Baked Kale Rice With Halloumi

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat the oven to 375 degrees.

2. Step 2

   Mix the onions, ½ cup oil, thyme, salt and 2 tablespoons of water in a large, 12-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish. (A Dutch oven would work as well, though you’ll achieve better color on top of the halloumi if you use a more shallow cooking vessel.) Bake for 15 minutes, until the onions are translucent and almost softened. Stir in the rice and lemon peel, and bake for a further 10 minutes to toast the rice.

3. Step 3

   Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the stock and ½ cup of water and bring to a boil. Add the garlic and kale and cook for 3 minutes, just until the kale is cooked through. Strain the kale through a colander set over a bowl, reserving both the kale and the stock.

4. Step 4

   Transfer one-third of the kale to a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil, toss to coat and spread in a single layer. Set aside.

5. Step 5

   Transfer the remaining kale, garlic and ½ cup stock to a blender and purée until smooth.

6. Step 6

   Mix the remaining stock into the rice and bake for a further 15 minutes, until the rice is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir well to develop a starchy sauce, then stir in the kale purée and top with the halloumi slices. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the halloumi and return to the oven, along with the separate baking sheet of kale. Cook for 12 minutes until the halloumi is softened and the extra kale has crisped up, then remove from the oven.

7. Step 7

   Sprinkle the crispy kale over the rice dish, drizzle with the 1 tablespoon lemon juice and serve straight from the dish.