This recipe is for all the cheese lovers. Pan fried Halloumi with Honey and Black Seed is a version of Halloumi Saganaki minus the flour. The best bit? It is ready to gobble up in 10 minutes max!
Pan Fried Halloumi
I have made so many variations of this recipe over the years.
It all started with a simple traditional Greek Saganaki recipe, made with very few ingredients.
We also made a version that is popular all over the Middle East but is made with different cheese or Labneh.
This version is similar to Saganaki but the flour is skipped altogether.
Is there anyone who does not like fried cheese? It is the best appetiser to start any meal.
What is Saganaki
‘Saganaki’ refers to various Greek appetisers, which are prepared in a small, two handled heavy bottomed frying pan, itself called a saganaki or sagani.
With Saganki the goal is to get a nice crust and a slightly melty middle. It has to be eaten hot, otherwise the cheese hardens and squeaks as you try to make your way through it.
This version omits the flour but is equally as delicious.
The best cheese for this recipe
The key to this recipe is to pick the right kind of cheese. It has to be firm to hold up well against the heat. Cypriot halloumi is the best option. It also works really well with Feta. OMG so well. You will LOVE it.
How to Serve
This is quite an easy starter/breakfast to make, but it can't be made ahead as it has to be served hot. It is very quick to make anyway so that shouldn't be a concern.
Place it on the table and cut it in bite size pieces if you want. Serve with fresh ground pepper and a little lemon juice. Some people eat it with bread. I find that it is nice to eat with a simple salad.
Variations
- I sometimes add a thin layer of sesame seeds before frying the cheese too.
- You can make the Saganki version, where you dredge it in flour before frying.
- Pair the cheese with some fruit - figs with balsamic and honey, grapes, peaches.
- Serve with a squeeze of lime and chilli flakes.
- Skip the honey and add some caster sugar before frying.
- Coat in Dukkah before frying.
Other cheesy dishes:
Mumbai Sandwich on Crusty White Bread
Middle Eastern Shakshuka with Burrata or Feta
*if you make this recipe, please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! i love to hear from you guys! – safira
Adapted from Great British Chefs.
Pan Fried Halloumi with Honey and Black Seed
Golden Pan Fried Halloumi with a drizzle of Honey, a little Black Seed and a squeeze of lemon
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Coriander Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Black Seed
- 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Chilli Flakes
- Pinch Black Pepper
- 75 g Honey
- Glug Olive Oil
- 250 g Halloumi
- 1 Lemon Juice and Zest
Instructions
-
Toast the coriander seeds in a dry pan. for 2 minutes Add to a spice grinder or pestle and motor with black seed and crush coarsely.
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Combine black seed and coriander seeds, with sesame seeds, chilli flakes, black pepper and honey in a small bowl and set aside.
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Cut the halloumi into thick slices. Heat a glug of oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Pan fry the Halloumi over a medium-high heat, for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
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Place a slice of halloumi on each plate and season with a little lemon juice and zest. Drizzle over the honey and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Nutritional information is only an estimate.
Variations
- I sometimes add a thin layer of sesame seeds before frying the cheese too.
- You can make the Saganki version, where you dredge it in flour before frying.
- Pair the cheese with some fruit - figs with balsamic and honey, grapes, peaches.
- Serve with a squeeze of lime and chilli flakes.
- Skip the honey and add some caster sugar before frying.
- Coat in Dukkah before frying.
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