Halloumi is a popular cheese originating in Cyprus but can now be found all over the world. It has a unique texture and taste that provides great flavor to many dishes. Beyond its taste, is halloumi healthy? Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It has a high protein content, which makes it a good source of essential amino acids. It also contains various vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health. In addition, the sodium content is low compared to other types of cheese. It is also an excellent source of calcium, providing 20% ​​of the recommended daily intake per serving. It’s also a good source of riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin A. Halloumi is high in saturated fat, with 4.8 grams per ounce. With this, 

Halloumi is a nutritious food that can provide a variety of health benefits. Here are some advantages of eating this cheese;

• High protein and calcium that can help build and maintain strong bones.
• Low sodium, which may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
• It contains beneficial fatty acids such as oleic acid, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Halloumi is a rich source of protein.

Halloumi is a very tasty and nutritious type of cheese that is native to Cyprus and is usually made from goat or sheep milk. It can be eaten raw but is truly delicious when cooked. Its high melting point makes it an excellent choice for grilling or frying. Halloumi is used in many different types of dishes due to its structure. It is a type of cheese that is often consumed especially for breakfast. To make halloumi, milk is heated and rennet is added. After cooling, the curd and whey naturally separate. The curds are then allowed to harden, then boiled in whey with a little salt and then kept in brine to preserve the cheese. Although it seems difficult to make halloumi, if you pay attention to the tricks and try to make it, it becomes quite simple to make. 

TOP 5 HEALTH BENEFITS OF HALLOUMI

1. Rich in bone-friendly calcium

Halloumi, like other dairy products, is rich in calcium, a mineral we need for strong healthy bones and teeth, as well as muscle and nerve function. One serving (80 g) provides a significant contribution to your daily calcium needs, which is important for all life stages.

2. A useful source of protein

Protein is essential for muscle, skin and blood health, all of which are made up of this essential macronutrient, we need adequate amounts in our diet for the growth, development and repair of cells and tissues.

3. May Reduce Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Interestingly, one study suggests that regularly eating full-fat dairy products during adolescence may reduce the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance later in life. The exact mechanisms for this are not fully understood, but it may be, in part, thanks to the high levels of protein and fats that slow digestion and help stabilize blood sugar levels.

4. It Can Keep You Fuller For Longer

Cheeses like halloumi cheese , which are rich in protein and fat and full of flavor , help us stay full for longer. The tangy flavors of halloumi mean you don’t need to use too much to get a flavor-packed meal.

5. It is a useful supplement

With its high protein content, halloumi is a valuable dietary supplement, especially for those following a lacto-vegetarian diet. Be aware, however, that not all halloumi cheeses are vegetarian-friendly, remember that some are made using animal-derived rennet, so check labels. The texture and cooking properties of halloumi also make it easy to replace meat in dishes such as hamburgers and kebabs.

Since it is a dairy product, those who are allergic or intolerant to milk should avoid halloumi; Also not suitable for vegans, There is not much difference between different types of halloumi in terms of nutrition. If you’re sensitive to lactose, you may find sheep or goat halloumi easier to digest – talk to your GP or dietitian if you’re concerned about food allergies or intolerances. Halloumi is high in salt, so if you’ve been advised to watch your salt intake, it may not be the best option for you. Some supermarkets offer “light halloumi” with reduced total fat content, but the saturated fat and salt levels can still be high. It’s always worth checking labels for nutritional information so you can make an informed choice.

HOW IS HALLOUMI MADE?

Halloumi can be made from goat, sheep or cow’s milk. The process involves heating the milk and adding rennet, an ingredient used to coagulate milk. This naturally separates the curds and whey. The curds are then strained using a cheesecloth-lined strainer and pressed into a mold. After the curds harden, they are boiled in salted whey and brined in the refrigerator. Halloumi is made from goat, sheep or cow’s milk. The manufacturing process involves adding rennet to milk to separate the curd and whey, straining the curds, pressing them into a mold, and then boiling and brining.

Halloumi has many benefits for human health and is also very tasty. You can use halloumi either plain at your breakfast tables or to add flavor to your meals at dinner. Since it is a type of cheese that does not melt easily, you can easily use it especially in grilling and frying. There are many dishes and snacks made using halloumi. Although it is a type of cheese originating in Cyprus, it is loved and consumed all over the world. There are many different types of dishes you can make with halloumi. One of them is the potato recipe with halloumi meatballs. This dish is very delicious and suits the iftar tables very well. 

INGREDIENTS FOR HALLOUMI MEATBALL POTATO RECIPE

FOR THE MEATBALLS:

• 250 g ground beef
• 1 grated onion
• 1 teaspoon of breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil
• half a teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 pinch finely chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, thyme, ground sweet pepper
• 2 cloves of grated garlic

TO PUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MEATBALLS:

• 2 slices of halloumi cheese (to be diced)

TO FRY THE MEATBALLS:

• 1 water glass measure of oil

HOW TO MAKE POTATOES WITH HALLOUMI MEATBALLS?

To make potatoes with halloumi meatballs, first add 25o g ground beef, grated onion, 1 tea glass of breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, baking soda, 2 cloves of garlic and other spices in a deep bowl and knead well. Then take egg-sized pieces from the meatballs you knead and roll them. Press down on the rolled meatballs. Then, put the halloumi cheese, which you previously sliced ​​into cubes, in the middle part. After putting the cheese, roll the patty again.