These filling halloumi burgers with sweet chilli, sesame seeds and rocket salad are so good that I almost prefer them to "real" burgers. Even my meat-obsessed fiancé loves them! Pair these with a cold beer and a sunny day with nothing to do, and you're in for a treat.
What makes these halloumi burgers more filling?
The more chunks the better
This recipe features my favourite way to make halloumi burgers more filling. And it's very simple.
Instead of cutting the halloumi block into two "burgers", cut it into a series of equally sized slices - slicing the block in two lengthways first - and layer those on top of one another. This not only gives a much more satisfying bite, but allows more surface area for the sweet chilli coating.
Using hummus as the spread
Hummus is a good source of protein. This means it's satiating and provides a good energy boost too.
It also has a thicker, more filling texture compared to other sauces often paired with halloumi such as tzaziki or barbecue sauce. Not to mention that it goes wonderfully with sweet chilli!
The salad
I use rocket rather than lettuce on these filling halloumi burgers with sweet chilli for several reasons. For one, the peppery flavour pairs wonderfully with the robust saltiness of the halloumi. But most importantly, rocket, or "rucola", is the more nutritionally rich option.
It's higher in folate, and also higher in many minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Additionally, it provides more protein. (source: https://foodstruct.com/compare/lettuce-vs-arugula).
I've also included some 'heart friendly' radishes in this salad too, not only for visual flair but for added fibre.
Step 1
Prep your salad. Slice your radishes into thin - but not see-through thin - rounds and mix these with a large handful of rocket in a bowl along with a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 2
Cut your halloumi into slices as described above. Make sure all the slices are of equal thickness so that they cook evenly once their in the pan.
There's no need to coat the halloumi in anything or dry it off as it'll cook perfectly in the hot oil as it is.
Step 3
Heat your oil in a wide frying pan along with a generous pinch of black pepper (about 10 grinds of your pepper grinder).
When the oil is hot, add your halloumi slices. Make sure they are evenly spaced out and that the oil isn't hot-hot, to avoid being splattered.
Depending on how readily your pan conducts heat, the halloumi slices will be golden after 2-3 minutes on each side. It could take longer, of course. Just lift the corners every minute or so safely with some tongs to check if they're reaching your desired colour.
Step 4
Once your halloumi slices are evenly fried, put them in a bowl along with your sweet chilli and sesame seeds. Then mix with your hands until everything is nicely coated.
Alternatively, you can transfer to a tupperware instead, and shake with the lid on to coat evenly.
Now it's time to slice open your brioche and get out the hummus!
Step 5 (OPTIONAL)
If you have the time, turn the frying pan back on for a moment and toast the inside of your brioche rolls just enough to heat up and stiffen the sides of the bread that'll be in contact with the hummus and salad.
Step 6
Spread the hummus generously on the buns, and follow with the rocket and horseradish.
Step 7
Divide your sweet chilli halloumi slices into two portions and place them carefully on the burger buns. Followed with a few jalapeño slices if you like it spicy!
And just like that, your filling halloumi burgers with sweet chilli are complete! Enjoy!
