Halloumi Curry
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, and just a little bit different from your usual routine, this Halloumi Curry is going to be your new obsession. Imagine golden, crispy cubes of salty halloumi cheese tucked into a creamy coconut curry sauce, paired with tender broccoli florets and hearty chickpeas. It’s rich without being heavy, filling without being fussy, and best of all—it’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in no time. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will sneak its way into your regular rotation.
Recipe Origin
Curries are one of those dishes that are endlessly adaptable—whether you’re making something fiery and bold or creamy and mellow, there’s a curry out there for everyone. This version celebrates halloumi, a firm, salty cheese from Cyprus that holds its shape beautifully when fried. It’s not a traditional Indian curry by any means, but it borrows those rich, aromatic flavors we all crave and gives them a fun Mediterranean twist.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large non-stick frying pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Medium bowl for coating the halloumi
- Measuring spoons and cups
Why You’ll Love Halloumi Curry
Versatile: This curry is as weeknight-friendly as it is dinner-party-worthy. Serve it with naan on a Tuesday or impress your friends with it on a Saturday night.
Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples—chickpeas, coconut milk, curry paste. All you really need to pick up is the halloumi.
Quick and Easy: Minimal chopping, one pan, and a straightforward process. This is dinner without the drama.
Customizable: Switch up the curry paste (korma for mild, tikka masala for warmth, madras if you love spice), or swap broccoli for cauliflower or spinach.
Crowd-Pleasing: Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will go crazy for this dish—it’s indulgent and satisfying in all the right ways.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Dusting the halloumi with cornflour before frying gives it that irresistible golden crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying halloumi—cook in batches if needed so each cube gets perfectly crispy.
- Taste your curry paste before adding—some are spicier than others! Adjust the amount to your comfort level.
- Let the curry simmer gently so the coconut milk doesn’t split.
Ingredients in Halloumi Curry
Here’s the lineup that makes this curry shine:
Halloumi: The star of the dish—firm, salty, and squeaky, it fries up into golden cubes of pure joy.
Cornflour: Creates that lovely crispy coating on the halloumi so it doesn’t get rubbery in the sauce.
Sunflower Oil: Neutral and perfect for frying.
Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the curry base.
Broccoli: Adds freshness, crunch, and a pop of green to balance the creamy sauce.
Curry Paste: The flavor powerhouse—you choose the style (korma, tikka, madras, etc.) to set the mood of your curry.
Coconut Milk: Creamy, rich, and perfect for mellowing out the spices.
Chickpeas: Hearty, protein-packed, and oh-so satisfying.
Naan Bread (to serve): Because you’ll definitely want something to scoop up every last drop of that sauce.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Halloumi: Toss the halloumi cubes in cornflour until evenly coated.
Fry the Halloumi: Heat sunflower oil in a large pan. Add halloumi cubes in a single layer and fry until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Base: In the same pan, add sliced onion and cook until soft and lightly golden.
Add the Flavor: Stir in curry paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to release the spices’ aroma.
Build the Sauce: Pour in coconut milk, add chickpeas, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Veggies: Toss in the broccoli florets and simmer for another 5 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Finish with Halloumi: Return the crispy halloumi to the pan and stir gently to coat in the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish up the curry with warm naan bread on the side—and don’t be shy about scooping up that sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~450–500 (depending on naan and curry paste used)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Halloumi Curry
- With Naan Bread: The classic choice—perfect for scooping and dunking.
- With Rice: Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice makes it even more filling.
- With a Side Salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad brings brightness and crunch.
- As a Standalone: Honestly, it’s hearty enough all by itself—just grab a spoon and dig in.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and cube your halloumi in advance to save time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce thickens too much.
- Freezing: Not ideal—halloumi changes texture when frozen. Better to enjoy fresh.
Variations to Try
- Swap broccoli for cauliflower or spinach.
- Add diced sweet potato or butternut squash for sweetness.
- Use paneer instead of halloumi for a more traditional Indian-style curry.
- Stir in fresh coriander leaves just before serving for extra freshness.
Additional Tips
- Serve with lime wedges for a zesty kick.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered a little longer.
- A sprinkle of chili flakes or fresh chili slices can give it an extra punch of heat.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this vegan?
A1: Yes—swap halloumi for tofu and use the same cornflour coating method.
Q2: What curry paste works best?
A2: It depends on your spice preference! Korma for mild, tikka for medium, madras for hot.
Q3: Can I skip the cornflour?
A3: You can, but the halloumi won’t get quite as crispy.
Q4: Is there a substitute for coconut milk?
A4: Use double cream, cashew cream, or oat cream if you prefer.
Q5: Can I add more protein?
A5: Absolutely—lentils or extra chickpeas make it even heartier.
Q6: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A6: Yes—just add it directly to the sauce and cook a few extra minutes.
Q7: How do I prevent the halloumi from going rubbery?
A7: Don’t overcook it, and coat it with cornflour before frying.
Q8: Can I make it spicier?
A8: Definitely—add fresh chili, chili flakes, or hot curry paste.
Q9: What type of naan works best?
A9: Garlic naan is my go-to—it’s the perfect flavor combo with creamy curry.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure you have a large enough pan.
Conclusion
This Halloumi Curry is the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory—it’s a dish that feels special but comes together with everyday ingredients. With golden halloumi cubes, a velvety coconut sauce, and hearty chickpeas, it’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and maybe even lick the plate clean (no judgment here).
So next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist, skip the takeout and whip this up instead. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder why halloumi hasn’t been starring in your curries all along!
Print
Halloumi Curry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Halloumi Curry is a quick and hearty vegetarian dish, featuring crispy cubes of halloumi tossed in a creamy coconut curry sauce with chickpeas and broccoli. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet wholesome.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) halloumi, cut into 1–2 cm cubes
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1 onion, halved and sliced
- 300 g (11 oz) broccoli, cut into small florets
- 3 tbsp curry paste of your choice
- 400 g (14 oz) coconut milk (1 can)
- 400 g (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Naan bread, to serve
Instructions
- Toss the halloumi cubes in cornflour until evenly coated.
- Heat sunflower oil in a large pan over medium heat. Fry the halloumi until golden on all sides, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the sliced onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the chickpeas and stir well. Simmer for 10 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Return the crispy halloumi to the pan and gently mix until coated in the curry sauce.
- Serve hot with naan bread for dipping.
Notes
- Coating the halloumi in cornflour helps it crisp up beautifully when frying.
- You can swap broccoli for cauliflower, spinach, or green beans depending on what you have.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing a mild, medium, or hot curry paste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: halloumi curry, vegetarian curry recipe, easy curry dinner, chickpea curry with halloumi, coconut curry