Make Your Meals 10x TASTIER With Palestinian Za'atar

The people of Palestine have so much love and pride for their Zaatar. It's an essential part of their cuisine that is uniquely blended in every town and region. It ties them to their heritage and that's why it's such an important food. There's no other spice blend that tastes remotely similar, and it is one of the most flavour-packed foods on earth. Today I'll show you three non-traditional uses for it, that you can apply to your everyday cooking.
2.2 million people in Gaza are under siege with no food, water, electricity, or medicine. I urge you to join me in supporting these charities providing aid to the civilians and children of Gaza:
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without borders): www.msf.org/donate
Palestine Children's Relief Fund: www.pcrf.net/
Buy Palestinian Zaatar here: geni.us/PalestinianZaatar
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Zaatar Grilled Cheese:
2 slices bread
2 Tbsp Mayo
1-2 Tbsp zaatar
As much cheese as you want
Zaatar Pasta:
300g linguine
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves (sliced)
1 tbsp za’atar
1 tsp chilli flakes
1 tsp sumac
1/2 tsp black pepper
50g labneh
~200ml pasta water
salt to taste (depends on how salty your labneh and za’atar are)
extra za’atar for garnish
Za’atar Chicken traybake - Recipe by @Salma_Cooks_ :
4 chicken legs
2 red onions
1 lemon
6 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp za’atar
1 tbsp sumac
3 tsp salt
1.5 tsp black pepper
1 tsp allspice
700g potatoes

[@BongEats]

✊🏾 with Palestine from Bengal.

[@dipropraubha9434]

Damn right🇧🇩✊🏽✊🏽

[@habibieats]

Been following you since you started this channel after I saw a post of yours on reddit years ago. As a Palestinian, it's so good to see you unequivocally support Palestine and showcase Levantine food to the world. Appreciate everything that you do!

[@m.f.3347]

In Libya they make croissants filled with cream cheese, honey and za'atar! so good

[@TheJohnreeves]

Sweet za'atar, that sounds amazing!

[@MiddleEats]

Yessss, zaatar croissants are amazing

[@mintykiwi]

i love croissants i wish i could try this

[@sunshineseaandvitamind8620]

Wow that sounds so delicious! 😍

[@BoyKhongklai]

Omg why don't we have those

[@sheren2579]

Prayers to the beautiful people of Palestine 🇵🇸 !

[@marsbeads]

🙌

[@RH-hy7we]

My heart breaks for the people of Palestine.

[@marsbeads]

@@RH-hy7we Yes

[@msgtwarmonger3603]

Palestine doesn’t exist as a place. When you do archeological digs, you ONLY find Israeli artifacts going back many thousands of years…

[@hollydaugherty2620]

Should be breaking for everybody.

[@SamwiseOutdoors]

Solidarity, friends. Thank you for using your humble cooking show to share resources to offer aid to the people of Palestine.

[@TurkeySub-wq6zl]

Jews and Palestinians refuse to be enemies. I pray for the day in the future where we can live together, side by side, cousin with cousin. Saalam and Shalom to all my Muslim and Jewish brothers and sisters. Thanks for sharing your incredible food with us @Middle Eats

[@happydillpickle]

❤️

[@guieming3018]

Couldn’t say it any better We want Hummus not Hamas!

[@happydillpickle]

@@guieming3018 We want pomegranates, not grenades and arugala, not rockets!

[@guieming3018]

100%@@happydillpickle

[@guieming3018]

westerners won't understand the smart wordplay@@happydillpickle

[@lucaalbertorizzo4114]

Thanks for this video and your support for the people of Palestine. I am Italian and married to a Lebanese so I consider myself a proud "self certified expert in improper usage of Za'atar" 😁. Other then your great suggestions (please guys try Za'atar mayo), here are some I experimented with and I do semi regularly: - baked potatoes covered with Za'atar - bruschetta with a Za'atar and oil layer on the bottom - tomato, cumber salad with Za'atar, oil and salt - Za'atar & tahini sauce for any fish (yes I know this is particularly blasphemous) - pasta, aglio, olio e Za'atar (please don't tell my grandma) 😂

[@SamSam-yb3ls]

Well said, Khuya. I've cried so many times these last two weeks, but there is always hope and the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice. I recently bought some Za'atar, but will purchase the Palestinian blend to try, 'cause that sandwich has left me salivating!!!

[@MiddleEats]

Thank you. Know that we aren't crying alone!

[@necroprankster524]

thank you so much for keeping palestinian culture thriving through incredible food

[@robinaahmad4101]

I remember my first time eating Zaatar at 9 years old having no idea what it was. My mom sprinkled it all over my bagel with cream cheese and thought it was delicious! I had to ransack my brain to figure out what that tasty stuff and finally found out it was a spice called Zaatar! Immediately bought myself a package!!!! :D Came across your videos and want to thank you for sharing these delicious recipes and showing the beauty of Palestine. My heart aches for them every day.

[@catpyjamas]

Thanks bro for having the courage to speak out in a time where witch hunts are carried out against anyone who speaks the truth, or who speaks against the barbarism of genocide against innocents. I hope your channel reaches the millions of subscribers it deserves, and I'm proud to be a viewer and subscriber of your channel, you're a real treasure.

[@ImberFatalis]

Sooooo... who was it who slaughtered, raped, beheaded and burned a bunch of civilians while having "kill all the jews" in their charta again? You might have something confused there!

[@jasminach6205]

I love your channel so much and THANK YOU for using this platform to bring attention to the terrible things happening. We need more people like you. All the love to you both ❤

[@hussamkamel4001]

Respect for having the courage to speak for humanity and dignity. Having said that zaatar is massively underrated and thanks for the great ideas.

[@AhmedEtman79]

Thanks Obi for using your platform to support the children and the victims.

[@7oodaBondok]

These all look delicious as usual on Middle Eats. Definitely need to try that sandwich. Also keep up representation as it should be. Food is integral to culture and preservation of identity 👌🏼

[@annahuber1059]

So much love and appreciation for your use of your channel to humanize your people and fellows, and that you have not shied away from addressing modern conflicts. Za'atar is special in our family because it's one of the classic foods "Sito" shared. To his Texan children, breakfast bread dipped in it became anglicized as Zeiter-Zatar, and he always loved to add a touch of sumac for tang.

[@meghannmcallister-oday4697]

It's beautiful what you're doing to raise up the people in Palestine. ❤

[@dakotaf1479]

Thank you Middle Eats - you are who introduced me to koshari, which is now one my favourite foods! I will be getting some Palestinian zaatar. Solidarity and prayers for Palestine from Turtle Island. ❤️

[@1midnightfish]

I used to volunteer at a food co-op in London and we started buying products that were certified as coming from Palestinian-owned farms - I've been using Zaatar ever since! Thank you for this video, as vegan as I am I really enjoyed it and took inspiration from it (though I must confess to skipping the chicken recipe). ❤ Palestine ❤

[@ellenyoung9223]

Thank you for your heartfelt words. May war end and the people find peace.

[@BlankieBeauty123]

Thank you for posting. Ive been looking for more Palestinian food.

[@rauaal-mudhaffar3109]

Well done and thank you so much. You spoke from the heart. Prayers to the people in Palestine. Our hearts are with you. Being of Arab origin shouldn’t be labelled a stigma like the media is trying to project to us. Our heritage should make us proud and yet aware of the truth. Salam from an Iraqi woman born and raised in Germany

[@kgallchobhair]

I bought about a liter of Za'atar a bit ago and put in almost everything. It's like gold! Free Palestine, btw, end the genocide, apartheid and displacement! ✊

[@ChristineAqel]

Just thought I would check out the latest from one of my favorite youtubers. Imagine my escalating a pleasant surprise as I saw 1. Zaatar 2. Palestinian zaatar 3. Support for Palestinians and 4. Anthony Bourdain RIP. This is the first time a food video has made me tear up. Sometimes Palestinians feel so unseen and dehumanized. Thank you for this content and for letting Palestinians know that they are not alone/unseen. Top notch. 🥹

[@IsSarahPi]

Thank you for this, I love zaatar. I bought some from a nearby shop because it said "produce of Palestine" and I love putting it on potatoes.

[@vitreousspaghetti]

I discovered Za'atar this summer thanks to this channel and it was a revelation, it helped me with many foods and preparations, unique. As an Italian I must say that it is not far from our flavours, it is clear that we are all Mediterranean in the end

[@Suedetussy]

Aside from recipes with Zatar, i learned so many hacks again. Also, i agree with cooking as sharing of cultures and politics dehumanizing people. My heart goes to all people, who suffer under any kind of political decisions, whether they‘re from Palestine, Israel, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, ... It‘s the average people like you and me, who pay the price, nit the people, who wage war or violence.

[@maryb9745]

alf shukr not only for some fun and easy ways to encorporate Za'atar into daily recipes but also for a link so that we may purchase Palestinian Za'atar. Truly appreciate you taking the time to acknowledge the horrific actions and violence underway against Palestinian civilians. Much appreciated and keep up the good work! ps. I'd been using Za'atar for roasted veggies so I very much appreciate seeing it in the tray bake here. 💖

[@Dr.NadiaMaarouf]

Thank you for making this beautiful video and THANK YOU for supporting Palestine! Thinking of the Palestinians every minute of the day and sleep is hard thinking of terrors they are all going through. Stay Strong Palestine, Justice will prevail. Millions and millions of moral citizens of world are with you all in spirit...

[@friendosal6017]

First, thank you always for sharing your creative recipes with us. I started using Za'atar a few years ago during the pandemic when I started cooking more at home, meal-prepping for a single person and exploring flavors I liked from Middle Eastern cuisine, never knowing how to replicate restaurant dishes. Ah, KZbin to the rescue! I love your channel I make a mean roast vegetable Za'atar sheet pan with a sweet potato, multicoloured carrots, whole garlic cloves, red pepper, zucchini, red onion, and sometimes eggplant (adding veg according to how long they need to roast). I add Za'atar at several steps, but especially in the last 10 minutes of roasting. I serve over rice with a drizzle of dressing made from tahini, maple syrup or honey, lemon juice, olive or sesame oil and a bit of water. I add finely cut mint and flat leaf parsley and some pan-toasted pistachios and pine nuts for garnish, extra flavor and protein from the nuts. Your chicken dish in this video would be perfect when I have guests! The preparation and flavors would go togthether so well. Thank you! Second, it churns my stomach at the level of atrocities we humans are able to commit towards one another. There is a part of me that just doesn't get it and perhaps never will. Thank you for your bravery in speaking to this. Doctors without Borders (Medicins sans Frontieres) I have given to in the past, and especially now will contribute more. Thank you!

[@loati94]

I LOVE toasting a slice of bread and putting hummus on it, then sprinkle a good amount of Zaatar on it and a drizzle of olive oil. It makes any store bought hummus automatically super tasty lol

[@MK-gy1ug]

Make hummus yourself! Super delicious and easy and then you don’t have to sprinkle anything over it to mask the taste!

[@loati94]

@@MK-gy1ug I know! I have been wanting to do it myself for a while but I dont own a food processor. Homemade must be delicious though. If the day Im able to make it myself it comes out half as good as the one I can get at a syrian restaurant in my city I will feel very acomplished.

[@MK-gy1ug]

@@loati94 I’m 1/2 Lebanese and 1/2 Syrian and it’s illegal for me to buy it in a tub! Lol I did once just a taste it and I just had to throw it out! I don’t know where you are from, but out here in the states we have a mini food processor. Super small and it’s like $20 bucks! Be well!

[@childrenssoup]

Thank you so much for this video, every part of it 💜 you consistently demonstrate the essential connection between food and culture (in addition to how delicious it may be of course)

[@sanjida_hasan]

Thank you for speaking out ❤ More Zaatar and Sumac recipes please. As a student, I had to stay in Egypt for nearly a year in Cairo & Alexandria. While returning, I brought zaatar and sumac with me but don't know how to use them properly. So more recipes will be really helpful ❤ Peace & Prayers for Palestinians ❤

[@pamelagileno5483]

I have Palestinian Olive oil and Palestinian za'atar on order as I type this! Can't wait to make authentic Palestinian cuisine. FREE PALESTINE!!! ✊🏻

[@adithimahesh7187]

The resilience of the Palestinian people never fails to amaze me. I read Dima Seelawi's write up on Palestinian olive oil - I immediately rushed to the kitchen for some bread and Za'atar. Za'atar is something I'm very fond of since I've eaten it since a lot as a child expat prior to moving back home ten years ago. It's a crucial part of my favourite foods. An easy and very delicious weekend breakfast was just a Za'atar croissant from the Lebanese bakery in our neighbourhood. So much so that I picked up a giant bag of the herb mix on a trip there about a year and a half ago. Yes I still freeze it, store it and use it when I can and try to keep it and the sumac for as long as possible. Thanks for such a lovely lovely video - your channel is a love letter to the Middle East. The generosity of its people, the delicious food and the unbeatable hospitality (rivaled only by South Indians like me I think :D). I can't remember ever not being offered a snack everytime I turned up unannounced at my Arab/Levantine friends' houses as a very young child. Such warm and friendly people. The fever-pitched Islamophobia in my country breaks my heart. We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@ro2670]

I made preserved lemons six weeks ago and opened them yesterday. I made the pasta dish with za’atar and my preserved lemons and a little crushed garlic. It was delicious!! From The River To The Sea!!🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@martengoo6187]

Huge Respect to you, man, and thanks for sharing Free Palestine ❤

[@lovinglife419]

Za’atar is just ✨👌🏽perfect and bright! Thanks for these ideas! Praying for Palestine 🇵🇸 Thanking Palestinians for teaching me through their resilience and faith.

[@TragoudistrosMPH]

Food is such a great way to humanize people who have been so cruelly and historically neglected.

[@BShoe1111]

Great video, I have never used zaatar before but I'm going to find some Palestine zaatar tomorrow. Peace man. ✌️

[@alementary4065]

I have never once considered coating my bread with mayonnaise before frying. What a great idea.

[@AyasPaperCrafts]

Thank you for your humanity ❤️‍🩹

[@maiynnai]

Omg, we add zaatar to everything. It's the absolute best.

[@ShayanGivehchian]

Can you do a similar video with harissa

[@MiddleEats]

Great idea, I love harissa!

[@snoot_mcgoot]

Prayers & solidarity with Palestine 🍉 🇵🇸 may the Palestinian people see freedom, peace, and justice! Let us continue to fight to turn the tide for Palestine so this vision becomes a reality.

[@TheJohnreeves]

Thanks so much for your words about Palestine. I appreciate someone coming out with an unequivocal show of support. Also, I'm absolutely going to make that grilled cheese asap. I bought some Za'atar recently (I think because of your labneh balls video), and haven't known how to use it elsewhere.

[@MiddleEats]

Thank you for being so generous. Zaatar is super easy to use as an ingredient in marinades or sauces, and even as a spice for flavouring everyday foods

[@rubinarana4996]

Gorgeous food. Amazing beautiful brave and resilient people on earth. Lots of duas from Pakistan.

[@awoods9793]

I had Za'atar for the fist time last year. I used it in almost every dish I made until it was used up. It's so versatile. 🇵🇸

[@sunshineseaandvitamind8620]

Make a mixture of olive oil and za'tar then spread on Arabic bread or naan and then put some low moisture mozzarella and some feta, grill so yummy this is the most common way it is eaten or just dip bread in oil then za'tar.

[@Alnakera]

This put a huge smile on my face. God bless you guys!

[@From.the.river.to.the.sea23]

From the river to the sea 🇵🇸

[@itcouldbelupus2842]

Palestine will be free

[@lui5gif]

Perfect timing, just this week I was thinking I had to lookup some za'atar recipes to go through the bag I bought a while ago ❤🇵🇸

[@Fudgeey]

Thank you for using your platform to raise awareness on human suffering. I am very uninformed about the conflicts in Gaza and the reasons why conflict is ongoing, but I understand people are hurting deeply, and lives are in peril. I enjoy your recipes, and I will continue to seek out your content for my favorite Middle-Eastern dishes. I recently bought a bottle of Za'atar and I've been wondering how to use it.

[@debbycoley]

Prayers for peace in Palestine and beyond.

[@RoddieH]

Yay for Al-Khalil! My father was born there in 1938.

[@mayan53742]

Thank you for using your platform for good ❤

[@UnitedCuisines]

Great episode! Getting my Za'atar spice mix right away. Peace!

[@sdega315]

Za'atar is one of my all time favorite spice blends! That chicken looks amazing. And thank you for your support of the Palestinian people!

[@mnm25479]

Thank you! This is so helpful!

[@skhan1072]

Love Za atar. Thanks for the great video.

[@pinstripeowl]

The idea of that zaatar toasted sandwich looks lush, I'll definitely be trying that soon when i get in. Thank you for this video ❤

[@decemberclouds]

Thank you soooo much for this video and sharing these recipes. Your comments and support are amazing.

[@jeannerogers7085]

O zattar! Wonderful stuff, a superb herb/spice blend.

[@sephestra.]

Thank you thank you thank you. I have a 1L jar that is filled to the top with za'atar because I have no self control when it comes to spices and dried herbs.

[@henningsouz2833]

Respect for supporting Palestine

[@maiynnai]

Thank you for speaking about Palestine ❤ free free Palestine

[@leecurmi7416]

Thank you for your amazing content and kind words mate ❤

[@BartFlossom]

Long live Middle Eats. Long live Palestine. R.I.P. Anthony Bourdain.

[@jimmyrrpage]

Would you consider doing a video on how to make za'atar at home? Maybe go over the special thyme used and show off a few different blends?

[@s-boy4613]

This. I love making my own spice blends and I'd love to try making Za'atar myself

[@mariapaulastepanian9930]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@JezaPyrite]

❤ thank you for talking about Palestine. I find it hard to fathom how people can be so cruel to each other but people like you restore my faith in humanity. Also your oven door is amazing. To hide underneath like that 🤯. I have been burnt several times having to reach over a door folding out into the room.

[@BigboiiTone]

I'm amazed this video didn't get taken down actually. But im glad it's here cause I watch these with my mom and I was able to explain some things to her because of this

[@lilmisskay2]

Awesome video! Thank you for making this and teaching me how to use the za’atar that has been collecting dust in my kitchen cabinets ❤

[@mrhappyfoot]

What a wonderful message, solidarity my friend ✊🏾🌹 As a man of half english half persian ancestry people are always uncomfortable when I talk about my persian background, even if its just the food.

[@Essaslam]

Thank you for using your platform 🇵🇸

[@lovelylittlegirl3332]

I have been wanting to start incorporating za’atar and sumac into my cooking lately and didn’t know there was a Palestinian variety. Just purchased some from a local Palestinian business. May Allah show us the day where Palestine will be free, ameen❤

[@oriana-laurahoward5497]

Having lived in Egypt for 4 years your recipes are perfect for when I get nostalgic. If you take requests may I ask for a dish? I don't know the name but it's a beef and pea tomato stew served over Egyptian rice 😊. Keep up with the amazing videos and recipes, and enjoy your day!

[@michellebianca550]

Ever since I I've had a large bottle of za'atar I love it in a grilled chicken marinade with pomegranate molasses, olive oil and vinegar 🤤

[@robinartemis8695]

I haven’t thought of using Za’atar this way. Thank you ❤

[@donnavorce8856]

Just what I was looking for. Thank you. And by the way: Doctors Without Borders is on my list now. What I decided to do this year is divert ALL the x-mas gift money to people who truly need help and gifts.

[@donnavorce8856]

followup: Made za'ater and it's truly amazing. Used home organic herbs and had to buy a few things - the sumac. But your assessment of this spice blend was right on. This is a great blend.

[@fenshipismagic]

really appreciate your statement here, thanks for speaking up and making good videos as always

[@brettmoore6781]

YES! This is exactly what we needed! Thank you!

[@richatdastkey3555]

outside of making it myself in my area I dont have access to za'aatar. that being said I'm already thankful for this video for teaching me this specific method of grilled cheese. prayers for Gaza

[@arsenicbug1537]

Thank you for the recipes and using your platform to promote assistance to the Gaza civilians under fire.

[@jvader2984]

Thanks!

[@sparky3728]

It’s beautiful seeing creators showing support for Palestine In a Time filled with anti-Palestinian media and misinformation it’s amazing seeing those showing their support for Palestine and those in Gaza

[@gsacki2010]

I appreciate you using your platform. 🙏🏼 Will be trying these recipes. May Palestine be free. May there be lasting peace in the Middle East soon.

[@kera-oregan]

Great video and great purpose. Aroha and solidarity with Palestine from Aotearoa New Zealand

[@sheren2579]

Thank you for your work

[@kyproset]

Thank you for introducing Za'atar to me. I bought some and it's an incredible mix. I wonder how I lived so far without knowing it.

[@rarted5708]

Dude so I bought the za'atar you recommended and it's pretty much my favorite spice blend. This stuff is bang on.

[@hallotschuss4177]

Thank you, Obi ♥

[@ad-zj3yv]

Thank you for this. Love your dishes

[@vanessaclark3997]

Free Palestine ❤ bought some zaatar, glad I found your video to figure out how to use it

[@cyberspearmint]

Amazing content and much respect for you. Free Palestine!

[@ImberFatalis]

from what exactly?

[@rorlanzino]

I may quite literally eat all three of these this weekend. These are amazing and innovative recipes. Thank you. 🇵🇸 ❤

[@MatthijsvanHalteren]

I am going to make the chicken tray bake for my sunday roast tomorrow! I have stored lots of za'atar here, I use it a lot!

[@grimaffiliations3671]

lovely stuff

[@justalittleguy733]

thanks so much for all these palestine video!

[@bakersbooks]

I have a canister of za'atar I've been trying to get through before it starts losing flavor too badly-the grilled cheese idea is so smart! That pasta recipe will also be a hit if I get around to it. Solidarity and love to Palestine, always. ❤🖤🤍💚

[@Sarah-vo1rh]

These look amazing! If I can find some zaatar where I live I'll have to try them. Thank you for the suggestions for where to donate to support aid to Gaza, too.

[@VVilde36]

I LOVE YALL