Can you think of a better way to start your breakfast? I am sure you can, but here’s a kind of breakfast we have in Cyprus. It’s a a Halloumi cake, with lots and lots and lots and lots of mint. It’s so easy to make and yet you just can’t have enough of it. It is called Tyropita or Halloumopita.
Having some friends over for a cup of coffee or a cup of tea? This tyropita is great.
Now I know most of you can’t find halloumi but don’t worry. If you can get hold of some Greek cheese like graviera, kefalograviera or kefalotyri it’s still good but kefalotyri might make it a bit salty. I would suggest graviera and as I had only one halloumi left, for mine I added some graviera for the the rest. Don’t add feta because it will come out good but it’s a total different taste.
This is my entry for Weekend Breakfast Blogging, hosted by Suganya, of Tasty Palettes
Cypriot Tyropita (Savory Cheese Cake)
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 cups of grated Halloumi cheese
- 2 1/2 - 3 cups of self-raising flour
- 5 eggs
- 1 can of evaporated milk (410 grams)
- 1 cup of vegetable oil or good quality olive oil
- 5 - 6 tablespoons of dried mint
Directions:
- In a big bowl whisk the eggs (no mixer required), add the grated cheese, the oil, milk, dried mint (be generous with it) and the flour.
- The amount of flour is between 2 1/2 - 3 cups, depending on how big your eggs are.
- Just make it as the texture of a cake and also bake it as a cake. When a toothpick comes out clean, then it’s ready.
- Preheat oven at 180 degrees centigrade and bake for about one hour. If the crust is still not brown, leave it to bake for 10 more minutes.
See how crunchy it is outside and how moist inside.
Tags: Cheese, Cypriot cheese, Greek cheese, halloumi, Savory Cakes
February 15th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Μπραβο Ivy. Τωρα εμαθα και την Κυπραικη τυροπιτα! I knew about the haloumi but i had no idea about the mint. What a wonderful creation.
February 15th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Yia Sas “Sis”. I am flying to Athens now…never mind the 11 hour plane trip…to have some breakfast at your home…wink..wink…if it were only true. This tyropita sounds incredible!!!!!
February 15th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Thanks Peter, When they make halloumi they put some fresh mint on the cheese and then fold it. When you cut the halloumi you will always see mint inside.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Hi sis, when you come over we’ll bake one together at my house
February 15th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
am loving the sound of lots of mint! it looks so yummy!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I don’t get Halloumi cheese where I live. I know it tastes great when grilled, and frankly, that is the only way I know to use it. Thanks for the recipe, and your participation, Ivy.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Hi Suganya. I am glad you know halloumi. You can have it as it is in sandwiches, fried, grilled and I have made a fantastic sweet dessert with it.
February 17th, 2008 at 12:27 am
I will definitevely don’t cook this one. Don’t take me wrong Ivy! It’s just that I don’t like cheese, but it looks really yummy!!!
February 17th, 2008 at 12:51 am
I know a lot of people who don’t like cheese but coming to think of it I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like halloumi.
March 6th, 2008 at 7:50 am
WOW. this looks amazing, and so delicious! I have not thought of using halloumi like this (mostly because it is so yummy I usually just grill it, squeeze over some lemon and gobble it down!) but I will definitely try this.
March 6th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Hi Zoe/Puku, you are so right about halloumi but try this one as well and see how great it is. Some friend have tried it and left some comments on my Greek site and said they loved it.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
brilliant recipe, tried it loved it!! thank you
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Glad you liked it Soulla.