Horaz Panir Cheese

Horaz Panir is a fresh brined cheese with a soft, slightly elastic texture and a clean milk flavor. It belongs to traditional Caucasian cheeses and is well known for its ability to maintain its shape when heated. In cooking, it is valued for its versatility: it is equally good served cold and performs excellently on a frying pan or grill.

Taste and texture

The taste is mild, slightly salty thanks to the brine in which the cheese is stored. The texture is dense but tender — the cheese cuts into clean slices and doesn't crumble. When fried, it melts unevenly, leaving a denser core, which creates a contrast between a crispy crust and a creamy center. The aroma is fresh, milky, without sharp notes.

How to cook it

• Fry in a pan or on a grill in thin slices — the cheese won't melt and will get a golden crust
• Add to salads in cubes or slices — pairs well with tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs
• Use in hot dishes: soups, pilaf, meat stews — adds creaminess without a strong smell
• Serve sliced with bread and vegetables — a classic appetizer option
• Stuff vegetables with it or make cheese pastas — holds its shape when heated

Selection and Storage

When purchasing, pay attention to the integrity of the packaging and make sure the cheese is in brine. The color should be white or creamy, without dark spots. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container with brine — this keeps the cheese fresh for up to two weeks. If the brine becomes cloudy, you can partially drain it and add fresh brine (water with salt in a ratio of approximately 1 tablespoon of salt per liter of water).

What pairs well with

• Tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, parsley and dill greens
• Olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper
• Meat (lamb, beef), especially in Eastern dishes
• Wheat bread and lavash
• Hot spices and herbs — cumin, coriander, sumac

Halloumi cheese is one of the few brined cheeses that doesn't lose its taste and structure when heated. This makes it ideal for frying and hot dishes, where other cheeses would simply melt away.