Halloumi Fries with Beet Chutney
- Level: Intermediate
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 8 servings
- Calories
- 283
- Total Fat
- 24
- Saturated Fat
- 10
- Carbohydrates
- 9
- Dietary Fiber
- 1
- Sugar
- 7
- Protein
- 9
- Cholesterol
- 50
- Sodium
- 538
- Total: 1 hr 15 min
- Active: 45 min
Ingredients
1 tablespoon avocado or other neutral oil
1 dried red chile
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 medium beets, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or lemon juice)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed, optional
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil
Two 8-ounce blocks halloumi, drained and cut into "steak fries"
Freshly torn mint leaves, for garnish
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Directions
Special equipment:
a stovetop pressure cooker- Turn the heat under a stovetop pressure cooker to medium-high and add the avocado oil. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the dried red chile. Cook, stirring, until deepened in color and puffed up, a few seconds. Add the cumin and fennel seeds and the turmeric and cook until deepened in color and flavor, about 30 seconds.
- Add the beets and stir to coat. Add the brown sugar, tamarind paste, salt, if using, and 3/4 cup water. Stir well. Secure the pressure cooker lid and bring to high pressure over medium-high heat. Once at a high pressure, cook for 13 minutes. Turn off the heat and carefully release the pressure using the quick-release valve, then remove the lid. Pour the contents into a blender along with 1/4 cup olive oil and process until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning until you like it.
- Meanwhile, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to a nonstick skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Pat the halloumi well with paper towels until it's dry. Place the halloumi in the skillet and cook on each side until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Spoon the beet chutney into a small side dish. Add the fries to a platter, then sprinkle with mint and pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.