Grilled Halloumi Skewers with Pistachio Pesto

Cooking with Euro Alfresco

  • 220g cherry tomatoes

  • 220g button mushrooms, stems removed

  • 1 1/2 cups baby white potatoes, halved

  • 1 cup whole radishes, halved

  • 1 zucchini squash, chopped

  • 1 red onion, chopped

  • 1 capsicum, chopped

  • Salt and pepper, for sprinkling

  • 200-300g halloumi cheese, cut into 1 inch chunks

  • olive/grape-seed/coconut oil spray or drizzle

INGREDIENTS | Serves 4

  • 1 cup shelled pistachios

  • 1/2  cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves torn

  • 1/2 cup fresh rocket

  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano

  • 3 garlic cloves

  • 1/3 cup finely grated pecorino, romano cheese

  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

INGREDIENTS | Pistachio Pesto

EQUIPMENT

  • Skewers

METHOD

Step 1
Chop up your vegetables ensuring they are all the same size.

Step 2
Skewer your vegetables, roughly 12 to 15 pieces on each skewer. However some pieces like peppers and onions, require a stack of 3 or 4 slices together. Depending on how you slice the vegetables, they should roughly make up 8 large skewers.

Step 3
Skewer 4 to 5 pieces of halloumi on each skewer, with 2 pieces of vegetables for the perfect halloumi skewer.

Step 4
Preheat your Euro BBQ grill to medium-heat for a minimum of 15 minutes, reaching an ideal temperature of 180 - 200°C.

Step 5
Brush your skewers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 6
Place your vegetable skewers directly on the grill for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, rotating 3 to 4 times ensuring all sides are evenly charred. Place the halloumi skewers directly on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until grill marks appear.

Pistachio Pesto
Place pistachios, basil, rocket, oregano, garlic and cheese in a food processor. Pulse and blend until the nuts are roughly crushed, then with the processor on, pour in 1/3 cup of olive oil. Add a little more if necessary, depending on what consistency you prefer. Taste the pesto and add in salt, blending once more.

Step 7
Serve vegetable skewers with the halloumi skewers and pistachio pesto and enjoy!