SouthernTurk
Unusual recipes for curious cooks.
https://www.southernturk.versust.com/recipe/halloumi-with-pomegranate-walnut-sauce
Printed September 1, 2026
Printed September 1, 2026
5-Ingredient Magic
Halloumi with Pomegranate-Walnut Sauce
Squeaky grilled cheese meets Persian muhammara-inspired sauce for a stunning vegetarian main that looks restaurant-fancy but takes 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced 1/2-inch thick
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
Preparation
Halloumi is the cheese that breaks all the rules—it actually gets better when you cook it, developing a golden crust while staying soft inside. It's begging for bold accompaniments.
This quick sauce takes inspiration from muhammara, the Syrian red pepper and walnut spread, but simplifies it dramatically with pomegranate as the star.
Preparation
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Let cool slightly, then roughly chop.
- In the same skillet, combine the pomegranate juice and molasses. Simmer until reduced by half and syrupy, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts and remove from heat.
- Wipe out the skillet and heat over medium-high. Cook the halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Plate the halloumi and spoon the pomegranate-walnut sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper.
Serving suggestion: Serve over arugula or with warm flatbread to soak up the sauce.
