“Harissa, an aromatic chilli paste, is available from Woolworths. If you don’t like too much heat, just halve the quantity” – Matt Moran. Charred broccolini and haloumi with chickpeas and harissa

“At Australian urban markets and street fairs, the scent of sizzling gozleme, a traditional Turkish street food. These addictive flatbreads are filled with cheese and spinach (or meat), sealed and then cooked over a griddle. My gozleme recipe is made with an extremely simple yoghurt dough, which can be used as a blank canvas for any number of fillings. Melty cheeses with a green leafy veg work well, as do pan-fried mushrooms with a fresh soft cheese such as ricotta or chevre. If you’re after a hearty dessert, fill gozleme with Nutella and banana or sautéed apples with salted caramel. I like to cook gozleme on the barbecue, but I’ve also made them in a sandwich press, on a stove-top griddle, or in a frypan. I love to serve them with lots of lemon juice” – Hetty McKinnon. Haloumi, kale and mint gozleme

“The failsafe haloumi burger, updated” – Martin Nordin. Grilled haloumi burger with onion & mushroom mix topped with fresh thyme

Leeks are underrated vegetables. They don’t have to be chopped up in soups or stews – try adding a few ingredients to make the leek into a dish of its own. This is an edited extract from Hummus & Co: Middle Eastern Food to Fall in Love With by Michael Rantissi and Kristy Frawley (Murdoch Books, RRP $49.99). Available in stores nationally now. Steamed leeks with spinach and haloumi

The pomegranate adds a lovely sweetness and acidity that makes this recipe work well as a side dish with any grilled meat or fish. This is an edited extract from Hummus & Co: Middle Eastern Food to Fall in Love With by Michael Rantissi and Kristy Frawley (Murdoch Books, RRP $49.99). Available in stores nationally now. Scorched onions, haloumi and pomegranate molasses

Honey is perfect for bringing out the natural saltiness in the cheese.

Vine leaves are typically used to wrap meat, grains or rice, so using them with seafood gives this dish a more Australian interpretation. Vine leaf swordfish with kipflers and haloumi

Vegie fritters are enjoying their day in the sun right now, and it’s no surprise when you consider how simple they are to throw together and just how much goodness they pack in. These quick and easy fritters make for the perfect meal any time of the day. Super quick zucchini and haloumi fritters

Go the extra mile and create a more nutritious version of the average ham and bacon croissant. A little more filling makes for a healthier, tastier brunch meal. Roast pumpkin, haloumi and bacon croissants

Haloumi makes a great substitute for meat in this salad, perfect for that meat-free midweek meal. Wild rice salad with haloumi and grilled fruit

Adding quinoa to this haloumi salad will add extra protein that is sure to fill you up. Quinoa salad with haloumi

Eggplant, haloumi, basil and pine nuts? This recipe’s got it all. Plus it’s a vegetarian’s dream meal. Eggplant stuffed with haloumi, basil, pine nuts

Jamie Oliver’s hearty salad is the perfect combination of warm, roasted veg with haloumi and lentils – the crowning vegetarian dish to any family feast. Roasted brassica salad with puy-style lentils and haloumi

This Middle-Eastern inspired burger is a great vegetarian alternative to the meaty hamburger. Find the recipe here.