HLT (halloumi BLT sandwich)

Smoky, crispy halloumi slices replace the bacon in my take on a classic sandwich

A BLT is a hard sandwich to beat, but this vegetarian version might just do that. The halloumi is sliced really thinly and cooked in smoked paprika to give it that smoky flavour. Halloumi is naturally salty, so with the paprika it’s a great alternative to salty bacon.

This works so well in an air fryer if you’ve got one! You can use an oven but you might need to cook it a little longer to get it really crispy.

You’ll need (per sandwich):

• 1/2 block of halloumi, approx 100g

• 1 tbsp oil

• 1 tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

• 2 slices of bread, I used sourdough

• Mayonnaise

• 1 large tomato, sliced

• Handful crunchy lettuce, i.e rommaine or little gem

If using an oven, preheat to 200C (no need if using an air fryer).

Slice the halloumi into really thin pieces. Lay it out on a non stick roasting tin (or air fryer tray).

In a small bowl, mix the oil, smoked paprika and honey/maple syrup with a pastry brush. Brush the oil over the halloumi slices. Turn them over and repeat on the other side.

Cook for 15-20 minutes, until really crispy but before they start to catch and burn.

While they cook, spread a good layer of mayonnaise on each piece of bread. Top one of them with the lettuce, then the tomato slices and season with a little salt (go easy as the halloumi is salty).

Once cooked, add your halloumi slices and then top with the other piece of bread.

Dig in.