Here’s an easy, playful and delicious dish using one of my favourite cheeses, Halloumi.

Authentic Halloumi comes from the island of Cyprus (although you may find some domestic brands). It’s a hearty cheese that stands up well to heat: can be grilled, pan-fried and in this case, deep-fried.

Halloumi tastes amazing and it’s also a textural thing as it squeaks when you chew it!

The goal here is to cut your Halloumi to resemble fries and serve it up as a meze or appetizer.

Halloumi Fries

(serves 4)

1 package Halloumi cheese

all purpose flour

oil for frying

1. Cut your Halloumi into stick that resemble fries. Dredge the cheese sticks in flour.
2. Place a medium-sized pan on your stove-top, add enough oil to come up 1 inch in the pan. Heat oil to approx. 350F.
3. Carefully place cheese in oil and fry for about 2 minutes a side or until golden-brown. Carefully remove cheese from oil and place on a plate lined with paper towel. Fry in batches if necessary.
4. Arrange on a plate like pieces of Jenga.

Garnishes/pairing suggestions:

• Drizzled honey, lemon, chopped mint
• Serve with Htipiti/Tyrokafteri dip
• Roasted red pepper dip