Zaatar Zingara

About Zaatar Zingara

Zaatar Zingara is a delightful fusion dish that combines Middle Eastern flavors with Italian culinary techniques. The term "Zaatar" refers to a staple spice blend common in Middle Eastern cuisine, predominantly made of thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds. "Zingara", on the other hand, is Italian for "gypsy", often referring to a unique preparation of meats. This dish beautifully marries the aromatic, tangy notes of the zaatar with the rich, savory aspects of the traditional Italian cooking style, offering a story of cross-cultural gastronomy that dates back centuries.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts - 2 pieces
• Zaatar spice - 3 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 4 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Lemon - 1, juiced
• Red bell pepper - 1, sliced
• Red onion - 1, sliced
• Mozzarella cheese - 100g, shredded
• Pita bread - 2 pieces
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Preparation

To begin making Zaatar Zingara, start by preparing the chicken breasts. Clean and cut them horizontally into thin fillets. This will allow them to cook evenly and quickly, ensuring that they absorb the delightful flavors of the zaatar spice and other ingredients.

In a large bowl, mix the zaatar with olive oil, the juice of a lemon, and the minced garlic. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with this mixture. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes. The marination helps in infusing the chicken with the zesty and earthy spices, which is crucial for the aroma and taste of our Zaatar Zingara.

Cooking Process

Preheat your grill or pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it. Once preheated, place the marinated chicken breasts onto the grill. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until they are fully cooked and have those appealing grill marks. While grilling, sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper on top to enhance the taste.

Meanwhile, sauté the sliced red bell pepper and red onion in a separate pan with a touch of olive oil. Sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized, which will add a nice sweetness to the dish.

Assemble the Zaatar Zingara by taking a piece of pita bread, placing a piece of the cooked chicken on top, followed by a layer of sautéed vegetables and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat for the remaining pieces. Lastly, place the assembled dish back on the grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Zaatar Zingara hot, garnished with fresh herbs of your choice. It can be served with a side of your favorite salad or even some homemade hummus to complement its bold flavors. This dish can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a scrumptious dinner. Don't forget to set your timer to ensure that every step is executed to perfection!