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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arrange on a platter; drizzle with honey and sprinkle with some dukkah.
2 min
- 6.
Dukkah can be made 2 weeks ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.