Tips to Use Middle Eastern Spices in Your Cuisine

by Tyler P. A Passionate Blogger - Entertainment

Do you love spices and enjoy experimenting with them in the kitchen? If the answer is yes, then you need to know about the Middle Eastern Spice Mix, also known as za’atar.

Za’atar is the Best Middle Eastern Spice Mix you can find in your pantry. They can spice up your stews and also add a burst of flavour to your bland veggies. If you are a person that loves to spice things up regularly, then you have to try za’atar.

The beauty of this spice mix is that it can easily replace your good old Italian seasoning and give you a wealth of taste to your meals if you want to shake things up a bit.

Before you get into more about tips to use it, let’s understand what za’atar means.

What is Za’atar?
As has been mentioned above, this Middle Eastern spice blend comes in wide range of options such as Israeli, Lebanese, or Syrian blends. It is also available in variety of colours such as deep red or greenish yellow, depending upon the ingredients included in the blend.

The base of the spice mix contains various ingredients such as thyme, oregano combined with sumac and toasted seeds. Some blends may even include coriander, fennel seeds, anise, and toasted cumin.

The spice originated in the Middle East and goes all the way back to ancient Egypt. Today, it is a culinary staple in all Middle eastern cuisine and is a great addition to fish, chicken and veg preparations.

What does Za’atar taste like?
When you add this spice mix to your dishes, you will get a zesty and woody taste with herbal undertones. It is often used in potatoes, salads, hummus, and breads, among many other meat-based dishes.

Now that the basics are out of the way, here are some of the common recipes that you can prepare with middle eastern spice blends.

Chickpeas pita with za’atar: This super easy and healthy snack takes all of five minutes to prepare. Just sprinkle it with a dash of za’atar and add a whole new taste to the dish.

Crispy potatoes infused with za’atar: You can prepare up to 8 servings of this delicious snack. Just smash the potatoes and bake them in a pre-heated oven with a dash of za’atar. Allow its flavours to get absorbed by the potatoes for full taste.

Lamb shanks: The Best Moroccan Lamb Shanks Recipe is incomplete without middle eastern spices. It takes no more than 20 minutes to prepare and probably a lifetime to forget its rich taste.

This versatile spice blend can be used in number of ways. Just add it to your pantry and let the chef in you shine!