Name: Butter Halloumi Curry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Ingredients: 250 g (8.8 oz) block of halloumi, sliced; 2 garlic cloves; 1 tsp minced ginger; 2 whole cloves; 1 cardamom pod, seeded; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp mild chili powder (Kashmiri chili powder or paprika are good options); 240 ml (1 cup) tomato passata; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 80 ml (⅓ cup) cream; 30 g (2 tbsp) butter, plus more for frying; Light oil for frying halloumi

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving a curry that’s both comforting and delightfully indulgent, this Butter Halloumi Curry Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine golden, crispy halloumi cubes bathed in a rich, buttery masala sauce that carries hints of warming spices and fresh tomato brightness. This vegetarian curry hits that perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and vibrant flavors that will have you coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds—without any guilt. The best part? It takes just under 30 minutes to whip up, making it a fantastic weeknight winner that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There is a white frying pan with a wooden handle placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there are nine small pieces of golden-brown fried cheese, each with a crispy, slightly darkened crust on one side and a light creamy color on the other. The pan has some brown spots from cooking around the cheese pieces, showing where the frying has taken place. The pieces are spread out unevenly across the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Butter Halloumi Curry Recipe lies in a few simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in building its unforgettable taste and texture. From aromatic spices to creamy butter and halloumi’s satisfyingly firm bite, every component lifts this curry to something truly special.

Halloumi (250 g block): This squeaky cheese is the star of the show, offering a perfect texture when fried to golden perfection.
Garlic cloves (2): Fresh garlic adds a fragrant and savory backbone to the curry sauce.
Minced ginger (1 tsp): Adds a gentle warmth and subtle zing that brightens the dish.
Whole cloves (2): These provide a deep, fragrant aroma that enriches the spice blend.
Cardamom pod (1, seeded): Offers a sweet, herbal note essential to the authentic curry flavor profile.
Ground coriander (1 tsp): Brings warmth and a slight citrus undertone to the spice mix.
Turmeric (1 tsp): For a vibrant golden color and earthy flavor.
Garam masala (1 tsp): The quintessential Indian spice blend that ties all the flavors beautifully together.
Mild chili powder (1 tsp): Kashmiri chili powder or paprika works well to add gentle heat and color without overpowering.
Tomato passata (240 ml / 1 cup): Creates a smooth, tangy base for the curry sauce.
Tomato paste (3 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds a bright, zesty lift that cuts through the richness.
Cream (80 ml / ⅓ cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and softens the spices.
Butter (30 g / 2 tbsp, plus more for frying): The key to its decadent richness and silky texture.

How to Make Butter Halloumi Curry Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Butter with Aromatics

Start by melting a pat of butter over low heat in a saucepan. Gently add the minced garlic, ginger, cardamom seeds, and whole cloves. Let them cook slowly until the garlic softens and the spices release their fragrant aroma—this step builds a rich, flavorful base that sets the stage for your curry.

Step 2: Toast the Ground Spices

Now it’s time to bring in the ground coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. Stir the spices into the fragrant butter mixture and let them toast for about a minute. This coaxing of the dry spices wakes up their flavors, making your curry deeply aromatic and vibrant.

Step 3: Enrich with Tomato Paste and Butter

Next, add the tomato paste to the pan, stirring it through the spices for a couple of minutes. And if you want your sauce to feel extra indulgent, sneak in another pat of butter here—it will elevate the taste with its silky richness.

Step 4: Simmer with Tomato Passata and Lemon Juice

Pour in the tomato passata along with the fresh lemon juice, then gently mix everything together. Let the sauce simmer on low heat while you move on to frying the halloumi, stirring occasionally to keep all those flavors melded beautifully.

Step 5: Fry the Halloumi

Heat a little oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Test that it’s ready by tossing in one slice of halloumi—if it sizzles merrily, it’s time. Fry each side of the halloumi slices for about 2 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown with a crisp crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Reducing the heat to low, stir the remaining butter and cream into your simmering sauce until everything melts together into a luscious, velvety blend. Finally, add the fried halloumi to the pan, gently folding it into the curry so every piece is gloriously coated in that buttery, spiced goodness.

How to Serve Butter Halloumi Curry Recipe

A white speckled bowl holds a dish with three main layers; the bottom layer is white rice that fills half the bowl, next to two bright yellow lemon wedges placed on top of the rice on opposite sides. On the rice lies a thick, smooth, bright orange-red sauce, partially covering small pieces of white cheese with a browned, grilled texture that peek through the sauce. Fresh green cilantro leaves are placed on the rice beside the sauce and cheese. Behind the bowl, two pieces of lightly browned flatbread rest on a white marbled surface with scattered cilantro leaves and lemon wedges around. A silver spoon is partially submerged in the rice on the right side of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves or a few slivers of toasted almonds on top to add fresh herbal notes or a pleasant crunch. A dollop of yogurt or a squeeze of extra lemon can also brighten the dish just before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve the Butter Halloumi Curry Recipe over steaming basmati rice to soak up every bit of the sumptuous sauce. Alternatively, warm naan or roti breads make excellent companions for scooping and savoring each bite. For a lighter option, a simple cucumber and mint raita cools the palate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing dinner, present the curry in a rustic bowl surrounded by smaller dishes of garnishes and sides, allowing guests to personalize their plates. Or plate it elegantly with a side of spiced roasted vegetables to add color and texture contrast. Presentation is half the fun when sharing this delightful Butter Halloumi Curry Recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover curry in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making for a fantastic quick meal the next day.

Freezing

This curry freezes well, which is great for meal prep. Transfer cooled curry into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, halloumi’s texture might change slightly after freezing, but the flavors remain wonderfully intact.

Reheating

Reheat your curry gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy consistency. You can add a splash of water or cream if it seems too thick. Microwaving is convenient but do it in short bursts to avoid overheating and toughening the halloumi.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of halloumi?

Halloumi’s firm texture and ability to hold shape when fried make it ideal here, but you could try paneer as a substitute for a similar effect. Softer cheeses won’t hold up well in this curry.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Butter Halloumi Curry Recipe offers mild warmth thanks to the choice of chili powder, but it can be adjusted easily—add more chili for extra heat or tone it down with mild paprika.

Can I make the curry vegan?

To veganize this dish, swap halloumi for a firm tofu or tempeh and replace butter and cream with vegan alternatives like coconut oil and coconut cream. The curry will still be deliciously rich and flavorful.

What sides go best with this curry?

Traditional rice varieties such as basmati or jasmine are perfect, and naan or roti breads complement the sauce marvelously. A fresh cucumber raita also pairs wonderfully to balance the richness.

How long does it take to prepare?

This scrumptious Butter Halloumi Curry Recipe comes together quickly, with prep time around 10 minutes and cooking time about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for when you want something impressive without hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Butter Halloumi Curry Recipe that makes it impossible not to fall in love. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a delightful way to bring rich, comforting flavors into your home kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this curry guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites—go on, give it a try and watch it become a favorite!