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DELICATE CREAMY HALLLOUMI TOMATO CURRY WITH LEMON RICE

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
DELICATE CREAMY HALLLOUMI TOMATO CURRY WITH LEMON RICE

DELICATE CREAMY HALLLOUMI TOMATO CURRY WITH LEMON RICE

Enjoy this smooth, delicately flavored halloumi tomato curry that’s incredibly creamy and perfect to put on repeat. Paired with fragrant lemon-infused baked butter rice, this dish offers a balanced and satisfying meal ideal for a family of four.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 35 min
🍽️ Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Curry:

  • 2 cans (400 g each) diced tomatoes
  • 2 packs (200 g each) halloumi cheese, cut into cubes
  • 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 heaping tsp grated ginger (puree)
  • 1 tsp garam masala (Fuchs brand recommended)
  • 3/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (Kashmiri chili preferred)
  • 1 heaping tsp butter
  • 50 ml kefir (or buttermilk/yogurt)
  • 3-4 tbsp oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Lemon Rice:

  • 1 portion baked butter rice (prepared according to recipe)
  • Zest of 1–1.2 organic lemons

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baked butter rice following your preferred recipe.
  2. While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet and add just enough oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Fry the halloumi cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring they brown evenly and don’t release excess moisture. Cook until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
  4. In the same hot skillet, add additional oil if needed, then sauté grated ginger and crushed garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the blended canned tomatoes, season with salt and black pepper, and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer uncovered if possible. (If splattering occurs, cover loosely with a lid or wooden spoon.) Cook for 20-25 minutes until sauce thickens and oil pools at the edges, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Stir in butter, garam masala, and ground cumin. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Tip: Use a garam masala blend without cumin if desired; the Fuchs brand is highly recommended for authentic flavor.

  1. Transfer the sauce to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, gradually adding kefir to reach a creamy consistency. Adjust salt to taste.
  2. Pour the warm sauce into a serving bowl and gently fold in the fried halloumi cubes.
  3. Once the rice is done, fluff it with a fork and gently mix in the lemon zest.
  4. Serve the halloumi tomato curry alongside the lemon butter rice. This dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

💡 Tips

  • Fry halloumi in small batches to get a crispy, golden exterior without steaming.
  • Use fresh grated ginger for bright aroma and flavor.
  • Simmer tomato sauce uncovered for thicker consistency.
  • Kefir adds a subtle tang and creaminess—adjust quantity to your preference.

🍽️ Perfect For

  • Quick weeknight dinners
  • Flavorful vegetarian meals
  • Family-friendly, comforting dishes

📝 Final Thoughts

This creamy halloumi tomato curry, paired with zesty lemon butter rice, creates a harmonious balance of fresh, spicy, and creamy flavors. Easy to prepare yet impressively delicious, it’s a perfect dish to enjoy repeatedly and share with loved ones.