Sesame Halloumi Fries

Instructions

Make the hot honey dipping sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the honey, chile peppers, and Aleppo pepper flakes, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. (The longer it simmers, the spicier it'll be, so the simmer time is up to you!)

Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the honey into a bowl and use it as a dipping sauce for the halloumi wedges. The hot honey will thicken as it cools.

Make the fried halloumi

Cut each block of the halloumi into eight wedges and pat dry. (If your halloumi came in a brine, it may be too salty, so soaking in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or longer if needed, will help.)

In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, sesame seeds, sumac, za'atar, oregano, pepper, and smoked paprika. Evenly coat each wedge of halloumi in the flour mixture.

In a shallow frying pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the oil until very hot. Fry the wedges on all sides until golden, 4 to 8 minutes total.

Transfer the fried halloumi to a paper towel-lined plate and devour immediately.

Appetizers