Middle Eastern Za'atar with Tabbouleh

SpiceBreeze

Za'atar is a beloved Middle Eastern spice blend, often served in restaurants as a tabletop condiment or mixed with olive oil for dipping. While recipes vary, the essential ingredients—sesame seeds, sumac, and thyme (or a similar herb)—create a deliciously nutty, tangy, and savory flavor profile. Its versatility makes it irresistible: try it with roasted chicken, vegetables, on pizza, in hummus, or as a flavorful dip!

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hands-on time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings Servings

Ingredients

Protein

1 lb chicken thighs or breast* cut in half

Fresh Produce

3 cloves garlic grated
2 medium tomatoes finely chopped or halved cherry tomatoes
2 bunch flat-leaf parsley chopped
2 tbsp mint leaves chopped (opt.)
3 spring onions thinly sliced
1 Persian cucumber diced (opt.)
1/2 yellow bell pepper finely diced (opt.)
2-3 limes or lemons for juice

Packaged Goods/Staples

1 oz fine bulgur couscous, or quinoa (cooked)
olive oil
salt & pepper

Za'atar Culinary Spice Kit Ingredients:

White sesame seeds, sumac, coriander, thyme, cumin, black peppercorn, salt

Alternative Recipe: Za'atar Fritters

1 lb potatoes or carrots, grated
1 lb zucchini, grated
2 eggs
1/4 cup flour
1 cup yogurt, plain

Instructions

Marinade

In a CONTAINER, mix Za'atar spices, garlic, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp oil.
Add chicken. Mix well. Cover.
Let it marinate in the fridge overnight.

Tabbouleh

Mix bulgur with tomatoes, parsley, onions, and 1 tbsp lime juice, and salt & pepper to taste.
Optionally add mint, cucumber and/or bell pepper.
Let it rest in the fridge for 2 to 24 hours.

Fry

In a PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil and fry the chicken on both sides until tender inside and crisp on the outside.
Let it rest 5 minutes.

Serve

Cut chicken in small slices and serve it with tabbouleh.
Enjoy!

Alternative Recipe: Za'atar Fritters - Option 1

Mix all ingredients, except the yogurt, well and season with Za'atar & pepper to taste.
In a PAN, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
For each fritter, place 1/4 cup of the mixture into the PAN, and flatten it slightly.
Fry the fritters until they turn golden brown on both sides.
Serve the fritters with the yogurt.