I love making lemon za’atar potatoes when I need a quick and delicious side dish. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for an easy and tasty meal at home.
WHAT IS ZA’ATAR
Za’atar is a culinary mixture of spices typical in the Middle East. Its use may vary depending on the region, but it is usually used to season typical dishes or finish off hummus, pitas, or vegetables.
Za’atar is a mixture of spices widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It can be bought or made yourself. It contains cumin, oregano, and sesame seeds, among other species.
WHAT ARE THE SPICES IN ZA’TAR?
It is usually a mixture of sumac (the most important), oregano, marjoram or thyme, cumin, and coriander seeds. In some cases, it also has toasted sesame seeds and salt.
🔥 What is sumac? Sumac or zumaque as it is knonwn in Spanish, is a spice obtained from a shrub called Rhus. It is bright red in color and has a slightly fruity flavor and has an acidic note. It's delicious.
HOW TO MAKE Lemon Za’atar POTATOES
I like to make them in the oven because I pop them in and forget about them, but you can also make them over.
- Mix the marinade ingredients in a small bowl.
- Put the potatoes on a baking sheet. You can use parchment paper or a silicone mat. Cover the potatoes with a mixture of spices, lemon, and oil.
- Put the potatoes in the oven until they are fully cooked. When poked with a fork, they offer no resistance.
- Finish with a little more za’atar, fresh oregano, or coarse salt.
HOW TO SERVE THE POTATOES?
When they’re done, some of the perfect blends of oil and spices are left on the bottom. Serve the potatoes on top of hummus, a green leafy salad, on top of brown rice, lentils, or mixed with chickpeas. Do not forget to add the remaining marinade to the potatoes after they are cooked.
Lemon Za’atar Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup avocado or olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves pressed or minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons of za’atar or more depends on your taste
- 2 lbs of small potatoes 1 kg, fingerlings
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- In a jar or small bowl, combine ½ cup of avocado or olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 2 teaspoons of za’atar. Mix well.
- Place 2 pounds (1 kg) of small potatoes, like fingerlings, on a baking sheet or baking dish.
- Pour the marinade over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated but not drenched—just enough to cover them nicely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and fully cooked, with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Notes
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
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