Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Halloumi Fries with Pomegranate Drizzle is a delightful dish that combines the tangy taste of halloumi cheese with the sweetness of pomegranate. This recipe is perfect for those looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a flavorful snack at home. Halloumi fries are naturally a crowd-pleaser, especially for cheese lovers! They are crispy on the outside, warm and squeaky on the inside, and the pomegranate drizzle adds a burst of flavor that lifts the entire dish. You can serve these fries as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself, these halloumi fries are sure to be a hit!
How to Make Crispy Halloumi Fries with Pomegranate Drizzle
Making Crispy Halloumi Fries with Pomegranate Drizzle is quite simple and requires just a few steps. You don’t need to be a professional chef to get it right!
Ingredients:
- 250 g halloumi cheese
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Oil for frying or baking
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or mint, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds or chili flakes (for garnish)
Directions:
Slice Halloumi: Begin by slicing the halloumi cheese into thick fries. Try to cut them into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Once sliced, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Coat the Fries: In a bowl, toss the halloumi fries with cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Cooking Options: You can choose your preferred method to cook the halloumi.
- Frying: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the halloumi fries until they are deeply golden, about 2–3 minutes on each side.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Brush the fries with a little oil and place them on a baking tray. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time.
- Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. Cook the fries for 12–15 minutes, making sure to shake the basket once halfway through for even cooking.
Make the Drizzle: While the fries are cooking, prepare the pomegranate drizzle. In a small pot, gently warm the pomegranate molasses, honey (or maple syrup), and lemon juice until they are smooth and well combined.
Garnish and Serve: Once the fries are cooked, drizzle the pomegranate sauce over the hot halloumi fries. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley or mint, and sprinkle some sesame seeds or chili flakes for extra flavor.
How to Serve Crispy Halloumi Fries with Pomegranate Drizzle
Crispy Halloumi Fries with Pomegranate Drizzle can be served straight out of the pan or oven. Place them on a serving platter and drizzle the pomegranate sauce generously over the top. The vibrant colors of the garnishes will enhance the dish’s visual appeal. You can also serve these fries with a side of yogurt or tzatziki for added creaminess and flavor. They are perfect for sharing with friends or family and make a great snack for any gathering. If you have leftovers, they can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
How to Store Crispy Halloumi Fries with Pomegranate Drizzle
If you have any leftover halloumi fries (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat them in an oven or an air fryer to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make the fries chewy. The pomegranate drizzle can also be stored separately and used later. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Tips to Make Crispy Halloumi Fries with Pomegranate Drizzle
- Choose Quality Halloumi: The taste and texture of the halloumi are essential for this dish. Use fresh, good-quality cheese for the best results.
- Drying is Key: Make sure to pat the halloumi dry before coating. This will help the batter stick better and ensure crispiness.
- Experiment with Coatings: While this recipe uses cornstarch, feel free to try out different coatings, such as breadcrumbs or crushed nuts, for added crunch.
- Test the Oil: If you are frying, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the halloumi. You can test it by dropping in a small piece; it should sizzle right away.
- Garnishes: Get creative with garnishes! Consider using different types of herbs or a sprinkle of spice for added flavor.
Variation
For a different twist, consider adding some spices to the corn starch mixture. Try chili powder for heat or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. You can also swap the pomegranate molasses for a different sauce, like a sweet chili sauce or barbecue sauce. For a more Mediterranean touch, you can add olives or sun-dried tomatoes as toppings.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make halloumi fries in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the halloumi fries in advance. Cut and coat the fries, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. However, it’s best to cook them fresh for maximum crispiness.
Q2: Are halloumi fries gluten-free?
If you use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour, halloumi fries can be gluten-free. Always check the labels of the ingredients you are using to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.
Q3: Can I bake halloumi fries instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a great and healthier alternative to frying. Just brush them lightly with oil and bake them in a preheated oven, ensuring they are flipped halfway through for even cooking.
Q4: What can I serve with halloumi fries?
Halloumi fries pair well with a variety of dips such as yogurt, tzatziki, or even a spicy aioli. They also make a great accompaniment to salads or grilled vegetables.
Q5: Is this a healthy snack?
While halloumi fries are delicious, they are still a form of fried food. For a healthier option, consider baking or air frying them. They are high in protein but also contain salt, so moderation is key!
Crispy Halloumi Fries with Pomegranate Drizzle
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful halloumi fries that are crispy on the outside and squeaky on the inside, topped with a sweet and tangy pomegranate drizzle.
Ingredients
- 250 g halloumi cheese
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Oil for frying or baking
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or mint, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds or chili flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
- Slice the halloumi cheese into thick fries and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Toss halloumi fries with cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- For frying, heat oil in a pan and fry the halloumi fries for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.
- For baking, preheat oven to 220°C (425°F), brush fries with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For air frying, preheat air fryer to 200°C and cook fries for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Prepare the pomegranate drizzle by warming pomegranate molasses, honey, and lemon juice in a small pot until smooth.
- Drizzle the pomegranate sauce over the cooked halloumi fries and garnish with pomegranate seeds, parsley or mint, and sesame seeds or chili flakes.
Notes
Pat the halloumi dry before coating to enhance crispiness. Experiment with different coatings for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: halloumi fries, pomegranate drizzle, appetizers, vegetarian snacks, Mediterranean recipes