Equipment
* optional
Ingredients
Base
- 150 g demi-baguette, split horizontally
Filling
- 100 g halloumi cheese, sliced into 1cm thick slabs
- 100 g zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 0.5cm strips
- 50 g red onion, sliced into rounds
Lemon-Mint Drizzle
- 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 15 ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 5 g fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 g black pepper, freshly cracked
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Using a chef's knife and cutting board, slice the halloumi, zucchini, and red onion. Split the baguette horizontally.
In a small mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh mint, and black pepper to create the drizzle.
Place a grill pan over medium-high heat and allow it to preheat to approximately 200°C (400°F).
Using tongs, place the zucchini strips and red onion rounds onto the hot grill pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until tender and marked with grill lines, then remove and set aside.
Place the halloumi slices on the hot grill pan. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side until deeply golden crusts form. Do not overcook or it will become rubbery.
Spoon half of the lemon-mint drizzle over the bottom half of the split baguette. Layer the grilled zucchini, red onion, and hot halloumi slices evenly.
Spoon the remaining drizzle over the filling, close the sandwich with the top half of the baguette, and serve immediately while the cheese is warm.
Chef's Notes
- Do not salt the lemon-mint drizzle before tasting the final sandwich. Halloumi is cured in brine and contributes substantial saltiness on its own.
- If your baguette is a day old, brush the cut sides with a touch of olive oil and toast it face-down on the grill pan for 1 minute before assembling to refresh the crumb.
- For easier grilling, cut the zucchini slightly on a bias to create larger surface areas that won't fall through grill grates if cooking on an outdoor barbecue.
Storage
Refrigerator: 1 day — Store components separately if possible to prevent the baguette from becoming soggy.
Reheating: Reheat halloumi slices in a dry skillet over medium heat until warm and pliable. Serve immediately.
