Za’atar Dipping Oil
FAQ
What is Za’atar?
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend usually made with herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac. The exact blend can vary depending on the recipe or brand.
Can I make Za’atar Dipping Oil ahead of time?
Yes. Making it ahead lets the flavours blend together. Just cover and store in the fridge until ready to use. Bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Can I change the ingredients?
Absolutely. Adjust the garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes to suit your taste. You can also swap the Kalamata olives for another Mediterranean-style olive if you prefer.
What else can I use Za’atar Dipping Oil for?
Use it with bread, pita, or flatbread, or drizzle it over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or salads.
Chef’s Tips
- Start with a good quality, extra virgin olive oil since it’s the main flavour in the recipe.
- Let the dipping oil sit for 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to blend.
- Taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve at room temperature, for best flavour.
Za’atar Dipping Oil
Za’atar Dipping Oil is a simple way to add a lot of flavour with just a handful of ingredients. Olive oil, briny Kalamata olives, fresh herbs, garlic, and warm za’atar spice come together for a savoury dip that’s made for crusty bread, pita, or homemade flatbread. It’s an easy appetizer to put together whenyou need something simple, or a great way to add extra flavour to a meal.
Ingredients
- 350 ml Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 100 g Kalamata olives pitted, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp Za’atar spice see below for homemade recipe
- 1 Handful fresh parsley roughly chopped
- 2 Garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Flaky sea salt to taste
- Cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the minced Garlic, chop the Kalamata olives, parsley and rosemary, set aside till ready to use.
- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Add the za’atar, chopped olives, garlic, parsley, and red pepper flakes to the bowl.
- Sprinkle in flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the dipping oil to a shallow dish and serve with warm crusty bread, pita, or flatbread.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftover dipping oil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended. It can affect the texture of the fresh herbs and olive oil.
- Serving again: Let the dipping oil come back to room temperature and stir well before serving.
- The olive oil may thicken slightly when chilled, which is normal.
Tried this recipe?
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Mention @thewifewiththeknife or tag #wifewiththeknife
