Get ready to transform your ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Zaatar Fried Egg and Halloumi Sandwich! Imagine crispy, golden halloumi cheese, perfectly fried eggs dusted with aromatic zaatar spices, all nestled inside a warm, pillowy pita bread. This isn't just a sandwich; it's a flavor explosion that brings the vibrant street food culture of the Middle East right to your kitchen. Whether you're a foodie looking to spice up your morning routine or someone craving an authentic and quick meal, this recipe promises to transport you to the bustling markets and sunny streets of the Levant with every single bite.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices halloumi cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons zaatar spice mix
- 2 pita breads
- Olive oil, for frying
- Fresh vegetables, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by slicing the halloumi cheese into 1/4-inch thick pieces and having your zaatar spice mix, olive oil, and pita breads ready.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil.
- Place halloumi cheese slices in the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and crack the eggs directly into the pan.
- Sprinkle zaatar spice mix generously over the eggs while they are cooking. Cook until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 3-4 minutes.
- Warm the pita breads briefly in a separate pan or toaster to make them soft and pliable.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing the fried halloumi slices inside the pita bread, then topping with the zaatar-spiced fried eggs.
- Optional: Add fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or mixed greens for extra freshness and crunch.
- Fold the pita bread around the filling and serve immediately while the eggs and halloumi are still warm.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh halloumi cheese and high-quality zaatar spice mix for the most authentic flavor.
- Cheese Frying Technique: Pat halloumi dry before frying to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust. Don't overcrowd the pan to get that crispy texture.
- Egg Perfection: For runny yolks, cook eggs on medium heat and cover the pan briefly to help set the whites while keeping the yolks soft.
- Zaatar Application: Sprinkle zaatar generously while the eggs are cooking to help the spices bloom and release their full aromatic potential.
- Pita Preparation: Warm pita bread just before assembling to make it soft and pliable, preventing potential tearing.
- Customize Your Sandwich: Experiment with additional fresh vegetables or add a dollop of labneh or hummus for extra creaminess.
- Serve Immediately: This sandwich is best enjoyed hot, with the cheese still crispy and eggs warm and runny.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
