Beetroot, Halloumi and Dukkah Salad

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized fresh beetroot

• 150g pistachio kernals

• 150g blanched almonds

• 2 Tbsp sesame seeds

• 1 tsp coriander seeds

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 2 Tbsp ground coriander

• 1 Tbsp ground cumin

• Pinch of ground cardamom

• 1⁄2 tsp chilli powder (optional)

• 2 x 250g packets haloumi cheese, drained and thickly sliced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1⁄4 bunch dill, sprigs picked

• 1⁄4 bunch coriander, leaves picked

• 2 Tbsp pomegranate molasses

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Wrap beetroot tightly in foil and bake for 1 hour.

  2. Meanwhile, heat a medium frying pan over a medium heat and add pistachios and almonds. Cook for 1 minute or until nuts are lightly toasted. Transfer to the bowl of a food processor and process until nuts are finely chopped and coarse crumbs form. Transfer nut mixture to a large bowl.

  3. Add sesame seeds to pan and cook for 1-2 minutes or until light golden. Transfer to nut mixture.

  4. Add coriander and cumin seeds to pan and cook, stirring often, for 1-2 minutes or until seeds release their aromas and begin to pop. Transfer to a mortar and grind using a pestle until finely crushed. Add to nut mixture with ground coriander, ground cumin, cardamom and chilli powder (if using), then stir to combine. Set aside.

  5. Put a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add haloumi and cook for 2 minutes, then turn and cook for a further 1 minute. Remove from pan and squeeze over lemon juice.

  6. Remove beetroot from oven and allow to cool slightly. Wearing a pair of disposable kitchen gloves, use your hands to peel off skin and discard. Slice beetroot into small cubes.

  7. To assemble salad, arrange haloumi on a serving platter. Pile beetroot cubes on top, then scatter over dill and coriander. Drizzle over pomegranate molasses and sprinkle over a generous amount of dukkah to serve. Keep remaining cooled dukkah in an airtight container or jar.

  • Thanks to BHG.com.au

Pearce Vander MeedenComment