Za’atar is a gorgeous condiment that is liberally used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made with mixed dried herbs and sesame seeds. I just love Za’atar and use it with all kinds of food. My friend Rula spoils me silly by giving me the best Za’atar ever that she gets from Jordan.
Recently, I tried flavoring Quinoa with Za’atar and loved the earthy mix of the two ingredients. Here is the recipe I used.
Quinoa with Veggies and Za’atar
Yield: 4 servings (serving size: about 2/3 cup)
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1 zucchini chopped into thin pieces
1 cup Napa cabbage sliced really thin
2 tbs za’atar
3 tbs olive oil
3 tbs white vinegar
Method
• Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a medium saucepan.
• Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Spoon into a bowl; fluff with a fork.
• Set aside.
• In a wok, heat 1 tbs. of oil.
• Add sliced green onions and celery and stir for a minute.
• Add the copped zucchini and mushrooms and stir for another minute till the mushrooms soften.
• Add Napa cabbage until it just wilts (less than a minute).
• Remove from fire and add to the cooked quinoa.
• Mix in the olive oil and vinegar to the quinoa mixture and combine well.
• Top off Za’atar with and toss well.
• Serve immediately.
Hi
This is totally of the topic of this post. I found your old post about the Strawberry Shortcake party you had. I’m planning one for my little girl who is turning 1 – would you still have that eggplant dip recipe by any chance? And also, what is that next to the dip for dipping – is it something Indian?
Did you prepare any of the food the day before? I’m just wondering how I’m going to handle it with a 1 year old and a 4 year old
Thanks so much if you can find the time to reply.
Bavani
Hi Bavani
Here is a link to the eggplant dip
http://thefoodfairy.wordpress.com/2009/03/23/yummy-eggplant-dip/
you can make this dip even a few days before and keep it int he fridge and it stays good. I put pita chips with it to dip with – you can use anything – breads, chips, rotis – anything.
good luck
Thanks
– the recipe seems so do-able!
The party is 2 weeks away and I feel like I just can’t stop planning! I always want to make everything myself (even though my hubby tells me to go easy with the crazy and buy some things) – it’s a personal thing i guess
I just found your blog and have been looking through it – you INSPIRE me! I checked out your other blogs too. I love it!
Thank you so much!
Believe me I know what you mean but sometimes its okay to let go a little bit.
Do what you can and the rest just buy things and make it look cute.
Its hard when you have young ones but Im sure you will do a great job!
Let me know
hugs
malini