Za’atar is a spice made from dried herbs mixed with dried ginger, salt, sesame seeds, and other spices. It is popular in the Middle East and a staple of Arabian cuisine. It can be rubbed or sprinkled on a variety of dishes, from lentils to goat. This particular recipe combines the unique vegetable, beetroot, with the classic spice Za’atar. The beet is a fleshy and thick vegetable and bonds with the Za’atar in a truly wonderful way. Try it, and you will amaze your house guests with the refinement of your palette. Once you try it, you’ll want to take it with you to lunch; just pack it in your Vaya Tyffyn lunchbox.
Health Benefits
Za’atar has a plethora of health benefits. To begin, it is perfect for fighting off free radicals which can cause cancer due to the amount of quercetin present in Za’atar. It also boosts blood circulation. This is thought to be a possible reason for it being eaten as a memory booster for many years. It also increases concentration and energy, which naturally improves the efficiency of the body’s metabolism. Some people will be happy to know that Za’atar has been proven to improve the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce age spots and blemishes.
Ingredients
small beetroots - (375 g total): 2
small brown onion – roughly chopped: 1
small granny smith apple - peeled, cored, roughly chopped: 1
oranges: 2
coriander seeds - crushed: 1/2 teaspoon
yellow mustard seeds: 1 tsp
cinnamon stick: 1
dried bay leaf: 1
apple cider vinegar: 2/3 cup
caster sugar: 3/4 cup
Sliced leg ham to serve
How To Make Roasted Beetroot with Za’atar
- In a food processor, coarsely blend together beetroot, onion and apple chunks and transfer to a pan.
- add2 tsp orange rind, 1/3 cup orange juice, cinnamon, bay leaf, vinegar and sugar.
- Place the pan over low heat and stir occasionallyuntil sugar dissolves.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer while stirring occasionally, for 40 to 45 minutes or until beetroot is tender and mixture has thickened.
- Remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
- add chopped orange, stir to combine and enjoy!