Pork and halloumi koftes with tzatziki and olive slaw

Succulent pork and salty halloumi koftes, grilled to caramelised perfection, are served with cooling tzatziki, tangy olive slaw, and warm, fluffy homemade flatbreads—an irresistible Greek-inspired feast for summer evenings.

By Sophie Wyburd
From Saturday Kitchen

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This kofkas and slaw dish provides a good balance of lean pork and fresh vegetables with cheese and bread. It offers a nutritious meal with moderate fat and carbohydrates, ideal for a satisfying summer dinner.

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Ingredients

• 1 tsp dried instant yeast
• ½ tsp caster sugar
• 450g/1lb strong white bread flour
• 50g/1¾oz wholemeal flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tbsp for oiling the bowl
• 2 tsp fine sea salt
• ½ cucumber
• 1 small garlic clove
• 200g/7oz thick plain yoghurt
• 1 lime, juice only
• 1 onion
• 90g/3¼oz fresh white breadcrumbs
• 75ml whole milk
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
• 400g/14oz pork mince
• 1 tsp dried mint
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• 200g/7oz halloumi
• Salt
• ½ white cabbage
• 100g/3½oz pitted kalamata olives, halved

Method

1. To make the flatbreads, whisk yeast and caster sugar into 300ml warm water in a large bowl. Leave to bubble for 5 minutes.
2. Add both flours and 1 tbsp olive oil, mix well. Stir in salt.
3. Turn dough onto a clean surface and knead for 5 minutes until soft and springy.
4. Oil a medium bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil, place dough inside, cover tightly with cling film, and refrigerate overnight until doubled and bubbly.
5. When ready, heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Tear off 100g dough balls, flatten to 2mm thickness, and cook each for about 2 minutes per side until golden and bubbled. Keep warm in a towel.
6. For the tzatziki, grate the cucumber and sprinkle with 1 tsp salt in a sieve over a bowl. Let sit to draw out liquid, then squeeze dry.
7. Grate in the garlic clove, add yoghurt and lime juice. Mix well and season with salt. Set aside.
8. Grate the onion into a large bowl. Add breadcrumbs and milk, mix thoroughly.
9. Add parsley, dill, pork mince, dried mint, ground cumin, allspice, and salt. Grate in the halloumi and combine well.
10. Preheat grill or barbecue to high. Shape mixture into 14 rugby ball-sized koftes. Grill for 5–7 minutes each side until caramelised and cooked through.
11. For the olive slaw, peel cabbage into thin strips. Add a pinch of salt and massage to soften.
12. Mix in the kalamata olives.
13. To serve, spread tzatziki on plates, arrange koftes on top, and spoon over olive slaw. Serve with warm flatbreads for mopping up juices.

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Suggested Wine Pairing

Majestic: Domaine de Fontsainte Picpoul de Pinet 2023

This crisp, zesty white wine with citrus and green apple notes complements the fresh herbs and creamy tzatziki, while cutting through the richness of the pork and halloumi koftes.

Tesco: Finest Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2023

Bright and aromatic, this Sauvignon Blanc offers tropical fruit and grassy notes that enhance the herbaceous flavours and balance the salty cheese and grilled meat.

Sainsbury’s: Taste the Difference Assyrtiko 2022

This Greek white wine delivers vibrant acidity and mineral freshness, pairing beautifully with the Mediterranean spices and olive slaw, lifting the dish’s complex flavours.

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What can you serve with this

1. Greek salad – fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and olives add brightness and crunch.
2. Roasted lemon potatoes – a classic side that complements the koftes with citrus and herb notes.
3. Grilled vegetables – smoky, tender veggies add depth and variety.
4. Warm pita bread – perfect for scooping up tzatziki and olive slaw alongside the koftes.

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Nutri-score Health Check

This Nutri-Score C reflects a balanced meal with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and moderate fat from halloumi and olive oil. The homemade flatbreads add carbohydrates for energy. The score is automatically calculated and serves as a guide.

Positive Factors

• Pork mince provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
• Fresh herbs, cabbage, and olives contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Homemade flatbreads use wholemeal flour, adding fibre.

Negative Factors

• Halloumi adds saturated fat and salt, so enjoy in moderation.
• Flatbreads contribute carbohydrates; portion control is advised.