Quick and Easy Za'atar and Labneh Spaghetti | Ham El-Waylly | NYT Cooking

Get Ham’s recipe: nyti.ms/3ThU8Tr
Ham El-Waylly is in the studio making his recipe for Za’atar and Labneh Spaghetti! Creamy labneh, a Middle Eastern yogurt, produces a pasta dish with the texture of an alfredo, but with a bright tang that brings levity. Labneh provides a rich, luscious texture, but strained yogurts, like Greek yogurt or skyr, work well as substitutes. Be sure to add the dairy at the end, and don’t let it come to a boil while you stir. Boiling will cause the yogurt to break, leaving you with a sauce that isn’t creamy or rich. If the pasta sauce tightens up and breaks from sitting for too long, pour in some reserved pasta water and stir vigorously over medium-low heat until the sauce comes back together, lusciously smooth, saucy and glossy.
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[@NYTCooking]

Get Ham’s recipe for Za'atar and Labneh Spaghetti: nyti.ms/3ThU8Tr

[@bertjones3010]

Now why would anyone want to pay for subscription to my times Cooking when you just gave us the recipe plus a bonus one?

[@christylawson4099]

HAM!!! So excited he’s on NYT solo. Don’t get me wrong, I love Solah and Ham together but I could just watch Ham cook all day. He’s so happy, down to earth and knows how to cook!

[@ctfddftba]

His little hand gestures are hella cute

[@Mary-bg4kx]

@@ctfddftba They are the same as Sohla's. I wonder who started it.

[@korydarlington]

I love how Sohla and Ham share mannerisms and vocabulary. The chef mind-meld is adorable!

[@wookyoftheyear]

When he tastes the pasta water and says "Wow!"

[@mammontustado9680]

I thought Sohla was mocking him 😅

[@Visitkarte]

@@mammontustado9680 I got the impression he was mocking Sohla… 😅

[@nancyblair6187]

I don't think I've ever heard Za'atar pronounced before. Learning things from the first sentence, and it just gets better from there! Thank you, Ham.

[@IDiggPattyMayonnaise]

Finding out how it was pronounced was literally the only reason I clicked the video.

[@rosedillon6645]

Za'atar the plant is very easy to grow in the Mid-Atlantic, in case anyone wants to go that direction. I'm in Philadelphia and we've been growing Lebanese za'atar for several years. It's good on everything.

[@rockpooladmirer]

yes!!!!! thank you!

[@jaxlaxsurprise]

That's a bit confusing to me, because it is a spice mix. Do you mean sumac or thyme?

[@TetrahedreX]

Za'atar is the name of an herb (or actually, a few related herbs). The spice mix takes its name from the herb, which is also known as "hyssop" or origanum syriacum (Syrian oregano). Confusingly, the term is also used to refer to the whole family of herbs that includes thyme, oregano, and savory. @@jaxlaxsurprise

[@zahrahusrieh3849]

@@jaxlaxsurprise Za'atar = Syrian thyme (Origanum syriacum). Sumac is just called sumac in Arabic. You use za'atar (plant) to make za'atar (spice).

[@PassiveAgressive319]

So glad Ham has his own show❤

[@jmanzo2009]

Going Ham would be a good name.

[@rhettdownen6873]

Sohla is one lucky lady. She and Ham are just the cutest dang chefs of all time.

[@MelvisVelour]

Growing up in a mixed Cuban/Lebanese household, we had some interesting mash ups like pseudo Alfredo though in our case it was lemon zest with the Labneh and black pepper and toum as opposed to sliced garlic. Toum/Lemon/Zaatar/Olive Oil make a great marinade for seafood before you grill it as well. Sahtain!

[@DizzyBusy]

I'd have thought labneh and toum to be like a hat on a hat, bu you're right! There's no reason those two wouldn't go together in a dish

[@MelvisVelour]

@@DizzyBusy my Teyta (Grandmother in Arabic) made a refreshing summer "soup" that was labneh, a small amount of toum which goes a long way, lots of cucumber and fresh mint. Occasionally she'd add some chopped tomatoes but either way, it was fantastic on a hot summer afternoon with some bread and za'atar in our home made olive oil.

[@DizzyBusy]

@@MelvisVelour Sounds yummy!

[@zazawitch]

@@DizzyBusyThe dish in this vid is very likely inspired by a super common Arab dish called macaroni w Laban. Laban (which is the unstrained form of labneh, so it’s closer to Greek yogurt in texture) was mixed with crushed garlic and salt and then mixed with the noodles. We didn’t heat the yogurt or anything. On the side, we’d cook some ground beef with pine nuts to top it. I didn’t always need it though. It’s like the Arab kraft dinner lol very nostalgic

[@CaptainC0rrupt]

@@MelvisVelour❤ khyar w laban aka cucumbers and yoghurt. This was my favorite to drink or to eat with rice and green fava beans.

[@Becausing]

Congrats to you and Sohla on the new baby, Ham!

[@shiraleeana]

These two are so similar. I can imagine Sohla saying “no offence to Italians. But actually yes offence to Italians” in the same way! And “wow”.

[@jennlody8306]

You can tell they spend a lot of time together, and it's adorable lol

[@TheArmachillo]

Genuinely got excited seeing Ham! His recipes are genius but approachable and simple in a good way

[@sabbathjackal]

There's an old saying " if you can't explain it in a simple way, you don't know it well enough "

[@TheAnnepedersen]

YAY HAM YAY!!!!!!!!!!! COME THRU COME BACK STAY FOREVER

[@devonrogers1338]

Watched this episode last night on the train after a few beers. Took what I had in the kitchen - greek yogurt, sour cream, za'atar seasoning, and garlic salt and threw it on some sauteed adult spinach w/ garlic slices. Oh boy oh boy didn't know how to use za'atar before this and now I'm educated.

[@maggieguth7280]

Yay Ham! Also so glad for za'atar recipes. I have a Lebanese mom who taught me nothing, so now thanks to Ham I get a little heritage with my pasta!

[@Nightriser271828]

My mom didn't teach me anything either, but she's Korean, lol.

[@rebeccamaher7850]

Yes please, more za'atar everywhere.

[@igiveupfine]

why do i read your name and immediately think "oh, this is Kal-el's brother from kansas that just went to culinary school. he's Ham El. ma and pa kent thought it would be good if kal had a brother to grow up with. so they adopted Ham too. when clark is having a rough day, he just goes down the street to this guys shop for a bowl of soup, and nice talk". edit: great recipes man. i bet the acidity from the yogurt goes great with the olive oil and garlic. i really want to get some yogurt and try this now. dang.

[@leilajaafari8436]

I’m Syrian and we pronounced it leb nay. Like Hams way. Bringing back happy memories of my grandmother

[@amyzae2502]

Clicked so fast and liked the video as soon as I saw it's Ham! I especially love all videos with Ham and Sohla working together.

[@PureStrongStyle]

Love seeing Ham make a vid, immaculate vibes on an extremely chill dude

[@eithlinn42]

So excited to see Ham get his own show!

[@betsylindsay8480]

Only thing better than watching Ham cook is having Sohla in the kitchen, too.

[@Ashley-xu1lk]

Aww, he said "Wow!" after taking a bite like Sohla! That's cute.

[@graefx]

"Tastey water flavored broth" Ive never heard before but thats basically exactly how I go about it. Perfect explanation. Dont make it taste like the ocean, make it taste good.

[@louisac8160]

so special to see more of Ham on this channel!! He is such a delight

[@natalieh1421]

my family serves any kind of pasta alongside a container of labne. great stuff! it instantly makes any dish so creamy and delicious, especially when you have a spicy sauce to mix it with

[@btdittberner]

I just made this- OMG it’s amazing. I love watching both Sohla and Ham. They both have a really clear and fun way of teaching cooking. My husband even wants to cook their recipes- Start Here is a MUST have cookbook

[@adnanroni]

My thoughts chronologically: 1. What the fish?? I love pasta and I love labneh-zaatar-pita but together?? intrigued!! 2. I thought Zaatar was just a different oregano?!? wow now I know! 3. I am loving him, who is this guy?? Last name matches with Sohla....hmmm.... 4. I too always spill water from the measuring cup!! Only way I found not to spll is to go slow 5. Yes!!, now I can use my leftover Labneh to make alfredo! 6. Question to Ham, which brand of labneh you use? the labneh varies a lot by brand/country of origin

[@jechithought]

Ham and Sohla are my favorite power couple

[@AndrewFStewart]

Love Ham! Clementine cooks better be next!

[@ashleys637]

I wholeheartedly approve of any and all Sohla and/or Ham content. Bring it on.

[@purpleyyy]

Ham's opening theme music is epically perfect *chef's kiss*

[@paulinetayag9758]

lovely to see ham! would love to learn more about mid eastern recipes

[@BlondLanfear]

Both of these look super delicious

[@janicedowson7793]

Yay for Ham!! He's awesome.

[@user-yk2gr8ep4i]

To all the vegan peeps, you can make labnah with plain soy yoghurt! Just strain it in a cheese cloth for a few days and you're set. It lasts about a week in the fridge once strained too.

[@gurlfriend9443]

loved this episode! I bought za'atar for the first time recently and it's incredible! I've been trying it on pretty much any savory dish. Looking forward to seeing more Ham!

[@marynroos]

Hooray for Ham! Love seeing you get your own spot. Super helpful informative and casual and most of all delightful!

[@marvinraphaelmonfort8289]

these look amazing! thankyou, ham!

[@chatterofmichelle]

Oh I'm ao excited. In Lebanon we have a yogurt pasta dish and this looks like a great variation of this!

[@ajap_]

New weekend night dinner has entered the rotation 🫡

[@katherineslattery2]

I love everything about this video!

[@armedvsokord]

I'd take more labnah za'tar recipes from Ham! This dish is amazing both fresh and cold as leftovers. We make it often from the short that was posted before. This is clearer and easier to follow.

[@nidhikulkarni5693]

Is it just me or does everyone see the effects of the relationship resemblance syndrome? Def seeing Sohla in Ham in this video ❤

[@whistlingwindshine]

Totally. All the same mannerisms.

[@robertcotrell9810]

I need to look into Za'atar and lebneh! They both sound tasty

[@wafahozien382]

Love this, super delicious! Zaatar is the best on everything, meat, sauces, etc.!

[@caleb3314]

I love Ham, and this dish is wonderful

[@liviniloap6229]

lets gooooo love to see ham doing his thing, looks delicious!

[@ahhhfakemonsters]

Definitely going to make this!!!! Looks amazing

[@oilygrossboy9313]

So cute imagining a 10-year-old Ham (in my mind, he still has a mustache,) making this!

[@gabrielcarvalho6354]

Absolutely love zaatar, definitely gonna try this recipe soon ❤️

[@nash1127]

This is a brilliant creation

[@danilincks5809]

I’d eat the heck out of this! Thanks for this interesting recipe!

[@abolijoshi5668]

What’s funny is, when I saw the garlic I thought it was the correct amount and maybe could use even more? Haha

[@marypeters1928]

Oooh these both look delicious!!

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

Looks tasty! I will prepare those. 🙏🏻 Thank ya

[@namelessdesires6979]

I’m so excited to see Ham with his own show

[@lisalisa1656]

my dear beautiful husband is egyptian//(I see ur half egyptian) and he is a chef//so love that you incorporating zataar and labna even though it's more a lebanese/syrian thing/they do somewhat do it in egypt//I eat it on bread a lot/salaam from Dearborn

[@ObjektFBC]

Ham!

[@m.-fp8rd]

Lovely episode Ham. I love the flavor of Za’atar so especially looking forward to making this. Congrats to both of you in your new Bebe.

[@ThePrayingManLadytra]

More Mystery Menu please!

[@atwostarhotel]

pleaseeeee yes

[@jcurry1125]

Yeah!! It's Ham! So glad to see him.

[@talkspookytome3053]

Yes!! i love seeing more za'taar recipes and also seeing more of Ham. As another commenter mentioned, he's like a male version of Sohla, they're perfect for eachother 😍

[@clare8871]

Buy Palestinian za'atar! It's the best ❤🇵🇸

[@onerainiday]

Brand please.

[@ayahdw863]

Sohla in male form, it's insane 😆. they're so perfect together

[@rebusbiggsesq.3666]

Ooooh - solo Ham! Hope NYT lets him get out of the box with his recipes

[@zahraseyam4582]

Love how he's actually pronouncing it right! Love transforming these staples.

[@thelauraby]

This might be my dream pasta 🧡

[@ManJamLyn27]

Alright, this has done it- I’ve got to try labneh now!!

[@jayjaysss]

In lebanon we use laban instead of labne(the non-strained version) add garlic and dried mint! all topped with fried pinenuts.

[@rockpooladmirer]

omg that sounds so good

[@jayjaysss]

@@rockpooladmirer it is SO good. I usually sauté the pasta with some garlic and olive oil. On the side mix yogurt, fresh garlic,dried mint and salt. Mix it up and top it with fried pine nuts. So good and cheap!

[@fieramiraculorum2753]

We always cooked a similar dish at home (sicily) with fresh sheep ricotta, spaghetti, a ton of fresh olive oil and some oregano, basil or whatever herb was at hand. Please keep doing this type of dishes! Will try it with za'atar soon as well

[@1114gg]

Dear @PYREX, please improve the pour spout on your liquid measuring vessels. Excellent recipes, Ham. Thank you.

[@sfllaw]

8:40 “Wow!” They both exclaim it in exactly the same way, for exactly the same reason!

[@Terri_MacKay]

I love the tanginess of labneh, and I cant wait to try the Pseudo Alfredo. It looks like a quick and delicious dish...with a salad,mit would be a perfect fast dinner.

[@unstoppabledoris]

Omg I will have to give this a try !

[@thomasdecarlo8543]

It was kosher salt … BIG difference than processed table salt. You can use 2 to 2 1/2 times kosher salt compared to processed table salt

[@mariea1431]

I'll take both!!❤

[@Voteblue-gq5eh]

HAM! Excellent!

[@mel-cam]

Ham is such a fun chef to watch

[@tatechavez7651]

Something NYT conveniently forgot to mention - For Palestinians, za'atar has historical significance; some consider its presence to be a sign of a Palestinian home.[30] For Palestinian refugees, plants and foods such as za'atar also serve as signifiers of the house, village, and region from which they hailed.[31] In 1977, an Israeli law was passed declaring it a protected species.[32][33] Violators are subject to fines. Some Arab citizens of Israel (who traditionally picked the wild herbs[33]) have described the legislation as "almost anti-Arab".[34] The ban on picking wild za'atar is also enforced in the West Bank. In 2006, za'atar plants were confiscated at IDF checkpoints.[35][36]

[@YRMW1983]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@rockpooladmirer]

thank you for adding this and pushing back. the NYT is Zionist to the core. and the endless Thanksgiving content on this YT channel should be a sign for anyone of their stances on colonial narratives and Indigenous liberation (not aimed at you at all BTW just a broader relevant point).

[@rockpooladmirer]

this. NYT is Zionist and colonialist to its core (outside of its reporting on the genocide, see the endless Thanksgiving content on this channel)

[@eyalurim]

The law was changed in 2019 and now anyone can pick small quantities in the wild for personal use. No one is preventing anyone from growing zaatar or from buying it from a store. You yourself conveniently presented a distorted picture!

[@YRMW1983]

Do you hear yourself? @@eyalurim The criminalisation and complete ban has been slightly amended in 2019 (thanks to the effort of Palestinians btw) after decades of injustice. But since the pandemic, the policy (that allowed the picking in some areas) has been suspended and the former ban is still being enforced which affects Palestinians.

[@foreverwantingpie]

Wowww that looks amazing

[@wupsidasy]

“I trust nobody” 😂😂 Love this!

[@CaptainC0rrupt]

Reminds me a bit of spaghetti in yogurt and dry mint sauce which my grandma used to make for me in the summer in lebanon.

[@MrMusicKid87]

I love Ham!!!! More Ham!!!

[@mmps18]

This look tasty and interesting!!

[@anniebell6846]

And dad !!!❤

[@madelineS98789]

Love Ham Solo!!!

[@whistlingwindshine]

Three cheers for Ham! Keep him coming back.

[@annavizard970]

Hi Ham! I want to try to make this. Thank you.

[@nics2875]

Ham is the BEST!

[@BenGoshawk]

Man, this looks good!

[@Mayah862]

Love!

[@Anonymous58815]

We just tried this and it was so good! Next time I think I'll add some za'atar-seasoned grilled chicken.

[@godbelow]

"Show some restraint" with five HEAPING huge spoonfuls of salt.

[@giacomobras]

The level of self control 🤣🤣🤣

[@chipskylark172]

Your pasta water needs to be salty otherwise it’s bland and gross lol and you’re not eating all that salt anyway so go for it

[@frankyates5412]

...made Molly Baz look salt-phobic!

[@godbelow]

@@frankyates5412 lol seriously! These chefs are desensitized to how much salt they use in everything

[@unredeemabledumbass3953]

@@godbelowThe trick is to not drink the water

[@jessxash]

Love you Ham!

[@colettearmstrong1484]

Love a Ham video!!

[@christievega5052]

We love Chef Ham!

[@justalittleguy733]

love ham sm

[@seasfas]

I love that he always wears that Clementine hat!!!

[@13robj]

YESSS, I NEED MORE HAM!!!

[@pixiegeek]

perfect amount of garlic!