Seared Halloumi with Peanut Dukkah and Honey

A delightful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring golden-brown seared Halloumi cheese topped with a crunchy dukkah made from peanuts, sesame seeds, and aromatic spices, finished with a drizzle of warm honey.

6 servings
27 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup skinless raw peanuts
  • 2 Tbsp toasted white sesame seeds
  • 1 Tbsp black sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp finely ground black pepper
  • 2 packages Halloumi cheese
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 piece spice mill or mortar and pestle

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast peanuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 8-10 minutes. Let cool. Crush with a mortar and pestle or finely chop. Transfer to a medium bowl, add both sesame seeds, and toss well.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Toast coriander seeds and cumin seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat, tossing often, until fragrant, about 2 minutes; let cool. Coarsely grind in spice mill or with mortar and pestle and add to peanut mixture along with pepper; mix dukkah well.

    2 min

  3. 3.

    Cut each piece of Halloumi in half on a diagonal. Working with 1 piece at time, place Halloumi cut side down on a cutting board and slice lengthwise into triangular planks. (You should have 12 total.) Pat dry with paper towels.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Heat oil in a large heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Working in batches and adding more oil as needed, cook Halloumi until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to fresh paper towels to drain.

    8 min

  5. 5.

    Arrange on a platter; drizzle with honey and sprinkle with some dukkah.

    2 min

  6. 6.

    Dukkah can be made 2 weeks ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.