I ordered this during a work lunch, at Good Dish cafe in the basement of Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. Fancy, I know. It inspired me to make my own version.
It’s my current snack obession. Too bad it’s not very portable!
Ingredients to make your own za’atar blend:
- 2 TBSP sumac
- 1 TBSP dried thyme
- 2 tsp white sesame seeds, toasted
- 1.5 TBSP dried oregano (or 1 TBSP + 1 TBSP marjoram if you happen to have some handy)
- 1/4 (preferably) to 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
Instructions:
- Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet (or frying pan); no need to add oil, just keep it quite hot and do not take your eyes away while constantly stirring – seeds are ready when they turn golden and fragrant.
- Grind the seeds and the rest of the ingredients together and you’re done!
To assemble the toasts:
- Slices of your favorite bread
- Your favorite side salad
- 1/2 a perfectly ripe avocado
- 1/2 to 1 tsp of za’atar (to taste)
- a handful of cherry tomatoes
- a garlic clove
Instructions:
- Turn on the oven to 450F
- Drop the finely chopped garlic clove and the cherry tomatoes in a skillet and roast for a few minutes – until the tomatoes are lightly charred and bursting
- Toast the bread
- Spread the tomato-garlic paste on the toast
- Mash up the avocado with the za’atar
- Spread on top of the tomatoes
- Arrange the toast on a plate with a side salad and enjoy!
- ps: a few drops of hot sauce on top of the avocado doen’t hurt but keep it light so it does not overcome the delicate za’atar flavor.