Spicy Halloumi Fries - Divalicious Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why soak halloumi before frying? ›

Why do you soak halloumi before cooking? While completely optional, many swear by this step for a softer, more flavourful, and sweeter result that will set your halloumi apart from all others. The easiest method is to soak the whole block of cheese in cold water for at least two hours (or overnight if you have time).

When eaten regularly in large quantities halloumi can be considered unhealthy, as this fried cheese is pretty high in saturated fat and salt. However, when eaten sporadically as part of a balanced diet, halloumi has a range of health benefits, as it's high in calcium and protein.

You can jazz this halloumi up further in a number of ways. Seasoning is a given, but some dried oregano doesn't go astray. Hot honey adds a bit of spice, or you can simply add your own chilli to taste. Whatever you decide to do, I can guarantee it will be delicious.

These halloumi fries are Middle Eastern style mozzarella sticks made with only 4 ingredients – flour, eggs, panko and non-melting halloumi!

Put the halloumi into a bowl and boil a kettle of water. Pour the boiling water over the halloumi and leave for 20 minutes. This will make the cheese really soft and smooth in the centre when cooked.

It is the high pH (low acid) of the cheese that causes this non-melting characteristic.

The least healthiest cheese overall is Double Gloucester, which contains the highest amount of calories (415 per 100 grams) and a whopping 21.9g of saturated fat – which is more than the NHS's recommended daily saturated fat limit for women.

Overeating halloumi cheese can cause diarrhoea, food poisoning, high blood pressure, weight gain and bloating. Furthermore, allergic reactions may be common in people who have a milk allergy.

'Halloumi is very high in salt, and a portion of 70g contains 2.1g, which is a third of your recommended daily allowance of 6g,' says Watkins. 'People with high blood pressure should be especially mindful of their salt intake. '

A great alternative to chips and fries, but just as satisfying, these halloumi fries really bring out the salty softness of this cheese. Spiced up with paprika and crispy on the outside, serve with burgers, barbecue chicken, grilled fish and a green salad.

What food pairs best with halloumi? ›

The best side dishes to serve with halloumi cheese are garlic bread, Korean corn dog, shakshuka, smoked salmon frittata, eggs in a basket, garden salad, potato pancakes, cucumber salad, roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled zucchini, fresh fruit platter, quinoa salad, stuffed bell peppers, and lemon garlic asparagus.

Well if you are, be prepared to be converted, as this cheesy offering will win over your hearts. They are perfectly salted and there is a generous amount of cheese. If you love dunking chips into sauce, you'll love the dip which compliments it so well, it's almost too good to be true.

The halloumi fries

The breadcrumb coating was nice and crumbly too and they made a good salty alternative to fries. I really liked them. They come in a bag of four and a rich, tasty tomato dip, costing £2.49. Lastly, I cleansed my palate with the new Spanish Fruit punch.

Four halloumi cheese sticks coated in a light batter, served with a rich tomato dip. Nutrition and allergen information do not include dips.

Simply patting the haloumi dry with paper towel will remove some of the saltiness, but you can also place it in a bowl of cold water to remove more of the salt, if you prefer. Just soak for 5 minutes, then pat dry with paper towel – patting dry is important to ensure the lovely golden crispy edges!

After soaking, remove the halloumi from the water and allow it to drain. It's important to note that while soaking halloumi can help reduce its sodium content to some extent, it won't eliminate it entirely.

Haloumi was created at a time before refrigeration when it was vital that foods were made to last. Thankfully, because haloumi was stored in salty brine it could keep for long periods without spoiling and early producers found that wrapping haloumi in mint leaves further helped to maintain its freshness and flavour.

Heat a griddle pan to a very high heat. You want your grill pan to be nice and hot before adding the cheese! This helps prevent sticking.