Pan Seared Halloumi with Mediterranean Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 tbsp roughly chopped fresh Italian parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp capers, drained
• 2 tsp dried oregano, crumbled
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt*
• Freshly ground pepper to taste*
• 2 pkgs (160g each) halloumi cheese, each cut into 4 pieces
• Juice of 1 lemon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix pepper, onion, 1/4 cup oil, parsley, garlic, capers, oregano and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry halloumi on one side until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes.
4. Flip halloumi, then add pepper mixture to skillet around halloumi.
5. Bake until halloumi is soft and melted, 6 - 8 minutes.
6. Drizzle with lemon juice; top with more parsley, if desired, and serve with crusty bread.