Za'atar

Lenten buckwheat porridge with spicy vegetables is a fragrant and nutritious dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted sweet potato and eggplant with warm notes of Eastern spices. Buckwheat sautéed with onion and garlic takes on a nutty hue, while vegetable broth makes it soft and tender. This dish evokes cozy home evenings and is perfect for a lenten diet while remaining hearty and filling. Inspired by traditional Russian cuisine, the recipe has an exquisite authorial sound thanks to the addition of cumin, cardamom, and za'atar that infuse the porridge with Eastern charm. Serving it with cilantro adds freshness, while the spices highlight the depth of flavor, creating a harmonious and balanced combination. A wonderful option for those seeking a simple yet original idea for a healthy dinner.

The recipe was shared with us by the chef of the Loomi restaurant.

Recipe by Igor Sosenkov from the Mitzva bar.

Ilya Cherkashin, head chef of the Levantine restaurant, expands the palette of familiar pancake recipes. Thick and fluffy like pancakes, chickpea flour pancakes are paired with eggplant cooked in the Turkish style a li nazik (that is, baked with yogurt), and at the end generously seasoned with za'atar, or Syrian oregano.

Jerusalem mix, or meurav yerushalmi, is a fried offal mix, sometimes with chopped chicken breast. This quick and easy dish made from budget offal has become a hallmark of Israeli fast food. The recipe was invented in the 1960s, not the most prosperous years for Israel, and even the name of the author is known: it was a certain Haim Firo, whose butcher shop near Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market is still in operation. Like any dish that has become popular, there is no canonical recipe for Jerusalem mix: in some places it is served directly on a hot frying pan, with pickles or ptitim paste added. But more often it is packed in pita envelopes to make it convenient to eat on the go.

This is how hummus is prepared in the Moscow hummusia "Abu Ghosh". For this hummus you need fresh juicy spinach, not frozen. Take a bunch of spinach, wash it, dry it and fry it in olive oil. It should be in the pan for no more than five minutes, even four is better. Put the cooked spinach directly on top of the classic hummus, and sprinkle it with ground walnuts, smoked paprika and za'atar. Za'atar is easy to find in spice shops, but it is not available in regular supermarkets . Since we fry the spinach quickly, it practically does not lose juice and this is probably one of the juiciest and freshest hummuses on our menu

The recipe was shared with us by Hayk Veishtort, chef of the Seasons restaurant in Yerevan.

White bean hummus is an original take on a classic dish from Eastern cuisine, adapted for Western culinary preferences. It features a creamy texture and rich nutty flavor thanks to the combination of white beans and tahini. Lemon juice adds a refreshing tang, while za'atar imparts aromatic Eastern notes. Smoked paprika enhances the depth of flavor, making the dip spicy and expressive. This hummus is perfect for parties: it can be served with unsalted chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. Easy to prepare, it makes a wonderful addition to any table, delighting guests with its rich taste and appetizing appearance.

Crispy baked potatoes with Eastern spices are a dish inspired by Turkish culinary traditions. Potatoes infused with aromatic spices and baked to a golden crust captivate with their crunch and rich flavor. The addition of za'atar gives it a distinctive Eastern note with a slight tang and spiciness, while lemon wedges enhance the freshness of the dish. This potato is perfect as a standalone dish or as a side to meat and vegetables. Served hot, it reveals a rich bouquet of spices and pairs excellently with light yogurt-based sauces. Its simplicity in preparation makes it an indispensable choice for a cozy family dinner or an Eastern feast.

This salad is a true gastronomic poem, combining the freshness of vegetables with the depth of walnut pesto. The recipe's origins trace back to Italian cuisine, known for its love of aromatic sauces. Walnut and za'atar-based pesto gives the dish an earthy richness, while currants add a subtle tartness. The yogurt dressing makes the texture soft and airy, highlighting the crunch of cabbage and the juiciness of carrots. Ideal as a standalone dish or as an accompaniment to light snacks, it harmoniously balances freshness and richness of flavors. A wonderful option for lovers of healthy and exquisite food.

Grilled eggplant and lemon with garlic sauce is a vibrant and aromatic dish of Arab cuisine, combining the smoky flavor of vegetables with the refreshing tang of lemon. Eggplants soaked in spicy za'atar and delicate olive oil acquire a rich taste after roasting, while caramelized lemon adds zest. The combination with creamy garlic sauce made from labneh and sherry vinegar makes this recipe a true discovery for gourmets. This dish is perfect as a standalone appetizer or as part of a more elaborate meal, pairing wonderfully with flatbreads and fresh vegetables. Arab cuisine is renowned for its harmony of spices and textures, and this recipe embodies its finest traditions. The dish can be served warm or cold, always retaining its expressiveness and rich flavor.

Baba Ghanoush made from grilled eggplants is a refined dish of Arabic cuisine, captivating with its rich smoky aroma and creamy texture. Its roots trace back to ancient times in the Middle East, where eggplants were a key ingredient in many dishes. Grilled, they gain depth of flavor, and their soft flesh harmonizes with the spiciness of tahini, the freshness of lemon juice, and the aroma of garlic. This dish pairs perfectly with warm flatbreads or pita, transforming into a versatile appetizer that delights both gourmets and lovers of traditional Eastern cuisine. Baba Ghanoush is not just food; it's a flavor journey revealing the secrets of ancient culinary traditions where fire and spices turn simple ingredients into a gastronomic masterpiece.

Fried parsley stems are an exquisite snack with an Eastern charm rooted in Arabic cuisine. This recipe transforms an often-overlooked part of the herb into a crispy, aromatic treat. A mix of za'atar, coarse salt, and olive oil adds zest to the stems, while frying makes them airy and light like chips. Their flavor evokes herbal notes with a hint of lemony tartness characteristic of parsley and a deep Eastern spice accent. These crispy stems can be served as an original appetizer with meat or fish dishes and as a garnish for sauces and dips. They are convenient for use in buffet snacks, adding an exotic touch to the table. The ease of preparation makes this recipe ideal for experimentation, allowing for spice variations to taste.

Roasted vegetable soup with chickpeas is a warm embrace of Greek cuisine, combining simplicity and depth of flavor. Roasted eggplants, peppers, and red onions reveal their sweetness and smoky notes, while chickpeas add richness and a silky texture to the dish. A light spiciness from chili and aromatic thyme adds zest, while tomatoes in their own juice highlight the natural acidity, harmonizing the taste. The finishing touch is za'atar and parmesan that provide hints of Mediterranean spice and delicate saltiness. This soup can be served hot or chilled, making it versatile—refreshing in summer and warming in winter. An ideal choice for those seeking balance between nutrition, flavor, and tradition.

This exquisite pâté with cognac and za'atar is a true gastronomic masterpiece of French cuisine. Its history is rooted in the traditions of making pâtés from offal, which are considered an integral part of culinary heritage in France. The rich flavor of chicken liver is softened by cream, while the aroma of fresh herbs and Eastern spices adds sophistication to the dish. Cognac adds depth to the flavor, giving the pâté noble undertones. When prepared correctly, it turns out tender, velvety, and spreads perfectly on fresh crispy baguette or toast. Such a pâté will be a worthy decoration for a festive table and pairs wonderfully with tart berry jams, honey-mustard sauce, or a glass of chilled white wine.