Halloumi Sticks with Harissa Dip
This has been a favourite for both adults and children this summer, they taste great and also I think because they are something a little different.
Halloumi (also known affectionately in our house as 'squeaky cheese'!) is a semi-hard Cypriot cheese, usually made from a combination of sheep & goats milk. It has a lovely salty taste which sweetens when cooked, when it turns crisp and light brown. It makes a fun dipper with a spicy and vibrant dip such as this harissa dip.
Our halloumi dippers are naturally gluten free and the perky & versatile harissa dip makes a nutritious & refreshing alternative to the usual ones available. Halloumi may be better tolerated by those who are sensitive to cow's milk (check the label to ensure the one you buy is sheep & goats milk). Garlic is a potent anti-microbial to help kill off bugs and spices such as cumin, chilli & paprika are rich in immune boosting antioxidants.
1 packet Halloumi
Take the Halloumi out of its packet and cut into 1 cm thick slices. Often it will break into strips but this doesn't matter as you want them as dippers anyway. Heat a non-stick pan over a medium to high heat and after a few moments place your halloumi into the pan. Leave the cheese to brown for around a minute or two each side. When you turn it over you want to see a lovely caramelised surface and you will notice the cheese would have become softer (it thens firms as it cools).
Harissa Dip
1/2 red pepper (if you don't have fresh peppers, pre-chargrilled in a jar work well too)
80g pepperdew peppers (mild) - available in most supermarkets
1 chilli - check the heat on the tip of your tongue. If this is for young children I would advise using 1/2 )
1 clove garlic
1 teapsoons caraway seeds
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons tomato puree
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Place everything (but the olive oil) into a small blender, or using a stick blender blitz all until a puree. Finally add the olive oil to help thicken and emulsify slightly. Pour into a ramekin and serve as a dip with your halloumi dippers.
This is also delicious stirred through hummus, on its own with vegetable sticks or as a marinade for chicken, pork or white fish.
For full recipe and more pictures go to Halloumi Sticks with Harissa Dip in the Sides section
