Thank you for purchasing the North Africa and Middle East spice collection, one of our collaborations with the Spice House! Now it's time to get cooking. Here are some of our favorite ways to use these spices.
ATK x The Spice House: North Africa & Middle East Collection
You've got the spices. We've got the recipe inspiration.
Published June 1, 2022.
Berbere
A popular spice mix of Ethiopia and Eritrea, berbere is both spicy and sweet, and adds intriguing notes of chiles, fenugreek, coriander seeds, sweet paprika, and warm spices (such as cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger).
INSTANT POT BERBERE-RUBBED CHICKEN
We use a few tricks—a time-saving appliance and a complex spice blend—to get a whole chicken on the table in just over an hour.
In this fiery spin on a classic mix, berbere supplies a complex sweet and spicy flavor profile that we can't get enough of. Berbere-rimmed glasses further emphasize the spice.
Aleppo Peppers
Named after the Syrian city, the Aleppo pepper found its way along the Silk Road into kitchens and recipes across Central Asia. From Turkish kebabs to Uzbek lamb braises to the now-global phenomenon that is avocado toast, these pepper flakes add color, mild heat, and a unique salty-raisiny flavor.
The classic Tunisian dish is a humble yet delicious one-pot meal. In this version, Aleppo peppers' citrusy notes allow the greens' vibrant flavors to stay center stage.
BRAISED OXTAILS WITH WHITE BEANS, TOMATOES, AND ALEPPO PEPPER
In this popular Turkish dish, Aleppo pepper combines with sweet whole tomatoes and pungent oregano to give the braising liquid its character.
Za'atar
From the Arabic word for thyme, our za'atar is mixed with lemony sumac, nutty sesame, marjoram, thyme, and oregano. It adds tartness, crunch, and herbaceousness to everything from simple dips and roasted vegetables to meatballs and roasted chicken.
ZA'ATAR-RUBBED ROAST CHICKEN WITH MINT VINAIGRETTE
We brushed a thick paste of za'atar and extra-virgin olive oil on the chicken. As the bird roasts, the paste turns into a distinct, aromatic crust.
CRISPY ARTICHOKE SALAD WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE
A hint of za’atar adds tartness and some needed crunch to this vegetable salad.
Sumac
Ground sumac livens up everything from dry rubs to dressings. We also like it sprinkled over vegetables, grilled meats, stews, eggs, hummus, and even popcorn, so as not to mute its bright flavor.
Vospov kofte—a red lentil–bulgur mixture seasoned with warm spices (including sumac) and served with loads of fresh herbs and soft, stretchy flatbread—is meatless cooking at its best.
This vegetarian version of the popular Palestinian dish features chewy flatbread topped with sautéed portobello mushrooms and a sticky-sweet caramelized onion jam spiced with sumac, allspice, and cardamom.
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