Go Back
Print Pin
4.89 from 9 votes

Persian Halloumi

Halloumi is a salty, rubbery cheese that comes from Cyprus. It’s so moreish and flavoursome that it’s been nicknamed ‘vegetarian bacon’! In this recipe it’s coated and fried with ras el hanout, a popular Moroccan spice mix traditionally made from only the finest spices. The pomegranate molasses, tiny barberries, fresh mint and bulgur wheat make for a refreshingly sour-sweet side dish that’s a great contrast to the rich saltiness of the halloumi.
Course Main
Cuisine Persian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2
Author Gousto

Ingredients

  • 250 g Halloumi cheese
  • 150 g Bulgur wheat
  • 2 Red onions
  • 20 g Dried barberries
  • 1 tbsp Pomegranate molasses
  • 10 g Fresh mint
  • 1 tbsp Ras el hanout
  • 1 Lemon
  • 4 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Sugar
  • Salt & Pepper

Instructions

  • Boil a kettle.
  • Add the bulgur to a pot with 275ml of boiling water, cover with a lid over a medium-low heat.
  • Simmer for 5-7min or until almost all the water is absorbed.
  • Remove and set aside with the lid on for 10 min, until dry and fluffy.
  • Meanwhile, put the barberries in a small bowl and add 100ml of hot water.
  • Add 1 tbsp of sugar and mix well.
  • Peel the onions, cut them in half and slice finely.
  • Chop the mint finely and grate the zest of the lemon.
  • Cut the halloumi into thin slices (approx. 1cm thick).
  • Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice over the halloumi.
  • Combine half the ras el hanout with 1 tsp of black pepper for the spice mix.
  • Coat the halloumi in the spice mix.
  • Add 1-2 tbsp of olive oil to a large pan on a medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the onion and cook for 4-5 min or until soft and lightly caramelised.
  • Add 3 tbsp of the barberry water to the bulgar wheat.
  • Drain the barberries and add to the bulgar wheat.
  • Combine the barberry bulgar with the mint, lemon zest, remaining ras el hanout, pomegranate molasses and 1-2 tbsp of olive oil.
  • Season to your taste with salt and pepper.
  • Push the onion to one side of the pan and add 1-2 tbsp of olive oil.
  • Add the halloumi and cook for 1-2 min on each side or until golden all over.
  • Serve the bulgur wheat with the onion and halloumi.
  • Enjoy!