Traditional halloumi pies
Χαλλουμοτές
Eliotes are known as olive bread or olive pies. It is a tradition in Cyprus to make these while fasting, but as the years go by the tradition has expanded and we make them whenever we like — though we still eat them more during fasting. Eliotes can be made in various ways: in bread form, as a roulade, as pies or even turnovers, in mini versions or as one big loaf.
Back in the day, when most people worked the fields, they would take eliotes with them to eat as they left very early in the morning to tend to the land. The bread and olives kept them strong and provided the energy they needed. They are still eaten for breakfast or as a snack, traditionally with a Greek coffee.
In a bowl add the flour, yeast, salt and olive oil and mix well.
Once mixed, add the fresh orange juice and mix well again.
Add in all the remaining ingredients — chopped olives, dried and fresh onion, mint — and mix. Add lukewarm water only if the dough needs it.
Shape the mixture into small olive pies, usually in a half-moon crescent, and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180°C for approximately 30 minutes.
Eat warm for breakfast with a Greek coffee, or as a snack before or after lunch.
Χαλλουμοτές
Tahini pie
Coriander crushed olives