Blue Shutter Taverna · Starters

Charred Halloumi with Honey, Lemon & Toasted Sesame

Name: Charred Halloumi with Honey, Lemon & Toasted Sesame
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 250 g Halloumi cheese; 1 tbsp Olive oil; 2 tbsp Honey; 1 whole Lemon; 1 tbsp Sesame seeds; 0.5 tsp Dried oregano; 1 pinch Red chili flakes; 150 g Cherry tomatoes

Thick slices of halloumi seared until crisp and golden outside and squeaky-soft inside, drizzled with warm lemon-oregano honey and toasted sesame over sweet cherry tomatoes.

15 minutes · Easy · 4 servings

Original house recipe · Not yet kitchen-tested

Ingredients

Halloumi cheese250 g
Olive oil1 tbsp
Honey2 tbsp
Lemon1 whole
Sesame seeds1 tbsp
Dried oregano0.5 tsp
Red chili flakes1 pinch
Cherry tomatoes150 g

Quantities describe recipe usage, not package sizes.

Allergen notes

Milk (halloumi) and sesame.

Method

Toast the sesame

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, shaking the pan, until golden and fragrant. Tip onto a plate.

Warm the honey

Gently warm the honey with 1 tbsp lemon juice, half the lemon zest, the oregano and chili flakes in a small saucepan (or in short bursts in the microwave) until runny. Keep it warm.

Sear the halloumi

Cut the halloumi into 1 cm slices and pat dry. Brush with the oil. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and sear the slices for 1 1/2–2 minutes per side, until deep golden with crisp edges.

Plate and serve

Halve the tomatoes and scatter them over a platter. Lay the hot halloumi on top, spoon over the warm honey, and finish with the sesame seeds, remaining zest and lemon wedges. Serve straight away; halloumi turns rubbery as it cools.

Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron pan and do not move the slices until they release on their own. That is when the crust has formed.

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