An Abundance of Za’atar
Last year, my brother gifted me an enormous bag of Za’atar—almost a kilo! I’ve been trying to find ways to use it, but despite topping various dishes with it, I barely made a dent in the amount I have.
I’ve made manakeesh once, and I definitely plan to make it again since it’s a great way to use up a substantial amount, but I can’t enjoy that too often. Does anyone have any additional suggestions on how I can use all this Za’atar?
Thanks in advance!
Wow, that’s quite a generous gift! Za’atar is incredibly versatile, so you have plenty of options to use it up. Here are some ideas:
Marinades: Mix Za’atar with olive oil and lemon juice to create a tasty marinade for chicken, lamb, or fish. Let the meat soak in it for a few hours before grilling or baking.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite vegetables (like carrots, bell peppers, or cauliflower) with olive oil and Za’atar before roasting. It adds a delightful flavor!
Soups and Stews: Sprinkle some Za’atar into soups like lentil or vegetable soup for an added depth of flavor.
Dips: Mix it into yogurt or labneh to create a delicious dip. You can also use it in hummus for an extra kick!
Stews and Rice: Stir a spoonful into grains like rice or quinoa while cooking, or add it to stews for more flavor.
Salads: Use it to season salads or as a flavorful topping on shaved vegetables.
Flatbreads and Pizza: Besides manakeesh, you can sprinkle Za’atar on pizza before baking or use it in a dough recipe for flatbreads.
Egg Dishes: Add it to scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas for a Middle Eastern twist.
Popcorn: Toss some Za’atar on freshly popped popcorn for a unique snack!
Infused Oils: Combine Za’atar with olive oil and let it sit for a week. Use it for drizzling over dishes or as a salad dressing.
With all these options, you should be able to enjoy your Za’atar and reduce that bag significantly! Enjoy experimenting!
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