A midweek dinner that feels a bit special without the washing up! A rich, spiced tomato sauce with garlic, sweet smoked paprika, honey and Lemon Drop Chilli Jam, topped with hasselback halloumi baked until golden and crisp.
One pan, 30 minutes. It also works brilliantly as a dinner party centrepiece: impressive enough to put in the middle of the table, easy enough that you're not still in the kitchen when the guests arrive.
The star of the show: Lemon Drop Chilli Jam
Don't let the name fool you. Lemon Drop chillies originate in Peru and they are seriously, unapologetically hot. There's a bright, citrusy kick that hits first, and then a heat that lingers long after. We source them direct from the grower, hand prep every single one at The Jam Factory in Bristol, then combine with apple cider vinegar and sugar to make our Super Hot Lemon Drop Chilli Jam.
It's one of our favourites for cooking with: brilliant with chicken, cheese, and fish, and as this recipe proves, genuinely transformative stirred through a tomato sauce!
Before You Start
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The hasselback cut sounds fancier than it is. Just slice each block of halloumi at roughly 1cm intervals without cutting all the way through. The easiest way to get it right is to lay the block between two chopsticks (or spoons) before you slice. They'll stop the knife going all the way through every time!
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On the heat: Lemon Drop Chilli Jam is our hottest. The sauce is warming and deeply flavoured rather than face-meltingly spicy, but if you're cooking for people who don't love heat, start with half a tablespoon and taste as you go. For those who want more, serve the jar on the table.
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Bulk it out: White beans or butter beans stirred through the sauce before the halloumi goes on top are a brilliant addition. Great for extra protein and makes it go further for bigger appetites.

