Halloumi Bowl with Chickpea and Za’atar

Every recipe tastes better with halloumi cheese, and this one is certainly no exception! This Mediterranean-inspired halloumi bowl is packed with a variety of flavors and textures, making for a meal that’s both satisfying and delectable.

Thanks to the barley and chickpeas, this bowl provides more than half of your daily fiber recommendations! Barley is a grain particularly high in soluble fiber, known to help regulate blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol.

Because eating healthy should never be repetitive or boring!

Servings : 4

Preparation time: 25 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 ml) pearl barley, dry
• 1 large eggplant, diced
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tsp (10 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) za’atar
• 1 can (540 ml) chickpeas, well drained
• ½ package halloumi cheese (200 g), cut into 6 slices
• 4 Lebanese cucumbers, sliced into half-moons
• Marinated red onions (my quick-and-easy recipe), to taste
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Cook the pearl barley according to the package directions.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, start by sautéing the eggplant cubes without oil. When they are slightly softened and golden, add ½ tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and continue cooking until nicely browned, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
4. Spread the chickpeas on a large baking sheet. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, sprinkle with za’atar, the remaining garlic powder (1 teaspoon), and salt. Bake for 30 minutes, turning
5. In the same skillet used for the eggplant, over medium-high heat, place the halloumi slices. Brown for 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
6. In a small bowl, combine the cucumbers, pickled onions, a drizzle of olive oil (½ tablespoon), and salt.
7. In serving bowls, layer the ingredients, starting with the barley. Then add the eggplant, roasted chickpeas, cucumber salad, and slices of halloumi cheese. Enjoy!

Nutritional values per serving : 572 calories | 24g proteins | 22g fat | 74g carbohydrates | 16g fibers

Halloumi Bowl with Chickpea and Za’atar is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
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