We believe that vibrant health begins with truly exquisite food. We’re dedicated to discovering and crafting nourishing recipes, effortlessly blending the rich flavors of the UAE with modern, calorie-conscious techniques. Today, we’re diving into two fantastic recipes that perfectly embody this philosophy: our crispy Air Fryer Za’atar Halloumi Bites with a simple, tangy Pomegranate Dip, and for a sweet finish, No-Bake Saffron Yogurt Parfaits.
Ingredients:
Recipe 1: Air Fryer Za’atar Halloumi Bites with Simple Pomegranate Sauce
250 grams of Halloumi cheese, drained and patted dry.
1 tbsp olive oil.
1 1/2 tbsp fresh, fragrant Za’atar.
Method:
Cut the Halloumi into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, drizzle the halloumi cubes with the olive oil. Toss gently to coat. Then, sprinkle over the fragrant za’atar. Give it another gentle toss until every piece is beautifully coated. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C, or 350°F, for about three to five minutes. Once preheated, arrange the halloumi in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Remember, don’t overcrowd it – we want crispy, not steamed! You might need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer size.
Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on them! You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a lovely crisp exterior. Once your halloumi bites are perfectly golden and crispy, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with that gorgeous, tangy pomegranate sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Now, for our calorie-conscious viewers: when we divide this deliciousness into four generous servings, each serving of our Air Fryer Za’atar Halloumi Bites with that incredible pomegranate sauce comes out to approximately 320 calories. That’s a satisfying, high-protein, and flavor-packed bite that perfectly fits into a balanced meal plan!”
Recipe 2: No-Bake Saffron Yogurt Parfaits
1 1/2 cup thick Greek yogurt – full-fat or 2% for the best creamy texture.
3/4 tsp of saffron threads, lightly crushed.
2 tbsp of warm milk or water, to steep our saffron.
2-3 tbsp of honey or maple syrup – adjust to your sweetness preference.
1 tsp of vanilla extract, optional but highly recommended.
For Layering, you’ll need:
A cup of vibrant mixed berries – fresh or thawed frozen.
1/2 cup of your favorite crunchy granola. garnishes: a few extra saffron threads
First, the saffron! Gently crush your saffron threads between your fingers to release their aroma. Place them in a small bowl with the warm milk or water. Let it steep for at least 10 to 15 minutes, or even longer, until the liquid turns a beautiful golden-orange and the saffron aroma is prominent. This step is crucial for that authentic saffron flavor and color.
“In a larger bowl, combine your thick Greek yogurt. Pour in the saffron-infused milk – saffron threads and all! Add your honey or maple syrup – start with two tablespoons and taste, then add more if you prefer it sweeter. Stir in the vanilla extract, if using. Whisk everything together until it’s beautifully smooth, creamy, and evenly colored by the saffron.
Now for layering!
Grab your favorite clear glasses or jars. Start with a layer of granola at the bottom – about two tablespoons per glass. This provides a lovely crunch. Next, spoon in a generous layer of your saffron yogurt – about a quarter to a third of a cup. Follow with a handful of your vibrant mixed berries. Repeat the layers: more granola, more saffron yogurt, and finally, finish with a generous scattering of berries on top. You can make two large parfaits or three smaller ones, depending on your serving size.
Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 15 to 30 minutes for best results. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, you can add a little extra drizzle of honey and a few fresh saffron threads.
And for those focusing on balanced indulgence: dividing this into two generous, beautiful parfaits, each No-Bake Saffron Yogurt Parfait comes in at approximately 450 calories.
Remember, these calorie counts are approximations, but they give you a fantastic guide for incorporating these wholesome and vibrant dishes into your balanced lifestyle.
I hope you enjoyed this episode! If you tried these recipes, please let me know in the comments below. Don’t forget to like this video, subscribe to The Dubai Platter for more delicious recipes and culinary adventures, and hit that notification bell so you never miss an upload!
I look forward to your suggestions. Please excuse any errors !!
Until next time, from my kitchen in Dubai to yours, Ma’a Salama, and happy cooking!
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