Irresistible Zaatar Bruschetta: A Perfect Appetiser or Snack
Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with Zaatar Bruschetta, a delightful twist on the classic Italian appetiser. This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines the flavours of tangy sumac, aromatic zaatar leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, all served on a crispy baguette base. With its vibrant colours and enticing flavours, Zaatar Bruschetta is a perfect appetiser or snack that will transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
The foundation of this flavourful creation is the bread base. Slices of baguette are brushed with a mixture of olive oil and minced garlic, creating a paste that adds a hint of garlic-infused richness to the bread. The slices are then toasted in the oven until they become crispy and golden, providing a perfect canvas for the vibrant toppings.
The topping for Zaatar Bruschetta is a delightful combination of ingredients that bring a burst of flavours and textures. Finely sliced onions are marinated with sumac, a tangy spice that adds a unique citrusy note. The sumac-infused onions create a flavourful foundation for the dish.
Zaatar leaves, known for their distinct herbal flavour, are added to the mix, providing an aromatic and earthy taste that complements the other ingredients. Cherry tomatoes, halved to reveal their juicy sweetness, add a burst of freshness and colour to the bruschetta. Crumbled Greek feta cheese brings a creamy and salty element, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the overall flavour profile.
The final touch is a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, enhancing the flavours and creating a well-balanced taste sensation. Each bite of Zaatar Bruschetta is a delightful explosion of flavours and textures, from the crispiness of the bread to the tanginess of the sumac and the herbaceous notes of the za’atar.
This appetiser is perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quick and flavourful snack. Serve the Zaatar Bruschetta as a delightful addition to a mezze platter. So, embrace the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean and savour the delightful combination of sumac-spiced onions, aromatic zaatar leaves, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese on a crispy baguette base. Zaatar Bruschetta is a culinary delight that will transport you to the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast with every bite.
Basic Ingredients for Zaatar Bruschetta
Bread Base:
Baguette: The baguette serves as the base for the bruschetta, providing a crispy and sturdy texture to hold the toppings.
Olive Oil: The olive oil is used to create a garlic-infused paste that is brushed onto the baguette slices, adding flavour and enhancing the overall texture.
Topping:
Onion: The finely sliced onion adds a sweet and savoury element to the bruschetta, providing a flavorful base for the other ingredients.
Sumac: Sumac is a tangy spice that brings a unique citrusy flavour to the dish, adding brightness and depth.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used in the marinade for the onions, enhancing their flavour and providing a smooth and rich texture to the overall topping.
Zaatar Leaves: Zaatar leaves are the highlight of this bruschetta, offering an aromatic and herbaceous taste that is characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine.
Cherry Tomatoes: The halved cherry tomatoes provide a burst of freshness, juiciness, and vibrant colour to the dish.
Greek Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy and salty element, balancing the flavours and adding richness to the bruschetta.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brings a refreshing citrus tang to the dish, brightening the overall flavour profile.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These seasonings help to enhance and balance the flavours of the toppings.
Preparation Tips for Zaatar Bruschetta
- Toasting the Baguette: Make sure to slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices and toast them until they become crispy and golden, but not overly browned, to ensure a sturdy base for the toppings.
- Marinating the Onions: Allow the sliced onions to sit with the sumac and olive oil for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together and the onions to soften slightly.
Serving Tips for Zaatar Bruschetta
- Assembly: Spoon the zaatar mixture onto each toasted baguette slice, ensuring an even distribution of the toppings. Garnish with additional herbs or a sprinkle of sumac for an extra pop of flavour.
- Accompaniments: Serve the zaatar bruschetta as part of a mezze platter or appetizer spread. It pairs well with other Mediterranean dishes, such as hummus, tabbouleh, or grilled vegetables.
storage tips
Leftovers: If you have any leftover zaatar bruschetta, it’s best to consume it immediately to maintain the freshness and texture. However, you can store the leftover toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reassemble the bruschetta before serving by toasting fresh slices of baguette.
Zaatar Bruschetta
Ingredients
Bread Base
- 1 pc baguette, sliced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
Topping
- 1 onion, finely sliced
- 2 tsp ground sumac
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups zaatar leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup Greek feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 lemon, juiced
- salt
- black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 200°C. Cut the baguette into ½-inch slices.Mix the olive oil and garlic to make a paste and brush over the baguette slices. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl combine the onions, sumac and olive oil, and allow to sit for about 10minutes. Remove the zaatar leaves from the stem, wash and thoroughly dry. Add the zaatar leaves, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese and lemon juice to the onion mix, and season with salt and pepper.
- On each slice of toasted baguette add a spoonful of the zaatar mix and serve.
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