Halloumi

Halloumi or Challúmi (Greek Χαλλούμι, Turkish hellim, often referred to simply as Halumi ), is a semi -hard cheese from the milk of cows, sheep or goats, also mixed.

Production and origin

Halloumi is considered a specialty of Cyprus, where it is produced for over 2000 years and was originally made from the milk of wild sheep, but probably comes from the kitchen of ancient Egypt or the Arabs, and is also in countries such as Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt Libya and known. In Ottoman sources Halloumi is first mentioned in the 16th century. The common spelling " Halloumi " is of British origin. The British brought the recipe in colonial times from Cyprus to Australia, where the cheese is still made today.

The cheese produced originally mainly from sheep's milk is similar to mozzarella, but is stronger and spicier. Unlike most other cheese it retains its shape when it is heated. Fried or Grilled Halloumi with homemade French fries is one of many restaurants in Cyprus to the standard dishes. With fried egg, he is part of the Cypriot breakfast. Spreads are also halloumi omelette and filled with halloumi ravioli. The fresh cheese is served with watermelon or as a filling in fresh dates, dried somewhat it can be used as a grating cheese.

For the production of halloumi fresh milk and cream is heated to body temperature, added water mixed with rennet and salt, cover the cheese layer cut carefully after about three quarters of an hour and everything is warmed once more shortly. After the whey is drained off through a sieve, expressed the cheese powerfully shaped into finger-sized squares and allowed to rest for some time. Finally, the cheese is cooked for about ten minutes in the whey removed from one side with salt and usually sprinkled mint, once folded and pressed together, which gives it its typical shape.

In the halloumi whey can also Anari, a reminiscent of cottage cheese cream cheese are produced. And lemon juice to milk, before the Halloumi is cooked, placed in the hot whey and stirred until it congeals. The resulting mass is used after draining for pies, desserts and the like.

Manufactured carbon Halloumi is in Germany mainly in Turkish, Greek and Arab grocery stores, but also in some supermarket chains available.