Travel to the heart of the Middle East and discover the enticing flavors of zahtar or zaatar pita. This delectable dish, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, is a delightful combination of crispy pita bread, fragrant zahtar spice blend, and a drizzle of olive oil. Zahtar, a harmonious blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac, tantalizes the taste buds with its earthy, nutty, and slightly tangy notes. The pita bread, a perfect canvas for this flavorful mixture, provides a warm and comforting base. Whether you prefer a simple preparation or a more elaborate version adorned with toppings like cheese, tomatoes, or olives, this versatile dish offers endless possibilities to cater to your palate. Embark on a culinary journey and explore the diverse zahtar pita recipes featured in this article, each promising a unique taste experience that will transport you to the bustling souks and vibrant streets of the Middle East.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
HOMEMADE ZA'ATAR
This za'atar spice recipe is easy to make at home from scratch with just four ingredients. While in Lebanon wild thyme is used, regular thyme from the supermarket or your garden makes a fine substitute. Za'atar refers both to the thyme plant itself, as well as this spice mix.
Provided by Serena
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Middle Eastern Lebanese
Time 8m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until just golden, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine sesame seeds, thyme leaves, sumac, and salt in a bowl and stir until well combined.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 29.4 calories, Carbohydrate 1.8 g, Fat 2.3 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1 g, SaturatedFat 0.3 g, Sodium 194.7 mg
ZAATAR PITA BREAD
Provided by Food Network
Time 2h20m
Yield 12 pitas
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Mix the zaatar and olive oil in a bowl and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F and lay a baking tray in the oven to heat.
- Cut the Lebanese Pita Dough into 12 pieces. Roll out the dough to 1/4- inch thick. Pinch the edges around the dough to form higher edges. Take a fork and pierce the dough all over, releasing any air pockets. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons za'atar (make sure you mix before using) over each pita dough. Place 3 to 4 pitas on the hot baking tray in the oven and close the door immediately, making sure to not overcrowd the baking tray or oven. Bake until golden on the bottom and a little golden on the top, about 5 minutes. Serve with labneh, tomatoes and black olives rolled inside. The perfect Lebanese breakfast!
- Sift the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar together. Make a well in the middle of the dry mixture. Pour in the lukewarm water. Mix by hand on a floured work surface until the dough comes together. Then knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes until smooth and the dough bounces back when you push into it. Drizzle the dough with olive oil and place in a warm spot covered with a damp towel. Let rise until the dough doubles in size, depending on the temperature, it could take 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
ZA'ATAR-SPICED PITA
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Stack the pita and, using a sharp serrated knife, cut into 6 wedges. Place the wedges in a large metal mixing bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil. Using metal tongs, toss the pita to coat evenly. Sprinkle in the sesame seeds, thyme, oregano, sumac, salt and pepper; toss to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Transfer the pita to a baking sheet and spread uniformly to ensure even browning. Place into the oven and bake until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and cool slightly.
ZAHTAR OR ZA'ATAR PITA
Zahtar is a spice mix used in Turkey and the Middle East. It has a wonderful flavor. A quick search of the net turns up a few mailorder sources. It is available in some Middle Eastern grocery stores.
Provided by Debbie R.
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 13m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Place pita breads on cookie sheet. Brush liberally with egg white.
- Sprinkle with zahtar.
- Drizzle 1/4 t. oil over each.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 221.8, Fat 5.3, SaturatedFat 0.7, Sodium 360.1, Carbohydrate 36, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 0.9, Protein 6.8
ZAATAR PITA BREAD
Make and share this Zaatar Pita Bread recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Food.com
Categories Breads
Time 2h20m
Yield 12 pitas
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Mix the zaatar and olive oil in a bowl and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F and lay a baking tray in the oven to heat.
- Cut the Lebanese Pita Dough into 12 pieces. Roll out the dough to 1/4- inch thick. Pinch the edges around the dough to form higher edges. Take a fork and pierce the dough all over, releasing any air pockets. Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons za'atar (make sure you mix before using) over each pita dough. Place 3 to 4 pitas on the hot baking tray in the oven and close the door immediately, making sure to not overcrowd the baking tray or oven. Bake until golden on the bottom and a little golden on the top, about 5 minutes. Serve with labneh, tomatoes and black olives rolled inside. The perfect Lebanese breakfast!
- Lebanese Pita:.
- Sift the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar together. Make a well in the middle of the dry mixture. Pour in the lukewarm water. Mix by hand on a floured work surface until the dough comes together. Then knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes until smooth and the dough bounces back when you push into it. Drizzle the dough with olive oil and place in a warm spot covered with a damp towel. Let rise until the dough doubles in size, depending on the temperature, it could take 30 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
ZA'ATAR
Za'atar, the Middle Eastern spice mixture is so delicious we suggest doubling the recipe and using the extra for a snack: Dunk some bread (such as pita) in flavorful olive oil and then in the za'atar.
Categories Condiment/Spread No-Cook Quick & Easy Summer Gourmet
Yield Makes about 5 tablespoons
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Stir together all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Available at Middle Eastern markets and by mail order from Kalustyan's (212-685-3451).
Tips:
- Make sure to finely grind the za'atar spice blend. This will help it distribute evenly throughout the dough and ensure a flavorful pita bread.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind the spices.
- Be careful not to overknead the dough. Overkneading will make the pita bread tough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for at least an hour. This will help it develop a light and airy texture.
- When cooking the pita bread, make sure to preheat your oven to a high temperature. This will help the bread puff up and create a crispy crust.
- If you don't have a baking stone, you can use a cast iron skillet or a heavy baking sheet.
- Serve the pita bread warm with your favorite toppings, such as hummus, baba ghanoush, or falafel.
Conclusion:
Za'atar pita bread is a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're serving it as a side dish, an appetizer, or a main course, this bread is sure to please everyone at the table. With its unique flavor and texture, za'atar pita bread is a great way to add some variety to your next meal.
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