14 May, 2024

7 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Halloumi Cheese

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When it comes to the world of cheese, halloumi cheese easily steals the show – it’s firm, it’s delicious, and it can be cooked in so many different ways. Whether you're in the mood for grilled cheese or raw cheese, halloumi is the perfect choice. And on top of all that, its salty flavor makes it a great addition to a variety of different side dishes.

If you're looking to take your halloumi game to the next level, we've got your backs. Here are the top seven side dishes that go perfectly well with halloumi cheese:

1. Tomato Zaatar Soup

Tomato Zaatar Soup is a delicious side dish that goes really well with halloumi cheese. This soup is made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices, including zaatar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that is made up of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. The zaatar's nutty flavor pairs well with fried bite-sized halloumi cheese.

2. Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes & Mint

Pasta with cherry tomatoes and mint is the perfect side dish to pair with halloumi cheese. This delicious dish combines the salty, savory flavor of halloumi with the freshness of mint and the sweetness of cherry tomatoes.

Simply cook your favorite pasta according to the package directions, and when it’s done, toss it with a mixture of cherry tomatoes, fresh mint, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Serve it alongside your grilled halloumi cheese and watch your taste buds go on an adventure!

3. Couscous Salad

Not only is couscous salad delicious and easy to make, but it also pairs perfectly with halloumi cheese. To start, boil one cup of couscous in two cups of water. Once cooked, toss in tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Top it off with a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Serve it with grilled or fried halloumi on top or on the side.

4. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with halloumi cheese. It is made by cooking rice in a flavorful broth and a variety of herbs, spices, and vegetables. To start, sauté some onions, garlic, and other veggies in a pan. Once soft, add the rice and cook until tender. Add a flavorful broth, herbs, and spices, and serve with fried or grilled halloumi.

5. Grilled Vegetables

Grilling vegetables is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals. When served alongside halloumi cheese, grilled vegetables are an irresistible combination. Try grilling eggplant, bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, or zucchini to serve alongside halloumi cheese until they are tender and lightly charred. Grilled vegetables provide a great contrast in texture and their smokiness pairs perfectly with grilled halloumi cheese.

6. Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish to serve with halloumi cheese. To make, cut potatoes into wedges or cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, the perfect addition to fried halloumi cheese.

7. Sweet Chili Mayo

Nothing goes better with fried halloumi cheese than a delicious dipping sauce. Sweet chili mayo is a simple dipping sauce that will take your cheese platter to the next level. To make, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and lime juice in a bowl. The mayo provides the creamy texture, the sweet chili sauce adds a bit of sweetness and a hint of heat, and the lime juice brings it all together with a bright acidity.

Halloumi cheese is the salty partner you’ve been looking for

Halloumi cheese is a delicious addition to any meal, thanks to its salty and savory flavor. So wait no longer, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy the deliciousness of halloumi!

Are you looking for premium dairy products? If so, Baladna is your best option. We are the leading dairy company in Qatar, offering an extensive range of products including fresh milk, cheese, yoghurt, and cream. Our dairy products have become staples in many households in Qatar due to their high quality and taste. Whether you are looking for halloumi, feta cheese, or any other cheese, we are the perfect choice. Browse through our list of cheeses today!

23 June, 2025

Baladna Cheese Varieties & Recipe Inspos

Whether you’re enjoying a casual snack or crafting a show-stopping centerpiece for your dining table, Baladna Cheese is sure to delight every palate. What truly sets Baladna Cheese apart is its authentic flavor, fresh texture, and diverse variety. Don’t just take our word for it — try it yourself and taste the difference!Let’s talk about the exceptional nourishing flavorBaladna cheese isn't just about great taste; it’s also a source of essential nutrients. Packed with protein, calcium, and phosphorus, our cheeses provide a nutritious boost for those aiming to maintain a balanced diet. They are rich in high-quality protein, delivering essential amino acids that support muscle repair and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails. Additionally, calcium and phosphorus work together to fortify your bones and teeth, contributing to overall skeletal health. Having said that, it’s clear that choosing Baladna cheese means nurturing your body while indulging in delightful flavors.Introducing the Baladna Cheese CollectionWhat truly sets Baladna cheese apart is its rich variety and distinct flavors. Here’s a taste of what we offer:Halloumi: Known for its firm texture and savory, salty profile, Baladna Halloumi is perfect for grilling or pan-searing. Its signature squeaky bite and beautifully browned edges make it a great addition to salads, skewers, or even atop avocado toast.Akawi: This semi-hard white cheese boasts a mild, salty flavor and smooth consistency. Traditionally featured in Middle Eastern sweets like knafeh, Baladna Akawi goes really well with fresh watermelon or other refreshing fruits. Feta: A brined cheese with a crumbly texture and tangy, slightly salty flavor, Baladna Premium Feta adds a zesty touch to salads, sandwiches, and classic Mediterranean dishes such as spanakopita and moussaka.Nabulsi: Made from pasteurized cow's milk, Nabulsi is a brined cheese with a subtly firm texture and a hint of nuttiness. It shines in both savory and sweet applications, whether used to stuff pastries or paired with honey and nuts. What to make with each variety?Feta x Salad: Create a vibrant Greek salad by combining Baladna Premium Feta Cheese with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and fresh mint.Halloumi x Breakfast: Elevate your morning meals by grilling slices of Baladna Halloumi and adding them to your scrambled eggs or on top of nutritious avocado toast.Cheese Rolls x Appetizer: Make homemade cheese rolls using a blend of Baladna Halloumi and Akawi, perfect as appetizers for your Ramadan feasts and family gatherings.Mozzarella x Eggplants: Hollow out eggplants and fill them with a mixture of ground meat, spices, and Baladna Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.Now it’s time to explore the countless options within our cheese range. Browse our selection and find your favorites at supermarkets near you.

26 August, 2025

Mila’s Weekly Routine Tracker

Keep mornings and evenings on track with Mila’s weekly routine chart. Kids can write down their tasks, check them off each day, and celebrate their progress. It’s a fun way to build healthy habits and stay motivated all week long

04 February, 2025

Does Dairy Cause Inflammation? Here's An Overview

Dairy has been a staple in the American diet for decades. It is a significant source of calcium, vitamin D, and other critical nutrients for bone health. However, there is a potential link between dairy consumption and chronic inflammation. The latter may lead to numerous health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. So, does dairy cause inflammation? Let's talk about it.The case against dairyA main argument against dairy is that it contains a protein called casein, which some people may be allergic to or intolerant to. Casein makes up about 80% of the protein in cow's milk and is also found in other dairy products like cheese and yoghurt. When exposed to casein, the body can trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation. This reaction is more common in people with dairy allergies or intolerances.Another potential cause of inflammation is the saturated fat content in dairy. Saturated fats have been connected to heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. One study suggests that a high intake of saturated fat can trigger inflammation. Dairy products like butter, cheese, and whole milk are high in saturated fat, which could be problematic.The case for dairyDespite the concerns about dairy, many health experts still recommend it as part of a healthy diet. Dairy is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. It also contains other nutrients like vitamin D, potassium, and magnesium. All of these nutrients are necessary for overall health and well-being.Furthermore, some studies suggest that dairy may have anti-inflammatory effects. For example, a study found that dairy consumption was linked to lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a good indicator of inflammation. According to another published article, consuming dairy products regularly, such as yoghurt and milk, was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.So, what's the verdict?While some studies suggest that dairy is a potential cause of inflammation, others suggest it may have anti-inflammatory effects. It's also worth noting that not everyone reacts to dairy similarly. Some people may be more sensitive to casein or saturated fat than others.The best approach is to listen to your body. If you notice that consuming dairy products causes discomfort or inflammation, it may be worth cutting back or eliminating them from your diet. On the other hand, if you tolerate dairy well and enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, there's no need to cut it out.The quality of the dairy products you consume is also worth considering. Opt for high-quality, organic dairy products whenever possible. Organic dairy products come from cows not treated with antibiotics or hormones and not fed with pesticides and other harmful chemicals. This means their milk and dairy products are of higher quality and contain fewer toxic substances that could trigger inflammation.Final Thoughts The relationship between dairy and inflammation is not clear-cut and varies from person to person. Observe how your body reacts to dairy and make choices based on your needs and preferences. Choosing high-quality, organic dairy products can also help reduce the potential for inflammation. A balanced, nutritious diet is vital to overall health and well-being. If you have concerns about dairy and inflammation, speaking with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider is always a good idea.Baladna takes pride in being the best dairy and beverage company in Qatar. We offer a wide selection of high-quality, organic dairy products, including milk, yoghurt, laban, cheese, and more. Order Baladna products to enjoy the benefits of organic dairy!

10 October, 2024

Discover the Benefits of Yoghurt as a Staple in Your Diet

Yoghurt has been consumed by humans for thousands of years. It is a delicious and nutritious food that is rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. In recent years, yoghurt has become increasingly popular as a staple in many people’s diets, thanks to its many health benefits. If you wish to improve your overall health and well-being, then adding yoghurt to your daily diet could be an excellent step in the right direction. This article discusses the various benefits of yoghurt and why you should consider making it a regular part of your diet.Appreciating yoghurtYoghurt is a fermented dairy product made by adding live bacteria cultures to milk. The bacteria convert lactose, the natural sugar in milk, into lactic acid, which gives yoghurt its tangy flavor and thick texture. Yoghurt can be made from various types of milk, including cow, goat, sheep, and even plant-based alternatives like soy and almond milk.Yoghurt is nutrient-denseYoghurt is a nutrient-dense food, which means it contains a high amount of essential nutrients with relatively few calories. A typical eight-ounce serving of plain yoghurt provides the following:Calories: 149Fat: 8gSodium: 113mgCarbohydrates: 11.4gFiber: 0gSugars: 11.4gProtein: 8.5gPhosphorus: 233 mgCalcium: 296mgRiboflavin: 0.34mgYoghurt is also a fantastic source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that reside in our gut and promote digestive health. Probiotics can help improve bowel regularity, boost the immune system, and alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.It can help with weight managementYoghurt can be an effective food for weight management because it is high in protein and low in calories. Protein is a satiating nutrient that can help you feel full and satisfied, which can prevent overeating and snacking between meals. The calcium in yoghurt can help regulate metabolism and reduce the amount of fat absorbed by the body. Studies have shown that including yoghurt in your diet can help with weight loss and weight maintenance. In one study, overweight women who ate yoghurt as part of a reduced-calorie diet lost significantly more weight than those who didn’t consume yoghurt.It can improve bone healthCalcium, which is necessary for maintaining strong and healthy bones, is abundant in yoghurt. The main mineral that forms bones is calcium, and a lack of it can cause osteoporosis, which is characterized by brittle and frail bones.The vitamin D in yoghurt can help the body absorb calcium more efficiently. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in a few foods, including fatty fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms that have been exposed to sunlight. However, most people get their vitamin D from fortified foods or supplements.It is versatile and deliciousAs a versatile food, yoghurt can be consumed in a variety of ways. It may be consumed unflavored or with the addition of fruit, honey, or other natural sweeteners. It can also serve as the foundation for sauces, dressings, dips, and smoothies.Greek yoghurt, which is strained to remove the whey, is thicker and creamier than regular yoghurt and contains more protein. It can be used in recipes that require a thicker consistency, such as cheesecake, muffins, and pancakes.It is a convenient and portable snackYoghurt is a convenient and portable snack that can be enjoyed on the go. It can be packed in a lunchbox or kept in the office fridge for a quick and easy snack. Yoghurt cups and drinkable yoghurt bottles are also available in most grocery stores and vending machines.Embrace the goodness with Baladna yoghurt Whether you prefer Greek, plain, or flavored yoghurt, ensuring that it is a regular part of your diet can help you reap the many benefits it has to offer. So, why not add a serving of yoghurt to your daily eating routine and enjoy the many benefits yoghurt has to offer?Get your daily yoghurt serving with Baladna! We ensure consumers’ wellness by providing natural, nutritious, and tasty foods and beverages while maintaining the most rigorous food safety and biosecurity protocols. Get your delicious yoghurt now!