Cyprus pitta, also known as Cypriot pitta or pitta bread, is a type of flatbread that is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for making a Cyprus pitta sandwich with grilled halloumi, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 225g) halloumi cheese, sliced
- Olive oil for brushing
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Cyprus pitta bread
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Kalamata olives (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1/Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2/ Grill the Halloumi:
- Preheat a grill pan or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
- Brush the halloumi slices with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the halloumi for 1-2 minutes on each side or until it has grill marks and is slightly softened. Remove from the grill and set aside.
3/ Assemble the Sandwich:
- Warm the Cyprus pitta rounds slightly on the grill or in a toaster.
- Open each pitta bread to create a pocket.
- Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce inside each pitta pocket.
- Fill the pitta pockets with grilled halloumi slices, tomato slices, cucumber slices, red onion slices, lettuce leaves, and Kalamata olives (if using).
4/ Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the sandwiches with fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately while the halloumi is still warm.
- This grilled halloumi Cyprus pitta sandwich is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal. Enjoy!
