Easy Spicy Poblano Tacos with Sesame Halloumi Recipe
This easy spicy poblano tacos recipe combines the smoky flavor of poblano peppers with crispy sesame-coated halloumi, offering a delightful vegetarian taco option. Paired with a refreshing cilantro-lime yogurt sauce, these tacos are perfect for quick weeknight meals or a casual taco night with friends.
Equipment
- Skillet (large and small)
- Blender or food processor
Ingredients
Taco Filling:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 cups cauliflower roughly chopped
- 3 poblano peppers sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced or grated
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and chopped
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 8 ounces cubed halloumi cheese
- 1 tablespoon raw sesame seeds
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas warmed
Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and sliced (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Kosher salt to taste
Garnish:
- 1 avocado sliced
Instructions
Cook the Vegetable Filling:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cauliflower and sliced poblano peppers, letting them cook until the cauliflower develops a light golden color, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the soy sauce and mix well, allowing the vegetables to absorb the flavor for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
Prepare the Halloumi:
- In a separate small skillet, warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place the halloumi cubes in the skillet and fry without disturbing them until they turn golden brown on one side, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Flip the cubes and cook the other side until golden, another 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the halloumi during the last minute of cooking, ensuring they stick to the cheese. Remove from heat and set aside.
Blend the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño if you prefer extra spice. Add a pinch of salt and blend until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
Assemble the Tacos:
- To build each taco, lay a warm tortilla on a plate and spoon the poblano and cauliflower filling onto the center.
- Add a few pieces of the fried sesame halloumi on top, followed by a slice or two of avocado.
- Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the filling and serve immediately.
Notes
- For added protein, stir cooked lentils or black beans into the vegetable mix during the final minutes of cooking.
- The sesame halloumi adds a Mediterranean twist, but you can substitute with crispy tofu for a vegan version.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!