Indulge in the symphony of flavors with our delectable Za'atar Straws, a delightful appetizer or snack originating from the vibrant culinary tapestry of the Middle East. These crispy and golden straws, expertly crafted from a versatile phyllo dough, are seasoned with a captivating blend of aromatic za'atar, sesame seeds, and a hint of nigella seeds. Accompanying these straws is a luscious and creamy garlicky yogurt dip, a harmonious blend of tangy yogurt, fragrant garlic, refreshing lemon juice, and a medley of herbs. This irresistible duo promises a delightful dance of textures and flavors, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite.
Let's cook with our recipes!
ZA'ATAR CHICKEN WITH GARLICKY YOGURT
Here the garlic- and lemon-infused pan dripping are mixed with citrusy za'atar and spooned over the fall-apart meat.
Provided by Aaron Crowder
Categories Bon Appétit Dinner Entertaining Chicken Roast Onion Garlic Lemon Citrus Soy Free Peanut Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Tree Nut Free
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels. Arrange chicken, onions, halved garlic heads, and lemon in a 13x9" baking dish; season liberally with salt (remember to season both sides of chicken). Pour in oil and toss everything to coat. Turn garlic cut side down and nestle it in so it is in contact with the baking dish. Roast, rotating pan halfway through, until meat is almost falling off the bone, 50-60 minutes.
- Meanwhile, finely grate 1 garlic clove into a small bowl. Add yogurt, a big pinch of salt, and 1 Tbsp. water and mix well. Set aside yogurt sauce.
- Remove baking dish from oven and transfer onions, garlic, and lemon to a plate. Increase oven temperature to 425°F and continue to roast chicken until skin is golden brown, 10-15 minutes more. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes. Set aside pan with juices.
- Finely grate remaining garlic clove into another small bowl. Add za'atar, coriander, lemon zest, and lime zest. Pour reserved juices in pan into za'atar mixture until you've reached an oily consistency (about 1/3 cup). Mix in a pinch of salt.
- Spread reserved yogurt sauce over a platter and arrange chicken legs on top. Scatter onions, garlic, and lemon around; drizzle with za'atar oil.
ZA'ATAR STRAWS & GARLICKY YOGURT DIP
A savory Middle Eastern spice mix, zaatar typically includes sesame seeds, thyme, marjoram, and sumac, that was sent to me by my sister from Zamouri Spice. The spice can be found at Middle Eastern markets or gourmet shops. It is usually sprinkled on pita bread and coupled with strained labneh (yogurt). We served these to some visiting DR's and was enjoyed by all! Sunset Magazine was where I found these great recipes.
Provided by Manami
Categories Greek
Time 50m
Yield 20 straws
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- MAKE GARLICKY YOGURT DIP:.
- Take garlic and salt, and mash to a paste against cutting board with the flat side of a large knife.
- Ina a serving bowl mix garlic mash with thick yogurt or labneh and stir in parsley.
- MAKE STRAWS:.
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Flour a work surface and a rolling pin.
- Set puff pastry on surface, sprinkle lightly with flour, and roll out into a rectangle about 8x12"x1/8"thick.
- Arrange pastry so that it's horizontal and trim edges even.
- Brush pastry all over with olive oil.
- Sprinkle left half of pastry liberally with half of the zaatar and fold right (unsprinkled) pastry half over zaatar, like closing a book.
- Lightly sprinkle top of pastry with flour and roll back out into a rectangle almost as large as the one you began with.
- As before, brush pastry with olive oil, sprinkle half with remaining zaatar, and fold unsprinkled half over zaatar.
- Roll with the pin a few times to seal.
- With a sharp knife, cut pastry lengthwise into 1/3" strips.
- Twist each strip loosely a couple of times and put on an ungreased baking sheet (push ends onto sheet to keep straw from untwisting; you may need 2 sheets).
- Dab tops of strips lightly with egg wash.
- Bake straws until medium golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
- Let cool 1 minute, then loosen gently from sheet with spatula.
- Serve warm or cool, with Garlicky Yogurt Dip.
GRILLED ZA'ATAR CHICKEN WITH GARLIC YOGURT AND CILANTRO
This garlicky, herby chicken is full-flavored and very tender, thanks to its piquant yogurt marinade. It's flexible, too - marinate the meat for as little as a couple of hours, or as long as overnight. And the chicken is just as good cooked under the broiler as it is on the grill (see Tip). You can serve this dish with almost anything, but it's especially nice with pita or other flatbread and a big cucumber and tomato salad. And if you're looking to substitute chicken breasts for the thighs, you can. Just watch them carefully; they're likely to cook faster than the dark meat.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories poultry, main course
Time 30m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large bowl or container, stir together 5 of the grated garlic cloves, half the lemon zest, 1/3 cup yogurt, the cilantro, oil, za'atar, oregano or marjoram, salt and black pepper. Add chicken and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- When ready to cook, light the grill to medium or heat your broiler with the rack 3 inches from the heat source. Remove chicken from bowl, shaking off any excess marinade, and grill or broil on one side until charred in spots, 5 to 8 minutes. Flip the chicken and grill or broil for another 5 to 8 minutes, until just cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, place remaining 2/3 cup yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in the reserve grated garlic clove and lemon zest, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cut one zested lemon in half and set aside for serving (save the other zested lemon for another use).
- To serve, place chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with olive oil and a large squeeze of the zested lemon. Top with cilantro and oregano or marjoram sprigs and serve with yogurt sauce.
GREEK FETA YOGURT DIP WITH ZA'ATAR
I love this dip sold at Trader Joe's, found this copycat recipe for it at jeanetteshealthyliving.com
Provided by zeldaz51
Categories Southwest Asia (middle East)
Time 5m
Yield 2 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place garlic, feta cheese and olive oil in food processor and process until cheese is roughly crumbled. Remove half of cheese to a bowl. Add yogurt, lemon juice, black pepper and za'atar seasoning to food processor bowl. Process until just about smooth. Add to bowl of feta crumbles and mix well. Spoon into serving bowl and sprinkle with more za'atar seasoning.
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
ZA'ATAR
Za'atar is the name for both a traditional Middle Eastern seasoning blend and the pungent green herb that gives the blend its intense, earthy character. The hardy herb, which grows wild, tastes like a combination of oregano, marjoram, summer savory and thyme - all of which can be used as substitutes if dried za'atar isn't available. As with all spice blends, recipes vary widely depending on the region and the cook, but this one, adapted from Lior Lev Sercarz of La Boîte in New York, includes ground sumac berries for acidity, toasted sesame seeds for their rich, earthy notes, and a little salt as well. Za'atar can be used in marinades for grilled or roasted poultry or meats, mixed into dips, salads and egg dishes, or set on the table to be sprinkled on dishes as a bright and herby condiment.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories easy, condiments
Time 10m
Yield 1/3 cup
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds to the skillet and toast, stirring, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and set aside to cool.
- Using a spice grinder, clean coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle, ground the za'atar leaves with the sumac and salt. Add to the bowl with toasted sesame and mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Tips:
- Choose fresh za'atar. This will give your straws the best flavor. If you can't find fresh za'atar, you can use dried za'atar, but it won't be as flavorful.
- Don't overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the dough tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Roll the dough out thinly. This will help the straws to cook evenly.
- Bake the straws until they are golden brown. This will give them a crispy texture.
- Serve the straws with garlicky yogurt dip. This dip is the perfect complement to the savory straws.
Conclusion:
Za'atar straws are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or appetizer. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they can also be enjoyed as a quick and easy lunch or dinner. The combination of za'atar, garlic, and yogurt is irresistible, and the straws are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
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