Recipes: Halloumi skewers with parsley & lemon salsa

Try this stylish and quick canapé idea, perfect for a relaxed party with friends

• 2 x 250g / 9oz blocks, halloumi cheese , drained
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 32 wooden skewers

LEMON SALSA

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 15 black olives , pitted and finely chopped
• a small bunch of flatleaf parsley , finely chopped
• 1 tsp small capers , rinsed
• 2 small preserved lemons , pulp removed, rind chopped, or zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1 small red onion , finely diced

  

• Put all the salsa ingredients into a small bowl, season and mix well.
• Cut each block of halloumi into 8 equal slices. Cut each slice in half so you end up with 32 pieces.
• Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large frying pan. Brown the halloumi on both sides, drain on paper towel then push in a skewer so it looks like a lollipop. You will need to do these in batches, adding a bit more oil as you go.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with the salsa.