Asparagus with halloumi recipe

The perfect side dish for vegetarians, this asparagus with halloumi is ready in no time at all. 

The combination of pan-fried halloumi and the soft, tender asparagus spears make a mouthwatering pairing. 

Ingredients

• 6-8 asparagus spears per portion, peeled from the tips down
• 20g buttery spread
• 2 handfuls rocket leaves, picked and lightly rinsed
• 4 x 30g slices of halloumi
• 1tsp olive oil
• 1tsp lemon juice
• Pepper

Method

1. Snap the woody end from each asparagus spear and discard. Peel the stalks carefully from the tips down. Drop into a large pan of water and cook for 2-3 mins until tender. Drain, brush with buttery spread and season lightly with pepper.
2. Meanwhile, place a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat and once hot, place the halloumi slices in the pan and fry for 1-2 mins on each side until a rich golden brown in colour.
3. Mix together the olive oil and lemon juice for the dressing.
4. Place the buttery spread asparagus spears in a line in the centre of each plate and scatter the rocket leaves in the middle of the spears. Drizzle with a little lemon oil before topping with the fried halloumi slice. This works well with the asparagus served warm or cold.