Middle Eastern Za'atar with Tabbouleh
Za'atar is a very popular Middle Eastern spice blend, in restaurants served as a tabletop condiment or as a dip mixed with olive oil. There are plenty of variations, all based on sesame seeds, sumac, and thyme or a similar herb. The combination of nutty, sour, and savory makes the taste so versatile and irresistible. Try it with roasted chicken, vegetables, on pizza, hummus, or as a dip.
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.
Alternative Recipe: Za'atar Fritters - Option 2
- Season the mixture only with salt & pepper to taste.
- Season the yogurt with Za'atar spices to taste.
- Serve the fritters with the yogurt.
Alternative: Za'atar Meatballs
- Spice up your favorite meatball recipe by adding za'atar to the meat mixture.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with salmon or other fish filet.
- If using chicken breast, pound it for even thickness.
Marceline Reid-Jaques
2022-12-14
Karen Jones
2022-12-05
Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!
ann davis
2022-11-29
My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.
Jessica Brown
2022-05-22
The best way to try new dishes!