeals to many people (including children). Their juicy texture and refreshing quality make them especially appealing during hot summers or as a thirst-quenching snack.
2. High water content: both fruits consist mostly of water. This high water content makes them excellent natural moisturizers and helps keep the body hydrated, especially in hot climates.
3. Healthy nutrients: watermelon and cantaloupe are nutritious and provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and fiber. These nutrients contribute to a healthy diet and can help maintain good health.
4. Easy to consume: these fruits are convenient to eat because they are often cut into pieces and can be eaten without much preparation. This makes them a convenient and tasty snack for traveling or picnics.
5. Versatility in dishes: although many people like to eat watermelon and cantaloupe fresh, they are also versatile in culinary applications. They can be used in fruit salads, smoothies, juices, desserts, ice creams, salsas, and they can even be grilled or used in savory dishes such as salads with feta or goat cheese.
6. Seasonal availability: watermelon and cantaloupe are seasonal fruits, meaning they are at their best and abundantly available during certain times of the year. This makes them a special treat that people enthusiastically welcome every year. When I think of summer, I immediately think of melon!

Then the other ingredient in these halloumi skewers with melon: the halloumi itself. What is halloumi anyway?

Halloumi is a traditional salty cheese originally from Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular cheese in Mediterranean cuisine and is also becoming increasingly well-known in other parts of the world for its unique properties and versatile uses.

The cheese is made from a mixture of sheep and goat milk, sometimes supplemented with cow's milk. The uniqueness of halloumi is that it is a "grillable" cheese, meaning that it keeps its shape and does not melt when heated. This is because the cheese has a high protein content and develops an elastic texture during the heating process. In this recipe, I also briefly fry the halloumi in the grill pan.

Halloumi has a firm and slightly rubbery texture with a slightly salty taste. The cheese has a characteristic white color with a grill pattern on the outside as a result of grilling or baking.

Because of its grilling properties, halloumi is particularly popular as a barbecue or grill cheese. It is often served as a delicious side dish or as part of a vegetarian main course. Halloumi goes well with different flavors and ingredients, and it is common to combine it with vegetables, such as bell bell pepper and zucchini, or in salads.

The cheese can also be fried, roasted or grated over dishes for added flavor. Because of its versatility and unique texture, halloumi has become a favorite choice for those looking for interesting and flavorful alternatives to traditional cheeses. Curious about more recipes with halloumi? Then try this cauliflower stew with roasted bell pepper sauce and halloumi or this salad with halloumi, orange and pearl couscous.