Mediterranean cheese starter in order consumed by religious leader cutting back (8)
I believe the answer is:
halloumi
'mediterranean cheese' is the definition.
'halloumi' can be an answer for 'cheese' (I've seen this before). I'm not sure about the 'mediterranean' bit.
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for halloumi that I've seen before include "Cypriot goat's or sheep's milk cheese" , "Cheese from Cyprus" , "Traditional Cypriot cheese" , "Greek dish of fried goat's cheese" .)