Are you looking for a delicious, creamy curry that’s perfect for vegetarians? Look no further than this Creamy Halloumi & Tomato Curry Recipe! This recipe combines the rich, savory flavor of halloumi cheese with the tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Creamy Halloumi & Tomato Curry Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet or frying pan
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Blender (optional for a smoother sauce)
- 1 Small bowl
Ingredients
- 250 g Halloumi, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 400 g crushed tomatoes
- 200 ml coconut milk
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
Instructions
- Prep the Halloumi:Cut the Halloumi into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help them brown better.
- Fry the Halloumi:Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat.Add the Halloumi cubes in a single layer. Fry until golden brown on all sides, turning occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.Once done, remove the Halloumi from the skillet and set aside in a small bowl.
- Sauté the Aromatics:In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Spices:Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Sauce:Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the spices and aromatics.Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to cook down slightly and the flavors to meld together.For a smoother sauce, you can transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the skillet.
- Finish the Curry:Stir in the coconut milk and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Add salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) to taste.Add the fried Halloumi cubes back into the skillet, and gently stir to coat them in the sauce.Let the curry simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the Halloumi to soak up the flavors.
- Resting Time:Turn off the heat and let the curry rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
- Serve:Garnish the curry with freshly chopped coriander leaves.Serve hot with cooked rice or naan bread, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added zest.
Notes
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this curry is sure to impress. Best of all, it’s a one-pot meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
More Vegetarian Recipes:
- Bulgur Quinoa Lunch Bowls Recipe
- Vegan Chili Recipe
- Tomato Mascarpone Risotto Recipe
- Veggie Burritos Recipe
Ingredients
- 250g halloumi cheese, cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes, chopped)
- 200ml coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving
Instructions for Creamy Halloumi & Tomato Curry Recipe
1. Prepare the Halloumi
Start by heating a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cubed halloumi and fry until golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the halloumi is nicely browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
2. Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma. Next, add the chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, which should take around 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili (if using) and sauté for another 2 minutes.
3. Build the Curry Base
Sprinkle the ground coriander, turmeric powder, and garam masala over the onions and stir well to coat them in the spices. Let this cook for a minute to release the spices’ full flavor. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan, and stir to combine with the spiced onion mixture. Allow the tomatoes to cook down and thicken for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Coconut Milk and Halloumi
Once the tomato mixture has thickened and reduced, pour in the coconut milk. Stir well to combine, and let the curry simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Return the fried halloumi to the pan and stir gently to coat the cheese in the creamy tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the curry simmer for another 5 minutes until the halloumi is heated through.
5. Serve and Garnish
Serve the Creamy Halloumi & Tomato Curry hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Pair it with steamed basmati rice or warm naan for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips and Variations
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chili and garam masala.
- Veggie Boost: Add some spinach, bell peppers, or peas to the curry for extra vegetables.
- Vegan Option: Replace halloumi with firm tofu and ensure your garam masala and other spices are vegan-friendly.
This Creamy Halloumi & Tomato Curry is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, making it a perfect addition to your vegetarian meal repertoire. The crispy, salty halloumi pairs wonderfully with the creamy, tangy tomato base, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for any night of the week. Enjoy this curry with rice or naan, and savor the rich, creamy goodness in every bite!