Fattoush & Hamsat Halloumi bil Za’atar (Emirati Café Seared Halloumi, Tomato & Pomegranate Skillet) – Authentic United Arab Emirates Recipe
Vibrant Gulf skillet pairing warm za’atar-crusted halloumi with sweet tomatoes and tangy pomegranate.
- Country of Origin
- 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (Middle East, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- vegetarian
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Golden seared halloumi slices, Cherry tomatoes and olives, Crisp pita chips and ruby pomegranate seeds, Pomegranate molasses, Wild za’atar
Ingredients for Fattoush & Hamsat Halloumi bil Za’atar (Emirati Café Seared Halloumi, Tomato & Pomegranate Skillet) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) golden seared halloumi slices, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes and olives, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup crisp pita chips and ruby pomegranate seeds
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with pomegranate molasses
- 1.5 tbsp traditional United Arab Emirates seasoning (wild za’atar, sumac, fresh mint, olive oil)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and pomegranate molasses for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add golden seared halloumi slices and cherry tomatoes and olives along with wild za’atar, sumac, fresh mint, olive oil, searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with crisp pita chips and ruby pomegranate seeds and serve straight from the skillet.