Introduction

This aubergine, halloumi, and harissa skillet bake is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Combining creamy halloumi with spiced tomatoes and tender aubergine, it’s easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying. Serve it with flatbreads, rice, or couscous for a complete dinner.

A black round skillet filled with layered slices of roasted eggplant and white cheese, arranged in a circular pattern. The eggplant slices are dark purple with golden brown edges, showing a slightly charred texture, while the cheese pieces are creamy white with some browned spots. Between the layers, bits of bright red tomato sauce are visible, adding contrast. The entire dish is sprinkled with black pepper and herbs. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth underneath and some stacked flatbreads in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a roughly 22cm ovenproof skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the aubergine slices in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and softened. Add another 1 tbsp oil between batches as needed. Transfer cooked aubergine to a plate.

Step 2: If the pan is dry, add 1 tbsp more olive oil. Fry the crushed garlic until sizzling but not browned. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, harissa paste, caster sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture bubble for about a minute while gently squashing the tomatoes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Halve each halloumi slice (they may fall apart, which is fine). Arrange the aubergine and halloumi slices in overlapping concentric circles on top of the tomato mixture, placing one or two pieces of halloumi between each aubergine slice. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with dried mint.

Step 4: Cover the pan with foil and bake at 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4 for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the halloumi begins to brown on top.

Step 5: Serve warm with flatbreads, rice, or couscous.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a handful of chopped fresh coriander before baking.

If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the harissa paste or substitute with a sweet paprika.

Use other cheeses like feta or paneer if halloumi is unavailable, though the texture will differ.

Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegan?

You can substitute halloumi with firm tofu or a plant-based cheese alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly, keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.

What can I serve with this skillet bake?

This dish pairs well with warm flatbreads, fluffy rice, or couscous to soak up the rich tomato and harissa sauce. A simple green salad also complements it nicely.