**Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful sautéed zucchini dish, infused with the aromatic blend of za'atar and the delightful crunch of crispy chickpeas.**
This culinary journey takes you through a symphony of flavors and textures, as tender zucchini slices are sautéed to perfection, absorbing the savory essence of garlic, olive oil, and a tantalizing blend of za'atar spices. Alongside the zucchini, crispy chickpeas add a delightful textural contrast, roasted until golden brown and seasoned with a touch of paprika and cumin. As you delve into this dish, the aromatic notes of za'atar, a harmonious fusion of herbs and sesame seeds, dance upon your palate, leaving a lingering trail of culinary delight.
**Additional Recipes to Enchant Your Taste Buds:**
* **Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower:** Embark on a flavorful adventure as cauliflower florets are coated in a vibrant za'atar marinade, then roasted until tender and caramelized.
* **Crispy Chickpea and Avocado Salad:** Delight in a refreshing and wholesome salad, featuring crispy chickpeas, creamy avocado, and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing.
* **Za'atar Roasted Chicken and Sweet Potatoes:** Indulge in a hearty and flavorful meal, where succulent chicken and tender sweet potatoes are roasted with a zesty za'atar marinade, resulting in a tantalizing fusion of flavors.
* **Za'atar Labneh Dip:** Experience the delightful creaminess of labneh yogurt, swirled with aromatic za'atar spices and a drizzle of olive oil, perfect for dipping pita bread or fresh vegetables.
* **Za'atar Spiced Zucchini Fritters:** Treat your taste buds to a delightful snack or appetizer, as zucchini fritters are infused with the vibrant flavors of za'atar and pan-fried until golden brown.
Embark on this culinary voyage and let the tantalizing flavors of the Mediterranean captivate your senses.
CRUNCHY ROASTED ZA'ATAR CHICKPEAS
Za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice mix made from dried thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, gives these roasted chickpeas a fragrant, herbal, tangy bite. Unlike other similar recipes, the chickpeas are roasted without any oil, which is added after they come out of the oven. This allows the peas to crisp up without turning greasy. Do make sure to dry them out for an hour as directed, which adds to their crunchy texture. It's hard to stop eating these once you start, so if you're serving these to a group, consider making a double batch.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories snack, finger foods, side dish
Time 1h35m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Spread out chickpeas on a paper towel. Pat dry, then let dry for about an hour.
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a heavy rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper, and spread chickpeas evenly on the pan. Bake in the center of the oven until crunchy, about 30 minutes, stirring and rotating every 10 minutes. (The chickpeas will continue to get crunchy as they cool.)
- Place hot chickpeas in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, za'atar and salt. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 113, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 144 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams
ZA'ATAR-SPICED ZUCCHINI
Za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice mix made from dried thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, gives this grilled zucchini a fragrant and herbal twist.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories easy, quick, side dish
Time 15m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Heat a charcoal or gas grill; the fire should be medium-low and the rack about 4 inches from the heat.
- Cut 1 1/2 pounds zucchini into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
- Stir 1/4 cup za'atar and 2 tablespoons olive oil into a paste; season with salt and pepper.
- Rub zucchini with za'atar and grill, turning once, until nicely browned and tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 101, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 7 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 447 milligrams, Sugar 5 grams
Tips:
- Choose the right zucchini: Look for small to medium-sized zucchini that are firm and have smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid zucchini that are too large, as they tend to be more watery and less flavorful.
- Use fresh herbs: Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically contains thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sumac. You can use store-bought zaatar or make your own by combining equal parts of these herbs.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When sautéing the zucchini, make sure to not overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the zucchini from cooking evenly and becoming soggy.
- Cook the zucchini until tender-crisp: Zucchini should be cooked until it is tender-crisp, but still has a bit of a bite to it. Overcooking the zucchini will make it mushy.
- Season to taste: Once the zucchini is cooked, season it to taste with salt, pepper, and additional zaatar, if desired.
- Serve immediately: Sautéed zucchini is best served immediately, while it is still hot and crispy.
Conclusion:
This sautéed zucchini with zaatar and crispy chickpeas is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The zaatar spice blend and crispy chickpeas add a unique and flavorful twist to this classic dish. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, give this recipe a try!
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