Pan-Seared Halloumi Fritters with Honey and Thyme

Ingredients

• id: halloumi_cheese metric: 400g imperial: 14 oz name: halloumi cheese, grated

• id: all_purpose_flour metric: 60g imperial: 1/2 cup name: all-purpose flour

• id: eggs metric: 2 large eggs imperial: 2 large eggs name: large eggs, beaten

• id: fresh_thyme metric: 15g imperial: 2 tbsp name: fresh thyme leaves

• id: lemon_zest metric: 1 lemon imperial: 1 lemon name: lemon zest (about 1 tbsp)

• id: black_pepper metric: 1g imperial: 1/4 tsp name: freshly ground black pepper

• id: olive_oil metric: 60ml imperial: 4 tbsp name: extra virgin olive oil

• id: honey metric: 45ml imperial: 3 tbsp name: honey

• id: honey_thyme metric: 8g imperial: 1 tbsp name: fresh thyme sprigs for honey

• id: lemon_juice metric: 15ml imperial: 1 tbsp name: fresh lemon juice

• id: mixed_greens metric: 120g imperial: 4 cups name: mixed salad greens

• id: cherry_tomatoes metric: 200g imperial: 1 cup name: cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine grated {halloumi_cheese}, {all_purpose_flour}, {eggs}, {fresh_thyme}, {lemon_zest}, and {black_pepper}. Mix well until the mixture holds together when pressed.

2. Using your hands, form the mixture into 12 small patties, about 5cm (2 inches) wide and 1cm (1/2 inch) thick. Place on a plate and refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the honey drizzle by gently warming {honey} with {honey_thyme} sprigs in a small saucepan over low heat for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in {lemon_juice}. Strain out the thyme sprigs.

4. Heat {olive_oil} in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

5. Carefully add the halloumi fritters to the pan, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

6. Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly.

7. Arrange {mixed_greens} and {cherry_tomatoes} on a serving platter or individual plates.

8. Place warm fritters on top of the greens and drizzle generously with the thyme-infused honey.

9. Serve immediately while the fritters are still warm and crispy.

Tips

Halloumi Prep: Grate the halloumi using the large holes of a box grater for the best texture. Pat dry if it seems very moist.

Binding Help: If the mixture seems too wet to hold together, add a bit more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Temperature Control: Keep the heat at medium to ensure the fritters cook through without burning the outside.

Honey Infusion: Warming the honey with thyme creates a beautifully aromatic drizzle - don't skip this step!

Serving Ideas: These make an excellent starter, or serve larger portions as a light lunch with the salad and some crusty bread.