How To Make Zataar Rice? A Detailed Recipe

Want to add Middle Eastern flavors to your meals? Our Zaatar Rice recipe is just what you need. It mixes the tasty Zaatar seasoning with long-grain rice. This creates a dish full of spice and texture that will make any meal special.

Our guide on how to make Zaatar rice is simple and effective. It’s great for both experienced cooks and beginners. You’ll get amazing results by following our steps.

This recipe is quick to prepare, taking just 5 minutes. It cooks for 55 minutes, making it ready in 60 minutes. It serves four, making it ideal for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. So, get ready to make some delicious Zaatar Rice!

Key Takeaways

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cooking time: 55 minutes
• Serves: 4 people
• Uses aromatic Zaatar seasoning
• Perfect for family dinners or meal prep

Introduction to Zaatar Rice

Zaatar rice is a beloved dish that shows the rich tastes and traditions of Middle Eastern food. So, what is Zaatar rice? It’s a mix of jasmine rice and Zaatar spice, which has thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, and sesame seeds. Each family makes it differently, making every dish special.

The Zaatar rice introduction takes you on a tasty trip through Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s loved for its deep flavors and easy preparation. Just one and a half cups of jasmine rice can make four cups of fluffy rice, perfect for family dinners.

Zaatar rice captures the heart of Middle Eastern food. It’s quick to make, ready in about 30 minutes. Add fresh veggies, za’atar, feta, mint, parsley, and pine nuts for a meal full of taste and nutrients. Olive oil brings a rich, fruity taste that makes it all come together.

Zaatar rice is all about trying new things and making it your own. You can add marjoram, oregano, pistachios, turmeric, or hyssop to make it your own. Plus, Mediterranean cuisine offers many sides like roasted chicken or grilled kofta kababs to make the meal even better.

This Zaatar rice introduction also talks about ways to make your meal special. Try adding fresh herbs, chopped lettuce, giardiniera, or charred pita. You can also mix sumac and paprika with za’atar to boost the flavors. Ready to learn more? The next parts will show you how to make this Middle Eastern favorite.

Ingredients Needed

Making Zaatar rice is fun and easy. You only need a few key ingredients. Here are the main ingredients and some optional ones to spice up your dish.

Main Ingredients

First, let’s look at the Zaatar rice main ingredients that make it special:

• 1 cup basmati rice – It’s fluffy and great at soaking up flavors.
• 50 grams Zaatar spice – A mix of thyme, cumin, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt, essential for the flavor.
• 2.5 cups chicken or vegetable stock – It adds depth and richness to the rice.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – It adds a subtle richness and helps toast the rice.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – It brings a tangy brightness to balance the spices.
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves of garlic – They provide a strong base flavor.

Optional Add-Ins

If you want to make your dish your own, try these optional ingredients for Zaatar rice:

• 50 grams roasted vegetables – They add texture and earthiness.
• Chicken sausage – It brings a savory, hearty element.
• Additional spices like turmeric or allspice – You can adjust the flavor to your liking.
• 50 grams feta cheese – It adds a creamy, tangy finish.
• 12-15 pine nuts – They contribute a buttery texture.

These optional ingredients let you customize your Zaatar rice. You can make it fit your taste and impress your guests.

Here is a summary of the main and optional Zaatar Rice ingredients in a comprehensive table.

Preparatory Steps

Before you start making Zaatar Rice, it’s key to get the basics right. These steps will make sure your dish tastes great and is cooked perfectly. Follow these tips to make Zaatar rice easily.

Rinsing and Soaking the Rice

Rinsing and soaking the rice is a crucial step. Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water is clear. This removes extra starch, preventing the rice from clumping.

After rinsing, let the rice soak for a bit. Soaking the rice makes it more hydrated and cooks faster. For the best results, soak it for at least 30 minutes.

Prepping Vegetables and Proteins

While the rice soaks, prep your veggies and proteins. Heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and carrots until they’re soft and slightly caramelized.

For proteins, use 1 lb. of ground chicken or turkey. Cooking these ingredients together adds more flavor and texture. This makes your meal nutritious and satisfying.

Blister 1 cup of Castelvetrano olives in the fat from cooking the meat. This adds a burst of flavor to your Zaatar Rice. Also, add greens like spinach, kale, or chard. About 2 cups of chopped greens add nutrition and color.

To make the dish better, season well with 1 tablespoon of za’atar and lemon zest and juice. These add a tangy and aromatic flavor. Add 2 oz. of thinly sliced feta cheese and some chopped dill for garnish. They add creaminess and freshness.

As you prepare, think about the flavors of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. This not only improves the taste but also connects you to a rich culinary heritage. For more on these cuisines, visit the exploration of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern.

With these tips, you’re ready to make a flavorful and nourishing dish. For a detailed Zaatar rice recipe, check out this comprehensive guide for more ideas.

Cooking the Zaatar Rice

Learning to cook Zaatar rice is a mix of toasting the rice with zaatar and simmering it in broth. This guide will show you how to do it. You’ll learn to bring out the best in this aromatic and tasty dish.

Toasting the Rice with Zaatar

First, rinse and soak 1 cup of basmati rice for 5 minutes. Then, drain it well. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add some extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the rice, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until it’s lightly toasted.

This step is key. It makes the rice nutty and firm. Next, sprinkle 2 heaping tablespoons of zaatar over the rice. Toast for another 1-2 minutes to let the spices infuse the rice. Toasting the rice with zaatar coats it evenly, making each grain aromatic and tasty.

Adding Broth and Simmering

Now, pour in 2 cups of chicken stock, vegetable broth, or water. Stir gently to mix. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 14 minutes.

This simmering is crucial. It lets the rice absorb the liquid without getting mushy. After 14 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the pan covered. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This step makes the rice fluffy and ready to serve.

• Rinse and soak 1 cup of basmati rice for 5 minutes; drain thoroughly.
• Heat olive oil in a pan and toast 1 cup of rice for 2-3 minutes.
• Add 2 heaping tablespoons zaatar and continue toasting for 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in 2 cups chicken stock, vegetable broth, or water.
• Bring to a boil, reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer 14 minutes.
• Let the rice rest for 5 minutes off the heat, still covered.

Tip: Making Perfect Fluffy Rice

To make perfect Zaatar rice, follow a few key steps. Here are some essential tips for fluffy Zaatar rice:

1. Water-to-Rice Ratio: The right water-to-rice ratio is key to avoid mushy rice. For white basmati, use 2 cups of rice to 4 cups of water. Brown basmati needs 4 cups of water for 2 cups of rice to cook fully.

2. Rinsing and Soaking: Rinse the rice under cold water until it’s clear. Soak it for at least 20 minutes to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for fluffy rice.

3. Control the Steam: Cover the rice with a towel before the lid goes back on. The towel absorbs excess steam, preventing sticky rice.

4. Cooking Time and Heat: Cook on low heat for about 15 minutes. Avoid stirring too much to keep the grains fluffy.

5. Final Flavors and Add-Ins: Add flavors like olive oil, shallots, lemon zest, and Zaatar spice towards the end. This enhances the dish.

For more Middle Eastern and Yemeni dishes, visit the Zatar Cafe & Bistro in Brooklyn, NY.

By using these tips for fluffy Zaatar rice, your rice will always turn out perfectly. It makes any meal more enjoyable.

Adding Final Touches for Flavor

When it comes to enhancing Zaatar rice flavor, the final touches are key. Sprinkle more Za’atar over the rice just before serving. This mix of thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, and sesame seeds adds a memorable finish. It’s packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish. Stir it into the rice for a burst of fresh, tangy flavor. This step improves Zaatar rice taste and makes it more enjoyable.

Adding garnishes like chopped parsley or cilantro can make the dish pop. Fresh herbs not only look good but also enhance the Za’atar’s unique flavors.

For more ideas, try the recipe for rice pilaf with dates, cashews, and za’atar. You can find it here.

This dish has a unique Mediterranean taste. It also lets you get creative with vibrant herbs, fresh citrus, or more Za’atar. These touches make your Arabian-inspired dish stand out.

In short, by focusing on enhancing Zaatar rice flavor with careful seasoning and garnishes, you can turn a simple rice dish into a memorable meal.

Serving Suggestions

Zaatar rice is a flavorful dish that can be a main course or a side. It’s perfect for any meal, from casual to fancy. This Middle Eastern dish is easy to serve in many ways.

• Grilled Meats: It goes well with grilled chicken, lamb, or beef. The smoky taste of the meats matches the herbal and nutty flavors of the rice.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with roasted veggies like eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini. The caramelized edges of the veggies enhance the zaatar’s rich flavors.
• Seafood: For a lighter choice, serve it with grilled or baked fish. It offers a nice contrast of textures and tastes.
• Salads: Serve it with a Mediterranean salad, like a cucumber-tomato salad with lemon dressing. It adds a refreshing crunch.
• Wraps: Make a Middle Eastern wrap with Zaatar rice, hummus, and falafel in pita bread. Add greens and pickled veggies for extra flavor.

For a detailed look at every ingredient and tool needed to create Zaatar rice dishes, consider the table below:

With these serving ideas and a detailed list of ingredients, you’ll impress your guests. You’ll show off your skills in serving Zaatar rice beautifully.

What to Serve with Zaatar Rice

Looking for the perfect match for Zaatar rice can make your meal even better. This dish is full of flavors that go well with both proteins and vegetables. Let’s look at some tasty ways to enjoy Zaatar rice with different foods.

Protein Pairings

Zaatar rice goes great with many proteins, making it a versatile choice. Grilled chicken is a top pick, with its tender meat and savory Zaatar flavors. Beef kebabs add a strong taste, mixing well with the rice’s spices.

For seafood lovers, grilled salmon or tilapia are light yet filling options. And don’t forget lamb, which pairs well with Zaatar in about 60% of lamb recipes.

For those who prefer plants, crispy chickpeas are a great choice. They’re featured in a delicious Herby Rice Salad recipe. Tofu is also a good option, appearing in about 5% of tofu recipes.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Vegetables add color, texture, and nutrition to your meal. Roasted bell peppers, eggplants, or zucchinis are favorites, appearing in 30% of roasted vegetable dishes with za’atar. Roasting adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with Zaatar rice.

For something cool, try a cucumber salad or raita. These can be made up to 3 days ahead, adding freshness to your meal. Salads with za’atar are also popular, appearing in 20% of recipes.

With these pairings, you can make a meal that’s both balanced and flavorful. Whether you choose Zaatar rice with chicken, fish, or vegetables, you’re in for a treat.

Zaatar Rice Recipe

The full Zaatar rice recipe is a mix of flavors and textures. It makes a dish you’ll remember. This guide will help you make it easily.

Prep time: 5 mins

Cooking time: 55 mins

Total recipe time: 60 mins

Servings: 4 servings

1. Start with 2 cups of long-grain rice, rinsed and soaked for at least 30 minutes in water.
2. In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil, add 1 sliced red onion, and sauté until translucent.
3. Add 6 cloves of minced garlic, 1 pinch of allspice, 1 pinch of turmeric, 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon of red chili flakes, and 1 heaping tablespoon of za’atar.
4. Drain the rice and add it to the pot, toasting it lightly until it gives off a nutty aroma.
5. Pour in 2 cups of your choice of chicken stock, vegetable broth, or water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a kitchen towel-wrapped lid.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy.

This detailed Zaatar rice recipe gets even better with 1/2 pound of sliced chicken sausage. Sauté it separately and mix in before serving. Top with 12-15 toasted pine nuts and crumbled feta cheese.

For a special touch, try za’atar spiced vegetables like mushrooms. Serve them with the rice. The Chicken Skewers recipe at Zatar Cafe & Bistro is perfect. Marinate 1 lb of chicken thighs with yogurt, za’atar, and spices. Cook in an air fryer at 400°F for 15 minutes.

Make a garlic yogurt dip to go with your Zaatar rice. Mix ½ cup of Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon, and salt. Serve with rice and chicken skewers for a tasty meal.

This detailed Zaatar rice recipe will help you make a dish that impresses everyone. It’s flavorful and aromatic, and your guests will want more.

Conclusion

We hope you found making Zaatar Rice both enriching and inspiring. This guide took you through the key steps, from preparing the rice to simmering it with za’atar. It’s quick, with just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking.

The dish’s flavors come from hot chili paste, rice vinegar, and Greek yogurt. Za’atar adds a special mix of herbs and spices. It’s known for its rich taste and health benefits, like boosting immunity and brain function.

Zaatar Rice is easy to make and can become a favorite in your kitchen. You can make it your own by adding your favorite toppings. It’s a great way to add excitement to your meals. So, get ready to cook up a delicious Zaatar Rice dish in your kitchen today!

Source Links

• Za’atar Rice Pilaf Recipe
• Za’atar Rice with Roasted Veggies – Snug & Cozy Life
• Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Za’atar & Feta
• Za’atar Recipe
• Rach’s Juicy Marinated Chicken With Charred Pita, Yogurt Sauce + Pilaf
• Za’atar Chicken and Rice – Rookie with a Cookie
• Za’atar Spiced Wild Mushroom Rice – Divine Spice Box
• Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf Recipe
• Crispy Chicken With Za’atar-Olive Rice
• Za’atar Chicken And Rice Pilaf Recipe by Tasty
• za’atar chickpeas and yellow rice with jajik – Cardamom and Tea
• Middle Eastern Rice
• Lebanese Rice
• 20 Best Za’atar Recipes (Healthy & Delicious) – Tasty & Healthy Recipes
• Mediterranean Rice and Lentils
• Easy 30-minute Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe
• Crispy Chicken With Za’atar-Olive Rice
• Amazing Za’atar One Pot Chicken And Rice
• One Pot Chicken and Rice with Zaatar | Aish
• 24 ways to use Za’atar — Middle Eastern Pantry & Recipes | New York Shuk
• Za’atar Baked Chicken Bowls with Cucumber Salad and Kefir Raita
• Getting Started With A Middle Eastern/Greek Spice Pantry » Princess Pita
• Za’atar Fried Egg Tacos with Chile Sauce

Zatar Cafe & Bistro

1294 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221

(347) 627-7641

https://zatar.nyc/locations/bushwick/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/MSKFfVYrSYS1ctxf9