Avocado and Halloumi Burger with Chilli and Ginger ketchup

Comforting, hearty and wholesome, this delicious Halloumi Burger is guaranteed to be a winner!

Inspired by my daughter Jade, whose social media feeds are packed with some incredible creations; very few make #themayway criteria but with slight adaptions, this one sure did!

Making your own homemade ketchup is very easy and cannot be compared to the processed version you’re probably more familiar with! My version is zingy, spicy with just a hint of sweetness that complements the salty halloumi and creamy avocado perfectly.

https://vimeo.com/689038215/a49efe6d2c

 

Putting this Halloumi Burger together is more of a food assembly job once you’ve made the flavour packed ketchup, which you can make in advance so it’s ready to use. It’s incredibly versatile, so you’ll love having it to hand for this meal and many others.

For this Halloumi Burger you’ll need:

Per Person

• Halloumi; 2 thick slices
• ½ avocado
• Ciabatta rolls or brioche bun
• A handful of rocket leaves

For the Chilli & Ginger Ketchup, you’ll need:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 400g fresh tomatoes
• 2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1tbsp ginger, finely grated (SEE TIP)
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp white wine vinegar
• 1 fresh red chilli OR
• ½ tsp chilli powder/flakes (more if desired)
• 1 tsp chilli oil (optional)
• Salt

Start by preparing the ketchup….Heat a little olive oil in a small pan and add the garlic & ginger (and chilli if you’re using fresh). Fry over a gentle heat for around 5mins.

Then add the tomatoes and let them cook and break down for a further 5mins.

Next add the vinegar, sugar and chilli and a little salt and cook for 2-3mins.

Check the seasoning and add more vinegar if necessary. You should be able to taste the tang but it should be balanced with a little hint of sweetness.

To prepare the burger; first, toast the bun. You can do this in a toaster if it can take the thickness, under the grill or on a hot frying pan, before cooking the halloumi.

Next fry the halloumi; heat a non-stick frying pan until it is fairly hot. Add each slice to the pan and allow it to brown on one side; this takes around 1 min. turn it over to brown the other side. There is o need to add any oil for this stage as the halloumi contains fat already

To assemble, start with one half of the bun and top with avocado. Mash it with the back of a fork so it is evenly distributed. Next, add the halloumi on top. On the other half, add a generous dollop of the ketchup and spread this evenly. Finally, top the ketchup with a generous handful of rocket leaves before closing both halves and cutting it in half. And that’s your Halloumi burger ready in minutes!

GINGER TIP

Grating ginger is incredibly easy from frozen; it grates into a fluffy powder that’s super fine and perfect to use where you want the fresh flavour without the texture. I always keep a piece of ginger in a small jar or plastic tub in the freezer and you literally grate what you need and put the rest back in the freezer. It’s far easier to grate and you’ll also be reducing the likelihood of throwing away any dried unused ginger that’s been lurking in your cupboards past it’s best!

STORAGE

Store any leftovers in a jar, ready to spoon onto any meal. Try it as a garnish with steak or grilled chicken or as a base for a salad dressing with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

This was one of my favourite meals for a while and I hope you enjoy it too! Let me know in the comments below.

What is Halloumi?

Originally from Cyprus but now often featured on Greek and Mediterranean menus, Halloumi is semi hard cheese that is salty and chewy in texture. It’s an easy cheese to cook with as it has a high melting point, so retains it’s texture and shape more than most cheeses.

If you’re eating it raw, you may find the texture rubbery but once it’s cooked, it becomes much softer and tastier.

For more on this delicious cheese, CLICK HERE

Is Halloumi healthy?

As a cheese, it is made from milk; usually from unpasteurised goat’s, sheep or cow’s milk. As such, it is high in protein and calcium.

Whilst it is also high in fat and salt, if consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, its protein and fat content will provide good health benefits and will also keep you fuller for longer. As a satiating choice, you’re less likely to snack in between meals.

Is Halloumi vegetarian?

Halloumi is made from milk that is heated with rennet used as a coagulant, so it forms curds. Some brands use vegetarian rennet, otherwise, the rennet used is likely to be animal-derived rennet and therefore not vegetarian-friendly.