I recently wrote about my great affection for the herb blend from Lebanon (+ all over the Mediterranean!) called Zaatar. It's a wonderful blend of oregano, thyme, sumac + sesame seeds (in one of its incarnations!). I have enjoyed using it for years, and always find new uses which delight my family! Last month, I threw some cauliflower into a hot oven to roast + on a whim, added sprinkles of zaaatar/olive oil onto the florets .. "Roasted Cauliflower with Zaatar" was a big hit! Aromatic + very tasty.. it's going into our regular 'rotation' of good anti-inflammatory immune-boosting side dishes!
Without any ado.. here's the simple recipe + I hope you'll try it and love it as much as we do! Oh.. here's the link to the Za'atar post.
Roasted Cauliflower with Zaatar
Roasted Cauliflower with Zaatar
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 tablespoon za'atar herbal blend
- 1 cauliflower cut into florets
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Place the oil and za'atar in a large bowl and whisk until mixed thoroughly
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Add the cauliflower and toss to coat all the florets
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Turn down the over to 375 degrees F.
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Spoon the cauliflower mixture onto a large baking sheet and place in the oven for 15 minutes.
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Turn the cauliflower over a with a spatula.
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Roast for another 15-20 minutes until browned a little on the edges + tender.
What is Zaatar ?
Za'atar is a nutritious herbal blend which varies slightly from community to community but is nonetheless packed with goodness!! It contains a blend of
Oregano
Thyme
Sumac
Sesame seeds
(+ sometimes Marjoram)
These ingredients come together to make a warming pungent herbal blend which is excellent sprinkled on or tossed with roasted veggies!
Why is Roasted Cauliflower with Zaatar good for you?
Oregano:
antibacterial
helps digestion
anti-viral
anti-fungal
expectorant
Thyme:
antibacterial
anti-fungal
anti-inflammatory
antioxidant
anti-viral
expectorant
Sumac:
anti-inflammatory
can help to dry out sinuses due to colds, allergies + sinus infections
It's a good source of vitamins C, A, and B
For more information about Thyme medicine, check this post. For SUMAC info .. just check out this post..
Here's to our health -- Here's to experimenting with flavour combinations + herbal goodness for our most nutrient rich meals to happen !!
Until next time, Carol xo
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