As the summer solstice is about to come to an end, what's more fitting than a barbecue outdoors to send off the bright, warm and vibrant season! Za'atar...a Middle Eastern herb which is a pillar of Levantine cooking. However with it's scarcity, the Za'atar herb mix gained more popularity throughout the Mediterranean region. Various interpretations of the Za'atar herb blend evolved through medieval times. The same spice blend is used in the middle east and Mediterranean just as salt & pepper is used nowadays...they sprinkle it on everything! It is the proverbial culinary "alarm clock" to wake up any boring dish-a bright sunshine that wakes and zests the table.
This barbeque recipe is a perfume & flavor bomb of spices...bright, earthy & zesty.
*You may use any protein (pork, beef or turkey)
You can buy a pre-mixed Za'atar blend or you can easily make your own:
Zaatar Herb Mix:
2 Cups Sesame Seeds (Toasted)
1 Cup Whole Coriander Seeds
1 Cup Cumin
1 Cup Fennel Seeds
1 Cup Sumac (Substitute: Lemon/Lime Zest)
1 Cup Thyme (Fresh is best)
1 & 1/2 Cup Salt
*Grind and set aside
Ingredients:
Marinade
1 lb. Chicken Thighs (Deboned)
6 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
1/2 Lemon Juice
1 Pint Yogurt
2 Tbsp. Zatar Mix
Zaatar Oil
As Needed Olive oil
2 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
3 Tbsp. Zatar Mix
As Needed Salt & Pepper
As Needed Lemon Zest
Garnish Cilantro
Serve with Roasted Tomatoes & Basmati Rice
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients in the marinade and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes for ingredients to marry.
Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 3 hours making sure every surface of the meat is covered.
Pre-heat the grill to medium-high. Brush the Chicken on both sides with basting oil and grill skin side down until golden brown. Flip and grill the other side until cooked through.
You may add salt, pepper & za'atar to taste.
Garnish with cilantro, serve with Roasted Tomatoes and Basmati rice.
Sprinkle everything with lemon Zest before serving
Tip:
Brush the tomatoes with the Zaatar oil after roasting
Drizzle the Zaatar oil on steamed basmati rice
Pairing:
Now sit back, sip and grill...
Crown Royal Peach Iced Tea
Make your regular iced tea, add in peach syrup, squeeze in lemon & a shot of Crown Royal Peach or two!
Crown Royal Peach
35 ABV
Commentaires