One of the best things about eating out is getting ideas to cook things at home. I don’t mean molecular gastronomic creations (I can imagine these may go horribly home at Chez Elliott and I like my eyebrows) but things that are inspirations can still be found at the fanciest restaurants. Case in point, my trip a few months ago to The Royal Mail. They gave us a simple heirloom tomato salad simply dressed with basil and chives. It was easy and it was simple and absolutely possible to recreate at home.
I have a bit of an obsession with heirloom tomatoes. Whenever I see them I have the urge to purchase them. Last year they were frightfully expensive (I saw four tomatoes for $8) but now they’re more accessible and when I find them reasonably priced I grab them. My favourite thus far are the Johnny Love Bites which are so sweet they almost make your jaw ache with pleasure. I used a gorgeous aged Morello Cherry balsamic that I was lucky enough to get at Max’s Restaurant in the Mornington Peninsula which was syrupy and gorgeous. I figure if I’m going to let the ingredients be the star of the dish I should use an excellent aged balsamic. It was so hot off the presses that he was mid design for the bottle, hence the hand drawn label!
Heirloom tomatoes are the tastiest tomatoes you could dream of. Almost bred out of existence by the demand from supermarkets who wanted hardy tomatoes that could stand knocks (and are therefore easier to transport with less wastage) whilst sacrificing taste, these taste laden tomatoes are making a comeback. This is an example of a recipe that I make often that almost didn’t make it to the blog. I considered it too simple and perhaps not blog worthy. I then have Mr NQN, the voice of reason telling me that not everyone wants to make a Barbie pavlova and sometimes simple will do. He complains that I never listen to him and always go off and do my own thing which may be true. Stubborness is often attributed to my starsign (Taurus) but I protest and claim that most people are in fact stubborn as mules. We Taureans get a bad rap! I do in fact listen to his advice on occasion and when I made this, I knew that whilst it was simple, it was too good not to write about.
So tell me Dear Reader, what is your star sign and do you think that you are typical of it?
Halloumi and Heirloom Tomato Salad
Serves 4
- 100/3.5 ozs. white Italian bread, torn into rough pieces
- 40g/1.4 ozs butter, melted
- 300g/10.5 ozs pound Halloumi, sliced
- 7-8 large heirloom tomatoes or 400g/14ozs smaller ones
- 1/4 red spanish onion, chopped into small pieces
- A good aged Balsamic vinegar
- A good olive oil (I used a chilli and garlic infused olive oil)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Buyer’s Tip: Heirloom tomatoes can be found at some Farmer’s Markets, Parisi Rose Bay, Fratelli Fresh and Thomas Dux and even Coles. Dear god I hope they don’t do anything untoward with them…
1. Grill bread until lightly toasted. Toss in melted butter and put aside. In a non stick frypan, fry the pieces of halloumi without any oil until they are soft and golden. Place on a large platter or four smaller plates.
2. Slice heirloom tomatoes and place on the plate along with the buttered bread pieces. Scatter the onion on top of this. Drizzle aged balsamic and chilli oil on top and season with ground pepper
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63 Comments | Add your own
I love love love halloumi!! I’m a virgo and yes very much a virgo
Bellissima! This panzanella looks fabulous and so mouthwatering!
Cheers,
Rosa
Just in case it influences your future decision-making in some minuscule way, can I just say that I think this is the perfect post?
I adore panzanella salad, but never thought of pairing it with halloumi – fabulous!
I’m so glad that you put soemthing so easy and delicious on your blog! I have to confess I usually don’t even bother reading the long winded and complicated recipe posts…
ps. heirloom tomatoes are also available at Harris Farm
I actually often prefer the simple meals like this. Love Halloumi so much and I have some here think you have inspired me for my lunch today.
This has haloumi in it so therefore I am sold
I am a complete gemini!!!
I love tomatoes that taste like tomatoes should.
I’m an aqaurius and while I think I embody some of those traits, I dont think I am a hippy-type free spirit.
Hmmm, Scorpio and I think I do fit the scorpian package most of the times.
Heirloom tomatoes taste sooo much better than the average shop ones. When my mum is growing her tomatoes, the taste doesn’t even compare- you could weep with the pleasure of it.
Tasty looking salad that definitely deserves a good blogging!
This looks great, and not too difficult. We can buy the tomatoes at farmers’ markets in Brisbane as well.
That looks superb. I love when you post do-able homely foods
I’m a Virgo and, in fitting with the stereotype, I’m an absolute anal perfectionist!
And dinner tonight for me will involve some haloumi as well =)
this is good!! simple and easy to make… I’m definitely 1 of those that Mr.NQN was referring to.. more likely to make something like this at home than barbie pavlova!
Well it certainly doesnt look simple. It looks gorgeously intricate and colourful. always an important point with me (the colourful part). Maybe I was born under a rainbow? I m just crazy about colours..they make everything right for me, my knees buckle if i see an unusually beautiful colour and dont you just love all those tropical fish and birds?! SIGH
I love simple salads with delicious flavours! I’m a Gemini, and my ability to change moods in a second scares Frank to bits.
I want to eat this for breakfast, lunch and dinner (followed by dessert, naturally)! xxx
Oh my. Can I just dig in right now?! Halloumi is orgasmic. It’s even better than a perfectly cooked rare steak!
Wow! You guys still have such lovely heirlooms available even though it’s winter there now? I’m envious. In California, we’re still a few weeks shy of getting our lovely heirlooms in the market. I’m counting the days.
I’m a taurus too! Did you know food is supposed to be a weakness for taureans? hehee…
ps, I know so many non-taureans who are unbelievably stubborn!
Simple is often the best. The older I get the more I gravitate away from fussy frilly food and towards fresh seasonal produce prepared simply. You just can’t go wrong. I love heirloom tomatoes and this recipe looks fantastic. I can’t wait to try it!
Totally blogworthy. Heirloom tomatoes and haloumi with a few backup stars is a winning combination – yum
I’m with Mr NQN – I ‘oohed and ahhed’ over the Barbie Pav, but I do love the simple things as I’m more likely to tuck these away in my mind and try them out at home.
This looks delicious – I’m at work today with a squashed sammich from home for lunch and now I’m longing for what’s on screen instead! My tummy is rumbling.
As for zodiac signs, I’m a scorpio. I gather they are supposed to be independent and control freaks, quick to temper and stubborn. I think if you asked my husband you would hear that I fit that description pretty well….
My love of tomatoes started in my dads veggie patch where we would pluck red ripe ones off the vine to slurp on as we played.
The salad looks perfect, and will be dinner tonight.
I’m a Pisces and apparently we view the world through rose coloured glasses… Nothing wrong with that I think?
Thankyou! This looks divine and will be perfect for girly drinks this weekend!
I really enjoy to stop by. You had amazing recipes and photos as well.The salad looks bright , fresh and delicious
Looks fabulous! I’ll certainly be giving this a try myself…Cheers
)
Lorraine, This is so very worthy to be on this blog. It’s color, vibrance, nostalgia, modernity, and deliciousness all in one. Very worthy. Smooch.
This is my kind of food, simple, elegant and easy to copy! (hahahaha)
Ooooooo…..YES!! Born on the 14th of May, I have SO many Taurean traits it’s hard not to believe in that stuff. I’m an Art teacher who is stubborn, creative and passionate, who loves food, gardening and the outdoors. I was also raised by a Virgo, so I’m obsessively neat and organised! Eeek!
I love reading your posts, especially today’s….
Mmmmmmmm….Halloumi……
I’m gemini, and I think I sometimes do conform to the changeable-mood part! Quite often, if I’m upset about something, I’ll have a serious cry and then five minutes later I’ll be joking and laughing about it. I’m not quite sure what else is meant to be characteristic of Gemini, though…
P.S. I honestly thought this salad was a restaurant dish. You’ve got the modern pretty-scattered-plating things down pat!
i love heirloom tomato!!!!!!!!!
I am a Taurean also and don’t believe it is stubborness but I am definately determined and see this as a strength and one that I’m proud of. Definately necessary in tackling difficult situations and people in life.
As for heirloom tomatoes…. WOW. We have been enjoying some beauties that we purchased at the Velleron farmers market in Provence on our recent trip. Soooo delicious. I will send you a photo.
I love a good Panzanella salad but to me it’s more Summer fare. I like Halloumi cheese( any cheese for that matter) but hubby doesn’t , so I would have to replace it with something else for him come warmer weather.
Just adore heirloom tomatoes in any colour, shape or size and swoop on them at Farmer’s markets etc.In fact, bought some today, nothing beats a quick pasta sauce made with these sweet, little gems.
Capricorn…not really sure about the characterisitics and while I sometimes read my daily horoscope, I only pay attention to it if I like what’s being said. Lol
Heirlooms are perfect due to their sweet bite. If you pair them with salty halloumi, it’s great. We love taking restaurant meals and making something similar at home. It beats eating out!
Oh my goodness, I love salads and haloumi, and this looks divine. I remember when travelling through Italy how gorgeous tomatoes were, with a little bread and cheese for lunch. Mmmm …
Oh wow.
I might try the tomatoes with the polenta chips I’m planning on making next week
May 14 … that would also make me an occasionally stubborn Taurean. On the glip side we’re down to earth and damn fine home makers! Love the salad btw!
There’s nothing better than heirlooms in season and since I’m a Scorpio, you can trust me on that!
Absolutely lovely colours Lorraine!
Fantastic combination.
Great photos :-}
omg! I just gazing at thos awesome colours. Indulging it can be awesome!
now THAT is one gorgeous salad. the heirloom ‘maters add so much beauty, and come on–who can pass up fried halloumi? no one in her right mind, that’s for sure.
I so love simple cooking! I’ve often done a straight tomato salad when I have several bushes full over summer, nothing like excellent sweet tomatoes drizzled with balsamic – and panzanella is one more step I really like. Now you’ve added haloumi which must make it just about the most perfect tomato salad ever!
I love that you put halloumi in this! Believe it or not, I’ve never had or made a panzanella salad before – I think it’s time for that to change.
Lovely recipe.
Totally diggin the colours here – a pleaser to the eye and the ‘buds’. I could taste the slightly sweet tomatoes with salty halloumi. Bring it aaawwn! LOL
I had to Google Halloumi. I’ll have to look for it here. The salad sounds fantastic. As a fellow Taurus, I agree. Most people are in fact stubborn. xoxo Mum
I think you were right to listen to Mr NQN ont his occasion. This looks delicious
We ordered a barbeque that hasn’t arrived yet and I was wondering what to do with the halloumi in the fridge – haven’t got heirloom tomatoes but this is it! I’m a Saggitarius…I think I am a typical one actually.
That is a salad i could totally get into: no lettuce LOL! Plus I just adore haloumi.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
*kisses* HH
Very pretty dish — would love to try making it at home!
I attribute my stick-to-itivness, which is different to stubboness, to my Irish ancestory not my May birthday.
My husband says the same about me and wants to correct my inconsistancies of writing and coooking all the time. I’m trying to explain to him that there are more than 1 way to be right!
I love this and good ideas should always be shared never mind how easy
Lorraine, I just love your blog! I look forward to reading it everyday!I went to Baroque Bistro for dinner last week and we all had a sensational night – but lunch at Pony the same day was even better – service and food were divine
…that looks delicious!
this looks like a salad not worth making if you don’“t have the best of ingredients
and I seem to get on well with taureans – have quite a few friends in that star sign – so no wonder I love your posts
I am SO a Taurus it’s not funny! Must be why I love your blog so much!
I just watched an episode of No Reservations where Bourdain went to The Royal Mail and I immediately added it to my bucket list! This salad looks absolutely incredible – will be making it soon. We just discovered a new cheese called Guernsey Girl which acts like a Halloumi when fried so will be using that!
I can honestly say that I think this is the best panzanella salad I’ve ever seen. Halloumi is a fabulous addition and heirloom tomatoes make it even more incredible!
Fabulous! Mr NQN is so right. Simple is perfect. Halloumi is one of my absolute favourite cheeses. Have you tried Nigella Lawson’s Merguez sausuage, halloumi and flame roasted peppers recipe? It’s gorgeous! I’m an Aries – bossy and loyal, so quite typical of my sign.
This looks gorgeous – I love heirloom tomatoes.
Lorraine, sometimes I honestly think you’re my foodie twin. On the weekend I stopped at the farmer’s markets in Cambridge’s market square and got some local heirloom tomatoes. They are so delicious that I eat them just like strawberries (warm from the sun and just as they are). But with the rest I have been making salads very similar to these – with nothing more than some good buffalo mozzarella or goats fetta, a drizzle of good olive oil and balsamic, and a little red onion and fresh lemon thyme leaves. But I haven’t yet tried it with the crunchy bread or halloumi – so i’ll be doing this next.
And I think you’re absolutely right – it’s summertime here and in the evening i’m usually craving nothing more than simple and fresh salads. And I do love reading about the simple dishes you cook at home for yourself and Mr NQN as much as I do your elaborate sweet gourmand fancies. So please keep the mix!
And i’m equally as stubborn! Yesterday I was wearing my towering platforms that made me taller than the boyfriend, to which he protested ‘why can’t you just wear small shoes and simple clothes?’. Of course I stubbornly refuse
Briony xx
Yum yum Yum!!!! You just inspired me. I forgot I had haloumi in the fridge. I already sliced it up ready for a dinner party last week and we didn’t use it all so it was super easy to make. Straight into a heated pan with some garlic and lemon. Yum. Thank you.
Sometimes the best things are the most simplist =)
Oh I am a cancerian though don’t really believe in star signs but can be a little stubborn at times too, the other half often gets to say “I told you so” which annoys me, but my own fault for not listening.
what an awesome (yet simplistic) dish!
i am with you – i am a true heirloom tomato fiend. whenever i see them during the season, they’re mine!!!
very nice blog, BTW. i think i’ll be back.
I am a Taurus and am waaaay more stubborn than say, my Pisces husband – I consider stubborness one of my most positive traits – it has taken me a long way. Can’t wait to try the salad, will get heirloom tomatoes at the farmer’s market here in Ohio next week! Thank-you for this blog, found it yesterday when I needed inspiration for veggie creatures, for a party tray, in a hurry. Worked out great except my frogs front legs fell off when he jumped into the dip. Later, I found him face down in the dip so I guess he liked it! <3
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