This delicious Turkish halloumi bake is easy to make and full of flavour. It’s a classic recipe packed full of freshly cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, aubergine and red peppers. It takes hardly anything to cook and is topped with thick chunks of creamy halloumi which melts and bakes into the mix for added flavour. This bake is ideal for feeding the whole family. If there are any leftover make sure you pop them into an airtight container and leave in the fridge. Eat within 1-2 days and reheat for the best taste.
Ingredients
- 2 red peppers, deseeded and cut into large pieces
- 1 aubergine, sliced, cut into chunks
- 2 large sweet potatoes, about 500g, peeled and cut into small chunks
- 1 large courgette, thickly sliced
- 2 tsp fennel seeds, optional
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 150g red split lentils, rinsed
- ¾ litre hot vegetable stock
- 250g pack halloumi cheese, cut into 8 slices
- Handful of fresh parsley leaves, for garnish
- Ciabatta, to serve
Method
Set the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Put the prepared veg and fennel seeds, if using, in a large roasting tin or baking dish. Drizzle with oil, season well and then mix them together by hand.
Roast for 30 mins. Sprinkle the lentils over, then pour in the hot stock. Roast for another 15-20 mins, until the veg and lentils are cooked through.
Set the grill to high. Lay the cheese slices on top of the veg, then grill for 5-8 mins, until golden. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with the warmed bread.
Top tip for making Turkish halloumi bake
Leftover veg can easily be made into a nourishing soup — just add stock, simmer for 10 minutes, then whizz in a blender.
