Delight in the versatility of sumac, as it adds a burst of citrusy flavor to various dishes. Whether you’re making sweet treats like meringue or savory salads, this spice is an excellent choice for any meal. Beyond its tantalizing taste, sumac offers numerous health benefits when consumed. Not only can you reap the rewards of its mineral and antioxidant-rich properties by incorporating it into your diet, but you can also explore other edible parts of the plant.
The shoots are a hidden gem, perfect for snacking or adding to meals, while the dried and powdered form makes an excellent seasoning for meats. With its potential to regulate blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and alleviate muscle pain, sumac is definitely worth trying in your kitchen.
Fattoush Salad with Chickpeas
Versatility is one of the key benefits of this Middle Eastern-inspired salad recipe. The combination of fresh vegetables, mint, chickpeas, and toasted pita croutons creates a delicious and refreshing flavor profile. A crucial ingredient for the tangy lemon dressing is ground sumac, which adds a distinctive and zesty twist to the dish. What’s even more appealing about this recipe is that you can use the six-ingredient sauce as a versatile condiment for any salad you like.
If you give it a try and find that you enjoy it, feel free to incorporate it into your regular meal rotation.
Fattoush Salad
Knowing this salad’s versatility is essential for those looking to customize their meals. Leaving out the chickpeas shifts the focus towards the vibrant dressing and fragrant mint leaves, creating a refreshing contrast. For those seeking an extra boost of protein, adding chicken or opting for tofu instead will not only satisfy but also enhance the overall flavor profile.
Ottolenghi’s Eton Mess
Make room in your summer menu for a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is deliciously sweet. This 20-minute no-bake dessert is the perfect treat for hot weather, bursting with fruity flavors and fragrances that will leave you wanting more. It’s a true original, difficult to put into words – but trust me when I say it’s an experience your taste buds won’t soon forget.
With its light, airy texture and vibrant colors, this dessert is sure to be the star of any gathering, so go ahead and indulge in its sweetness with confidence.
Snap Pea, Mint and Feta Fattoush Salad
Just like any other flavorful dish, this salad is elevated by the combination of fresh and fragrant ingredients. The presence of mint contributes a delightfully refreshing flavor profile, whereas the sumac and feta add tangy citrus notes that complement each other perfectly. Preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, but despite its lightness, this salad is surprisingly filling and will leave you feeling satisfied without the need for meat.
Baba Ganoush Recipe
Love at first bite is what you might experience with baba ganoush, the lesser-known cousin of the popular hummus dip. Although it shares some similarities with its creamy counterpart, this eggplant-based condiment has a distinct smokiness to it. The robust flavor profile of baba ganush comes from an impressive list of ingredients, including pungent garlic, tangy sumac, rich tahini, and zesty lemon juice.
But what really sets it apart is the addition of toasted pine nuts, which not only enhance the flavor but also provide a delightful crunch to every bite.
Kasha Varnishkes with Sumac Fried Brussels Sprouts
You don’t have to be a culinary expert to appreciate the simplicity and flavors of this dish. While it may not be visually stunning, the combination of tender pasta and mushrooms, with their ability to absorb flavors, will surely tantalize your taste buds. The addition of Brussels sprouts adds a delightful crunch and depth to the dish, while the egg provides a pop of color and an extra boost of protein.
This naturally vegetarian-friendly meal is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something new – you might be surprised at just how much you enjoy it.
Quinoa Salad with Za’atar, Herbs & Pistachio
Taking your love for salads to the next level, try this quinoa salad recipe that’s both denser and heartier compared to its leafy green counterparts. This nutritious dish is naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions.The addition of quinoa gives it a filling boost, while still maintaining the crisp garden freshness that salads are known for.
Yogurt Sumac Sauce
Yesterday, I shared a recipe that’s more of a condiment than a standalone dish, perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your Middle Eastern or Mediterranean creations. You can honestly enjoy its taste with food from any region – its versatility is one of the reasons I love it so much! All you need is just five minutes and seven simple ingredients, which will result in a tangy creaminess that complements any meal, elevating the flavors of your dishes to new heights.
Sumac-Anise Hyssop Spice Mix
Elevate your summer fruit dishes with this four-ingredient recipe that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. The combination of sumac, flaky salt, dried mint, and dried anise hyssop creates a unique and refreshing blend that pairs perfectly with your favorite summer melons. Simply mix all the ingredients together, then sprinkle them over sliced watermelon or cantaloupe for a deliciously satisfying treat.
Low-Carb Lebanese Sumac Salad
Vibrant flavors come alive in this five-ingredient sumac salad dressing, offering a zesty and citrusy twist that’s impossible to resist. The combination is expertly balanced, with the subtle warmth of red banana peppers adding depth to each bite, while fresh mint leaves bring an invigorating coolness that elevates the entire experience.
Stovetop Beef Kabob and Basmati Rice (Chelow Kabob Deegi)
Dining on a delicious plate of Tahdig, the national dish of Iran, is truly a culinary experience like no other. The combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of incredible, with each bite transporting you to the vibrant streets of Tehran. Delicately cooked rice, infused with a subtle golden hue, provides the perfect base for the succulent beef, which melts in your mouth with every tender morsel.
A sprinkle of crimson sumac adds a pop of color and an extra layer of depth to the dish, while the juicy tomato adds a burst of freshness that elevates it to new heights. It’s a culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving for more.
Baharat Roast Chicken
Achieving the perfect roast chicken requires attention to detail, particularly when it comes to the marinade. A well-balanced blend of flavors can elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. To start, combine sumac, garlic, cumin, baharat seasoning, chicken stock, olive oil, lemon rinds, coriander, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Shish Tawook
Taking a glance at the recipe for this sweet and tangy lemon-garlic chicken, it’s clear that simplicity is key to its success. The dish consists of tender, juicy chicken smothered in an herby yogurt marinade, with a balance of flavors that make each bite incredibly delicious. Its uncomplicated nature doesn’t detract from the fact that this chicken is 100% yummy and sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
Za’atar Roasted Chicken Over Sumac Potatoes
Vibrant flavors can be achieved with minimal ingredients in this delicious roasted chicken and potatoes dish, featuring just three main components: chicken, potatoes, and shallots. The addition of an abundance of herbs and spices elevates the recipe to new heights, making it a standout choice for those seeking an effortless dinner solution that will leave their taste buds singing.
Kabob Koobideh
Lamb and beef are the primary components of kabob koobideh, a popular Iranian dish often referred to as ‘street meat’. Typically served with an assortment of roasted vegetables on the side, this spiced kabob is a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Not only does it offer a hearty and satisfying meal option, but its ease of preparation also makes it accessible to those who prefer plain, down-home cooking.
One Pan Sumac Chicken Thighs
Having a repertoire of one-pot meals is a savior for many home cooks, including myself. Not only do they simplify meal prep, but they also reduce the amount of time spent on washing dishes. These chicken thighs are an exemplary case in point – they can be ready in under an hour and require minimal effort. What sets them apart is their exceptional flavor profile, which balances sweet and savory notes with the vibrant citrus flavors of oranges and sumac.
The addition of garlic and fresh thyme elevates the dish to a whole new level, making it nearly impossible to resist.
Turkish Sumac Onions
Varying from traditional recipes, this quick five-minute dish demands minimal ingredients and no cooking effort on your part. Just slice the onions and combine them with other ingredients when convenient. This refreshing, crunchy, and vibrant snack can be added to burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or served alongside chicken breasts for a flavorful twist.
Sumac Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Harnessing the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, these versatile tubers can be transformed into a mouth-watering dish in under 30 minutes. To achieve this, simply gather cubed sweet potatoes, powdered sumac, olive oil, pink Himalayan sea salt, smoked paprika, and chili powder. The combination of these spices will infuse your potatoes with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, elevating their flavor profile to new heights and allowing you to experience them in an entirely fresh light.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Among the many delicious salads out there, this particular one stands out with its unique combination of flavors and textures. Roasted cauliflower and butternut squash provide a tender base for the dish, which is then elevated by the tangy sweetness of a lemon-honey vinaigrette. The addition of fresh greens, crunchy toasted nuts, and sweet raisins adds even more depth to this already impressive salad.
The sumac-infused dressing, which has been a highlight of our previous recipe, can also be used as a versatile topping for any future salads you create.
Hummus
Packed with the deep flavors of tahini, garlic, sumac, salt, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this rich and velvety smooth hummus is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it. Its simplicity makes it incredibly easy to prepare, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself devouring it all in one sitting – the combination of creamy texture and bold flavors is simply irresistible! If you’re planning on sharing this delicious dip with others, make sure to double or even triple the recipe.
Laura Hauser is a food writer and editor passionate about authentic, approachable home cooking.
