The Fresh Loaf

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Pita+zaatar bread

Quantum's picture
Quantum

Pita+zaatar bread

Had a bunch of errands to run this weekend, and not a lot of time to prep for a bake--- perfect time to make some pita. It's 100% whole grain wheat flour, tastes great.

Hrmmm, it might be time to clean the inside of my oven window.

Beginning to deflate.

And the best for last--- I like to do a few of my pita as zaatar bread. For the uninitiated, zaatar is a blend of herbs and spices (primarily sesame seeds, sumac, thyme, and oregano, though infinite variations exist) that's ubiquitous in the Arab world. It's used as a general condiment (particularly as a garnish to a plate of hummus), but in particular as a topping for different breads. My best friend from my undergraduate years is Lebanese, and introduced me to the wonders of zaatar bread--- we'd often wake up early on a Saturday morning to buy the stuff fresh from the oven. Making it is easy: after rolling out the pitas, dock them to prevent a pocket from forming and spread them generously with a thick paste of olive oil and zaatar (you can find the latter at any middle eastern grocery, or order it online!). It's delicious!

Comments

JFisher's picture
JFisher

This pita recipe sounds delicious. I'd probably add some caramelized onions and sauteed veggies as stuffing.This could even work as a tortilla or burrito wrap to create a Mexican-Middle Eastern fusion of sorts. Za’atar is indeed a versatile spice blend, but the quality of blends greatly varies, and true zaatar herb is a rare find, even in mixes bought from ethnic food store. I suggest you search and shop for pure quality zaatar, premium grade zaatar herb or zero-filling za'atar, Or better still, buy from the same online store as I do, www.eatzaatar.com.