Zaatar is a versatile Middle Eastern condiment made from a combination of herbs, spices, and sesame seeds. It is commonly found throughout the Levant region and is often used as a dip, spread, or marinade. Zaatar boasts a complex flavor profile with a blend of nutty, earthy, and tangy notes. The main ingredients in zaatar are typically dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sumac. Additional ingredients may include roasted sesame seeds, salt, and various spices such as cumin, coriander, and fennel. When combined, these ingredients create a flavorful and aromatic mixture that can elevate the taste of a variety of dishes. Whether you are new to zaatar or a seasoned enthusiast, this article will guide you through the process of finding the best zaatar recipe to suit your taste preferences and cooking style.
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LEBANESE ZAATAR (ZA'ATAR) BREAD
Traditional Lebanese bread. Crispy, flaky cracker like bread infused with fresh za'atar (similar to oregano). You can substitute oregano for za'atar, but use less. May place under broiler to brown tops.
Provided by Stacey
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes Flat Bread Recipes
Time 55m
Yield 40
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Mix water, yeast, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, olive oil, and corn oil; mix using your hands, adding more whole wheat flour if needed, until dough holds together. Mix za'atar into dough until evenly incorporated (see notes).
- Shape dough, about 1/4 cup per piece, into rounds on a floured work surface. Arrange rounds on baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 265.8 calories, Carbohydrate 25.8 g, Fat 16.9 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 3.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.4 g, Sodium 61.7 mg, Sugar 0.3 g
ZAATAR YOGURT DIP AND VEGETABLES
Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that has a slight citrus note that goes well with vegetables. Recipe is from Sunset Magazine. Prep time includes both dip and vegetables.
Provided by DailyInspiration
Categories Citrus
Time 30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Mix together yogurt, zaatar, lemon zest and juice. If you like it thinner, add 2 tablespoons water.
- Chill at least 2 hours or overnight to develop the flavors. Serve with vegetables and hummus.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1.5, Sodium 0.1, Carbohydrate 0.5, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.2
ZAATAR PITA BREAD
Make and share this Zaatar Pita Bread recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Food.com
Categories Breads
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!
- Lebanese Pita:.
- 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.
ZA'ATAR ZAATAR SPICE BLEND
This is a very useful spice blend for Middle Eastern Dishes. I have also found it to be good on cooked pasta, mixed with some olive oil, toasted pine nuts and olives. Also good on a bagel with cream cheese and then za'atar sprinkled on top. Try it on bruschetta with chopped tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar mixed up and then sprinkle with the za'atar - delish!
Provided by Pesto lover
Categories < 15 Mins
Time 5m
Yield 3/4 cup
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 1. Crush the sesame seeds in a mortar, with a pestle.
- 2. Add the other ingredients and crush with the pestle.
STEAK SALAD WITH ZAATAR CHIMICHURRI
Steps:
- For the dressing: Add the cilantro, mint, parsley, olive oil, sherry vinegar, zaatar, jalapeno, lime juice and shallot to the the jar of a blender. Puree, scraping the sides as needed, until smooth with just a few small chunks remaining. Set aside or refrigerate for up to 3 days in advance.
- For the steaks: Sprinkle the steaks all over with 1 teaspoon salt and a generous amount of pepper. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook, flipping halfway through, until a nice golden crust has formed on both sides and the temperature register 125 degrees F (for medium-rare) on an instant-read thermometer, 7 to 8 minutes total. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Return the skillet to the heat and turn to medium. Add more butter to the skillet if it is dry and add the zaatar. Toast until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the peas and saute until tender but still crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate, leaving any remaining butter in the skillet.
- Meanwhile, mix the arugula and spinach together and place on a platter. Sprinkle with the avocado, radishes, peas and shallots. Slice each steak into thick slices and place atop the salad. Drizzle with the chimichurri dressing and serve immediately with the remaining chimichurri on the side.
ZAATAR DUQQA
Steps:
- In medium bowl, combine chickpeas and enough hot water to cover. Soak 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
- In heavy, dry skillet over moderate heat, combine cumin, coriander, and 1/2 cup sesame seeds. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and a shade or two darker, 3 to 4 minutes.
- In large bowl, combine toasted spices, chickpeas, thyme, and salt. In spice grinder or clean coffee grinder, finely grind mixture (in batches if necessary). Return to bowl and set aside.
- In a heavy, dry skillet over moderate heat, combine remaining 1/2 cup sesame seeds and nigella. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and a shade or two darker, 3 to 4 minutes. Add to other spices in bowl and toss to combine.
- To serve, dust over cooked eggs (hard-boiled or soft-boiled, scrambled or fried), mix into soft cheese or yogurt, or drizzle olive oil on pita bread and sprinkle with mixture.
- Stored in the refrigerator in clean, tightly sealed jar, mixture will keep up to 6 months.
CHEESE PUFFS WITH HALLOUMI AND ZAATAR (LEBANESE)
Once again, was surfing the net today! And this DELICIOUS looking recipe JUMPED out at me and came my way! My friends in the Middle Eastern and North African forum asked me to post this, I certainly glad on the net I did not miss! Is NOT my original recipe, but an adapted on from Julia Child, TRUE! Has a (what I think) is an unusal twist on the cheese puffs too! Here is the original for a WONDERFUL photo and step by step instuctions to do! All I can say about this now is WHOO HOO and look forward to the first review! :) http://www.tasteofbeirut.com/
Provided by mickeydownunder
Categories Brunch
Time 30m
Yield 50 cheese puffs, 25 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F Prepare two cookie sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- Mix the zaatar with the grated Halloumi cheese in a bowl. Set aside.
- Place the water, butter and salt in a saucepan and heat to boiling; when boiling, drop all the flour and stir with a wooden spoon to cook the flour, until the flour paste holds together and leaves the sides of the saucepan.
- Remove from the heat, and wait a couple of minutes; then plop the paste into a mixer or (my preference) a food processor. Get it going and start adding the eggs, one at a time, until mixed. Add the cheese and zaatar (previously mixed together).
- Plop the paste into a decorating bag or just use a small spoon and form little even-sized mounds on the parchment-paper lined cookie sheets; you should have around 50 mini-puffs. You can glaze them with a beaten egg yolk, to give them a more golden shine.
- Place in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes; reduce the oven heat to 375F and bake 15 minutes or so longer until they are all puffed up and feel dry to the touch. Serve immediately, or cool, store in a tightly sealed plastic container and freeze.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 64.4, Fat 4, SaturatedFat 2.1, Cholesterol 56, Sodium 20.8, Carbohydrate 5.1, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.1, Protein 2
Tips:
- Choose the Right Za'atar: Opt for a fresh blend with a vibrant green color and a nutty, earthy aroma. Avoid pre-ground mixtures, as they tend to lose their flavor and aroma quickly.
- Toast the Nuts and Seeds: Toasting nuts and seeds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your za'atar. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram elevate the flavor of za'atar. Finely chop them and add them just before serving to preserve their delicate flavors and aromas.
- Experiment with Different Breads: Za'atar is versatile and pairs well with various breads. Try it on pita bread, crackers, or crusty bread. You can also use it as a flavorful topping for flatbreads or pizzas.
- Add Za'atar to Dips and Sauces: Incorporate za'atar into dips like hummus, yogurt sauce, or baba ganoush. It adds a unique and delicious savory flavor to your favorite dips and spreads.
Conclusion:
Za'atar is a versatile and flavorful Middle Eastern spice blend that adds a unique savory and nutty flavor to various dishes. It is commonly used as a condiment, marinade, or seasoning for meats, vegetables, and bread. Whether you sprinkle it on top of flatbreads, mix it into dips and sauces, or use it as a savory topping, za'atar is sure to delight your taste buds and add an extra layer of flavor to your culinary creations. Experiment with different recipes and discover the endless possibilities of this aromatic spice blend.
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