Fried Halloumi With Caraway Recipes

HALLOUMI FRIES WITH BEET CHUTNEY

Steps:

• Turn the heat under a stovetop pressure cooker to medium-high and add the avocado oil. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the dried red chile. Cook, stirring, until deepened in color and puffed up, a few seconds. Add the cumin and fennel seeds and the turmeric and cook until deepened in color and flavor, about 30 seconds.
• Add the beets and stir to coat. Add the brown sugar, tamarind paste, salt, if using, and 3/4 cup water. Stir well. Secure the pressure cooker lid and bring to high pressure over medium-high heat. Once at a high pressure, cook for 13 minutes. Turn off the heat and carefully release the pressure using the quick-release valve, then remove the lid. Pour the contents into a blender along with 1/4 cup olive oil and process until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning until you like it.
• Meanwhile, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to a nonstick skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Pat the halloumi well with paper towels until it's dry. Place the halloumi in the skillet and cook on each side until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Spoon the beet chutney into a small side dish. Add the fries to a platter, then sprinkle with mint and pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.

FRIED HALLOUMI "CURDS" WITH MUHAMMARA AND PICKLED CRUDITé

Steps:

• For the halloumi curds: Set up a deep fryer with vegetable oil and heat to 375 degrees F. Combine the flour, cornstarch and baking powder in a large bowl, then whisk in the beer. Let the batter sit in the fridge for 15 minutes to set.
• Dip the halloumi cubes into the batter and drain off any excess. Fry until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then transfer to a sheet tray lined with a wire rack so they don't get soggy.
• For the pickled crudité: Bring the vinegar and water to a boil in a pot, then reduce to a simmer. Once at a simmer, take off the heat and add in the mustard seeds, salt, sugar, crushed red pepper and garlic. Whisk until the salt and sugar dissolve. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Combine in a glass bowl with the veggies. Let cool and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes.
• For the muhammara: Place everything MINUS the crackers in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Add in the crackers and pulse 5 times. Taste, adjust seasoning and, if too thick (looking for a texture similar to hummus) add a little more olive oil. Pulse a couple more times.
• To serve: Place the muhammara into a bowl and using a spoon, make a divot in the center. Pour a little olive oil in the divot and sprinkle some Aleppo pepper as well as some crushed walnuts. Top with the halloumi curds and pickled crudité.

FRIED HALLOUMI WITH HONEY AND WALNUTS

Steps:

• Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
• Add the halloumi and brown well on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.
• Remove to a serving platter or bowl and top with honey and roasted walnuts. Garnish with chopped fresh mint, if desired.