Crispy Grains and Halloumi With Smashed Cucumbers

1. Prepare Ingredients for Broiling

Begin by preheating your broiler and making sure your grains, cheese, and chickpeas are ready to go and as dry as possible. This will ensure maximum crispness when they hit the heat.

2. Smash and Season Cucumbers

Lay the Persian cucumbers on a flat surface and gently smash them with the side of a knife to open up their texture, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, season the cucumbers with a pinch of kosher salt, add 1 teaspoon of citrus zest, and pour in 3 tablespoons of citrus juice. Mix in a tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped herbs, combining everything well. This mixture can sit and marinate for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

3. Broil the Grain Mixture

Drizzle the remaining olive oil over your prepared grains, chickpeas, and torn cheese. Sprinkle in the ground cumin or coriander, a generous pinch of salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Toss everything together so each piece is well-coated and spread it out on a sheet pan. Place the sheet pan under the broiler and let the mixture cook for 7-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you're looking for the chickpeas to start popping and the whole mix to turn a delicious golden brown. That's when you know the flavors have deepened and everything has crisped up nicely.

4. Serve with Smashed Cucumbers

To serve, spoon the warm, crispy grain-bean-cheese mixture onto plates and top with the juicy, herb-infused smashed cucumbers. If desired, give it a final drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of citrus to brighten it up just before serving.