Inside-Out Grilled Cheese with Fig Chutney and Caramelized Onions

Ingredients for Inside-Out Grilled Cheese with Fig Chutney and Caramelized Onions

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 2 large yellow onions, halved and very thinly sliced

• 3 thyme sprigs

• 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

• 230g chopped dried black mission figs

• 2 (3-inch) strips orange zest

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• 60ml apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 3 thyme sprigs

• 40g chopped hazelnuts

• 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

• 230g Halloumi cheese, sliced lengthwise into 4 (3/8-inch-thick) slices

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup baby rocket

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add 3 thyme sprigs, and continue to cook and stir until onions are completely soft and light brown in colour, 30 to 40 minutes more. Remove from heat and discard thyme sprigs. Season with 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper.

In a medium pot over medium heat, cook the figs, orange zest and juice, vinegar, honey, 3 thyme sprigs, and 120ml water. Stir occasionally until thickened and starting to break down, 12 to 15 minutes. Add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if necessary to achieve a jammy consistency. Discard the orange zest and thyme sprigs, stir in the hazelnuts, and cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and season with 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper.

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Brush the slices of Halloumi on one side with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the oiled side on the grill and cook until browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Place one slice Halloumi, grilled side down, on a plate and layer 1/4 cup rocket, 2 tablespoons caramelized onions, and 2 tablespoons fig chutney on top. Top with another slice of Halloumi, grilled side up, to form a sandwich. Repeat with remaining Halloumi to make a second sandwich.

The leftover caramelized onions and fig chutney can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.