CORN AND FREGOLA WITH GRILLED HALLOUMI CHEESE

Corn and Fregola with Grilled Halloumi Cheese image

Provided by Alison Roman

Yield 8 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup walnuts
1 cup fregola or Israeli couscous
Kosher salt
4 ears of corn, husked
2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
Freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces Halloumi cheese, sliced lengthwise 3/4" thick
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup basil leaves
1/4 cup mint leaves
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (or more) white wine vinegar

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
Cook fregola in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain (do not rinse) and spread out on a baking sheet to let cool.
Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Rub corn with 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and tender, 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and let cool.
Meanwhile, brush cheese with 1 tablespoon oil and grill, turning once, until lightly charred in spots, about 5 minutes. Transfer to platter with corn; let cool.
Cut kernels from cobs and place in a large bowl. Add scallions, parsley, basil, mint, walnuts, and fregola. Using your hands, tear Halloumi into bite-size pieces; add to bowl and toss to combine. Add lemon juice, vinegar, and remaining 1/4 cup oil. Toss to coat; season with salt, pepper, and more vinegar, if desired.