Greek Halloumi Souvlaki Pitas with Charred Lemon and Oregano Fries

Toss the halloumi cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half the oregano, and the smoked paprika. Thread onto skewers (soak wooden skewers 20 minutes first).

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 450g halloumi, cut into 2.5cm cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 lemons, halved
• 4 large pita breads
• 2 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 200g tzatziki
• 500g frozen fries (or 3 large potatoes, cut into batons)
• Sea salt and cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Toss the halloumi cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half the oregano, and the smoked paprika. Thread onto skewers (soak wooden skewers 20 minutes first).
2. Cook the fries until golden — oven or air fryer both work. The moment they come out hot, toss with the remaining oregano and a generous pinch of sea salt.
3. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the halloumi skewers 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden grill marks form and the cheese softens without melting through the grates.
4. Place the lemon halves cut-side down on the grill alongside the skewers until caramelized and charred, about 3 minutes.
5. Warm the pitas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly toasted.
6. Spread each pita with tzatziki, pile on tomato wedges and red onion, slide the halloumi off the skewers into the middle, and squeeze the charred lemon over everything.
7. Wrap, tuck a handful of oregano fries into each pita (the proper street-cart way), and serve immediately while the cheese is still squeaky and warm.
8. Souvlaki is Greece's beloved fast food, sold from street carts since antiquity — Aristophanes mentions skewered meats in plays written 2,400 years ago. The halloumi version is a modern vegetarian riff that honors the original's spirit: fire, lemon, oregano, and no cutlery. Stuffing the fries inside the wrap isn't laziness — it's the authentic Athens street-cart move, and the contrast of crisp potato against squeaky grilled cheese is half the joy.

Nutrition (estimated, per serving)

• Calories: 640 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1450mg