This recipe calls for Halloumi, a fabulous cheese from Cyprus, and one often used in Greek cooking. If you can't find Halloumi, mozzarella (often recommended as a substitute) has a similar uncooked texture, but less salt, less flavor, and will melt. Feta cheese will soften (not melt), and will change the taste of the dish slightly, but it is better choice.
This dish is easy to make, and delicious. Serve with noodles (spaghetti, linguine) or rice.
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 pounds of pork tenderloin, cut in chunks
- 1 3/4 - 1 7/8 cups of drained sun-dried tomatoes (jar)
- 1/2 cup of oil from the jar of tomatoes *
- 5-6 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup of scotch whiskey
- 2 cups of water
- 1 heaping teaspoon of chopped fresh rosemary (or more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 heaping tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 pound of Halloumi cheese, cut in cubes
- 4 tablespoons of lemon juice
Preparation:
* If the oil from the jar doesn't come to 1/2 cup, add olive oil to make up the difference. Total oil: 1/2 cup.
Heat the oil over medium heat. Add pork and garlic and sauté until the meat is lightly browned on all sides. Add tomatoes and cook until hot, stirring frequently.
Douse (deglaze) with whiskey.
Add water, salt, pepper, rosemary, and parsley, and stir to combine. When it comes to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour. 5-6 minutes before done, add cheese and lemon juice, and shake the pot gently to distribute.
Turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes, covered.
Guide's Response to User Reviews
"Thanks to reviewer kaynor, who is correct about mozzarella being a poor substitute in this recipe. Although the uncooked texture is similar to halloumi, it doesn't offer anything to this dish and I have amended the introduction to include a better choice as a substitute: feta cheese; however, since halloumi can be found at larger grocery chains, do try to find it to create the best result. Whether you add salt during cooking or on the table when serving, I recommend sea salt which has a more subtle flavor and was used in the original recipe." - Nancy Gaifyllia, Your Guide to Greek Food