Discover the authentic flavors of the Middle East with our guide to creating a delectable muttabel, a silky smooth eggplant dip, and zaatar spiced pita bread. This classic combination is a perfect appetizer or main course, offering a vibrant blend of smoky eggplant, zesty tahini, and fragrant spices. With a few simple steps, you'll be able to whip up a delicious and satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of the Middle East.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ZA'ATAR-SPICED PITA
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Stack the pita and, using a sharp serrated knife, cut into 6 wedges. Place the wedges in a large metal mixing bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil. Using metal tongs, toss the pita to coat evenly. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds, thyme, oregano, sumac, salt and pepper; toss to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the pita to a baking sheet and spread uniformly to ensure even browning. Place into the oven and bake until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and cool slightly.
ZAATAR PITA BREAD
Provided by Food Network
Time 2h20m
Yield 12 pitas
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Mix the zaatar and olive oil in a bowl and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F and lay a baking tray in the oven to heat.
- Cut the Lebanese Pita Dough into 12 pieces. Roll out the dough to 1/4- inch thick. Pinch the edges around the dough to form higher edges. Take a fork and pierce the dough all over, releasing any air pockets. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons za'atar (make sure you mix before using) over each pita dough. Place 3 to 4 pitas on the hot baking tray in the oven and close the door immediately, making sure to not overcrowd the baking tray or oven. Bake until golden on the bottom and a little golden on the top, about 5 minutes. Serve with labneh, tomatoes and black olives rolled inside. The perfect Lebanese breakfast!
- Sift the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar together. Make a well in the middle of the dry mixture. Pour in the lukewarm water. Mix by hand on a floured work surface until the dough comes together. Then knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes until smooth and the dough bounces back when you push into it. Drizzle the dough with olive oil and place in a warm spot covered with a damp towel. Let rise until the dough doubles in size, depending on the temperature, it could take 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
ZAHTAR OR ZA'ATAR PITA
Zahtar is a spice mix used in Turkey and the Middle East. It has a wonderful flavor. A quick search of the net turns up a few mailorder sources. It is available in some Middle Eastern grocery stores.
Provided by Debbie R.
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 13m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place pita breads on cookie sheet. Brush liberally with egg white.
- Sprinkle with zahtar.
- Drizzle 1/4 t. oil over each.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 221.8, Fat 5.3, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 360.1, Carbohydrate 36, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 0.9, Protein 6.8
MUTTABEL WITH ZA'ATAR-SPICED PITA
Make and share this Muttabel With Za'atar-Spiced Pita recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Palis Favorites
Categories < 4 Hours
Time 1h25m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Split the eggplants in half through the stem and score the flesh sides. Drizzle with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast eggplants, flesh side down on a sheet pan, until the skin begins to wrinkle and flesh is very tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- When the eggplants are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and transfer to the bowl of a food processor along with the garlic, parsley, tahini, lemon juice, cumin, and cayenne and puree until smooth. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil and pulse again to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the red bell pepper. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve with pita strips for dipping.
- While the eggplants are cooking, make pita strips: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Put the pita wedges in a large mixing bowl. Combine za'atar spice mix and extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl and drizzle over wedges. Season with salt and toss to coat evenly. Arrange pita wedges on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 721.5, Fat 38.1, SaturatedFat 5.3, Sodium 660.3, Carbohydrate 83.2, Fiber 11.5, Sugar 7.5, Protein 14.9
Tips:
- Soak the chickpeas overnight or for at least 8 hours before cooking. This will help them to cook more evenly and quickly.
- Use a food processor or blender to make the tahini sauce. This will help to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- If you don't have tahini, you can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Add more or less lemon juice to the tahini sauce to taste.
- Serve the muttabel with warm pita bread, crackers, or vegetables.
- To make the pita bread, mix the flour, water, yeast, and salt in a bowl. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll out each piece of dough into a thin circle. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the pita bread for 1-2 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and puffed up.
- To make the zaatar spice mix, combine the zaatar, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt in a bowl. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the zaatar spice mix on the pita bread before serving.
Conclusion:
Muttabel is a delicious and healthy dip or spread that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of chickpeas, tahini, and lemon juice creates a flavorful and creamy dip that is perfect for dipping pita bread, crackers, or vegetables. The zaatar spice mix adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dip. Muttabel is a great way to add more plant-based protein and fiber to your diet.
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