15 Turkish Zaatar Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!

Published on: Mar 15, 2024

Turkish zaatar is a popular herb and spice blend that is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. The word "zaatar" actually refers to both the spice blend and the herb itself, which is also known as hyssop. This versatile and flavorful ingredient has been a staple in Turkish cooking for centuries and can be used in a variety of dishes. In this article, we will explore the history and ingredients of Turkish zaatar, as well as provide a simple and delicious recipe for you to try at home.

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Zaatar Spice

Main Ingredients: Zaatar Spice, Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram, Cumin

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Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that adds a delicious and unique flavor to chicken. To make this Zaatar beer can chicken, start by generously rubbing a whole chicken with olive oil and then coating it with a mixture of Zaatar, garlic, and lemon zest. Place the chicken on a beer can and grill it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The result? A tender and flavorful chicken with a crispy skin that is perfect for a family dinner or a summer BBQ.

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Cherry Turkish Taffy

Main Ingredients: Egg White, Sugar, Water, Cornstarch, Cherry Jam, Butter

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For a sweet and tangy twist on beer can chicken, try this Cherry Turkish Taffy recipe. Marinate a whole chicken in a mixture of cherry juice, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for at least an hour. Then, place the chicken on a beer can and grill it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The cherry juice will caramelize and create a delicious glaze on the chicken, making it the star of any meal.

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Greek Yogurt Turkish Flatbread (Bazlama)

Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt

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Looking for a unique and flavorful side dish to go with your beer can chicken? This Greek Yogurt Turkish Flatbread, also known as Bazlama, is the perfect choice. Made with Greek yogurt, flour, and olive oil, this flatbread is soft and chewy with a slightly tangy flavor. It is the perfect accompaniment to any grilled dish, especially beer can chicken.

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Grilled Zaatar Chicken

Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Zaatar

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This grilled Zaatar chicken recipe is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional beer can chicken. Marinate a whole chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and zaatar for at least an hour. Then, place the chicken on a beer can and grill it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The result is a tender and juicy chicken with a delicious Mediterranean flavor.

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Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble)

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Large Green Bell Pepper, Diced

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If you're looking for a hearty and delicious breakfast to go with your beer can chicken, try this Menemen recipe. This traditional Turkish dish is made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. It is easy to make and can be served as a side dish or a main course. The combination of flavors in this dish will surely impress your taste buds.

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Zaatar Manakish-Manakeesh Zaatar

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Instant Yeast, Sugar, Salt, Whole

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Another delicious way to incorporate Zaatar into your beer can chicken is by making this Zaatar Manakish. This traditional Middle Eastern flatbread is topped with a mixture of zaatar, olive oil, and salt. It is the perfect side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.

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Zaatar Salmon

Main Ingredients: Salmon Fillet, Olive Oil, Zaatar Spice, Garlic Powder

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For those who prefer fish over chicken, this Zaatar salmon recipe is a must-try. Marinate salmon fillets in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and zaatar for at least 30 minutes. Then, grill the salmon until it is cooked through and flaky. The result is a tender and flavorful salmon dish that pairs perfectly with a cold beer and some grilled vegetables.

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Turkish Cacik

Main Ingredients: Plain Yogurt, Cucumbers, Chopped Walnuts, Fresh Dill

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This refreshing Turkish yogurt dip is the perfect accompaniment to beer can chicken. Made with plain yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill, it is a cool and tangy dip that pairs well with the smoky flavors of grilled chicken. Serve it on the side or use it as a marinade for your beer can chicken for an extra kick of flavor.

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Zaatar Bread (Fatayer Zaatar)

Main Ingredients: White Flour, Instant Yeast, Salt, Sugar, Olive Oil

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This traditional Lebanese flatbread is filled with a mixture of zaatar, olive oil, and onions, making it a perfect side dish for beer can chicken. The dough is easy to make and can be cooked on the grill, adding a delicious charred flavor to the bread. Serve it warm and watch as your guests rave about this unique and delicious dish.

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Turkish Gozleme with Minced Lamb

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Plain Greek Yogurt, Water

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This Turkish flatbread is stuffed with a mixture of minced lamb, onions, and spices, making it a hearty and delicious side dish for beer can chicken. The dough is rolled thin and grilled until it is crispy and golden brown. Serve it with some yogurt dip for dipping and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite.

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Turkish Bread

Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Caster Sugar, Warm Water, All Purpose

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No beer can chicken meal is complete without some Turkish bread on the side. This soft and fluffy bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices from the chicken. The dough is made with yeast, sugar, and flour and is brushed with olive oil before grilling. Serve it warm and watch as your guests devour it in no time.

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Turkish Kunefe (Künefe)

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Shredded Phyllo Dough, Cheese, Butter

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This sweet and savory dessert is the perfect way to end a meal of beer can chicken. Made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and a drizzle of sugar syrup, this dish is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. It is a popular dessert in Turkey and will surely be a hit with your guests.

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Turkish Eggs

Main Ingredients: Plain Greek Yogurt, Garlic, Fresh Dill, Butter, Aleppo

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This simple and delicious breakfast dish is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Made with eggs, tomatoes, onions, and spices, this dish is packed with flavor and can be ready in less than 15 minutes. Serve it with some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Turkish Potatoes & Chickpeas

Main Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Sea Salt, Tomato

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Looking for a hearty and filling side dish for your beer can chicken? This Turkish potatoes and chickpeas dish is the perfect choice. Made with potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices, it is a flavorful and nutritious dish that will complement any meal. Serve it on its own or as a topping for some grilled flatbread.

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Turkish Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köfte)

Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Water, Bulgur, Olive Oil, Pepper, Salt

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These Turkish lentil balls are a delicious and vegetarian-friendly alternative to traditional meat dishes. Made with red lentils, bulgur, and spices, they are packed with flavor and can be served as an appetizer or a main course. They also make a great addition to a beer can chicken platter, adding some variety to the meal.

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Turkish Flat Bread (Bazlama)

Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt

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This simple and versatile flatbread is a staple in Turkish cuisine and is perfect for serving with beer can chicken. Made with flour, yeast, and olive oil, it is soft and chewy with a slightly crispy exterior. It is great for mopping up sauces or using as a base for sandwiches.

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Pasta with zaatar pesto ( Zaatar akhdar pasta)

Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Vegetable Oil, Zaatar, Parsley, Garlic

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If you're tired of the same old pasta dishes, try this Zaatar akhdar pasta recipe. The pesto is made with zaatar, basil, olive oil, and garlic, adding a unique and delicious flavor to this classic dish. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Homemade Doner Kebab: A Turkish Classic

Main Ingredients: Ground Lamb, Egg, Garlic, Ground Cumin, Ground

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Doner Kebab Meat - beef or lamb | RecipeTin Eats

Kebabs are a popular street food in Turkey, and this homemade version is a must-try for any beer can chicken lover. Made with ground beef, onions, and spices, it is packed with flavor and can be grilled alongside your chicken. Serve it on a bed of rice or in a pita with some yogurt sauce for a delicious and filling meal.

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Rosewater Turkish Delight

Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Lemon Juice, Corn Starch, Cream Of

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No meal is complete without dessert, and this Rosewater Turkish Delight is the perfect way to end your beer can chicken feast. Made with gelatin, rosewater, and sugar, it is a sweet and delicate treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Serve it with some Turkish tea for an authentic and delicious dessert experience.

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Turkish Eggplant Casserole with Tomatoes (Imam Bayildi)

Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sea Salt, Olive Oil, Small Yellow Onion

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This vegetarian dish is a staple in Turkish cuisine and is the perfect side dish for beer can chicken. Made with eggplant, tomatoes, and spices, it is full of flavor and can be served warm or at room temperature. The combination of smoky eggplant and tangy tomatoes makes for a delicious and unique dish that will impress your guests.

History of Turkish Zaatar

The use of zaatar dates back to ancient times, with references to the herb and spice blend found in both the Bible and the Quran. In Turkey, zaatar has been used in cooking for hundreds of years, and it is believed to have health benefits such as aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. It is also a symbol of hospitality and is often served to guests as a sign of welcome.

Ingredients of Zaatar

Turkish zaatar is typically made up of a blend of dried herbs and spices. The key ingredient is the herb hyssop, which is dried and ground to create a base for the blend. Other common ingredients include sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. Some variations may also include other herbs such as oregano or thyme, depending on personal preference and regional differences. Sumac is a tangy and slightly tart spice that adds a citrusy flavor to the blend. It is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Sesame seeds add a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the mix, along with a crunch. They are also a good source of healthy fats and minerals like calcium and iron. Salt is a common ingredient in any spice blend, and it helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.

How to Make Turkish Zaatar

Making your own Turkish zaatar at home is easy and allows you to customize the blend to your taste. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. To make the Turkish zaatar, start by drying the hyssop leaves in a warm oven for 10-15 minutes. Once the leaves are dry, grind them into a fine powder. Next, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until they start to turn golden brown. Let them cool and then grind them into a coarse powder. In a bowl, mix the ground hyssop, sesame seeds, and sumac with a pinch of salt. You can also add in any other herbs or spices you prefer at this stage. Store the zaatar in an airtight container and use it to season meats, vegetables, or even sprinkle it on top of hummus or yogurt. In conclusion, Turkish zaatar is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that adds a unique taste to any dish. With its rich history and health benefits, it's no wonder why it has been a staple in Turkish cuisine for centuries. So why not try making your own zaatar blend at home and add a taste of Turkey to your cooking?