Middle Eastern Savory

Matchstick Za’taar Fries

matchstick zataar fries

oven-baked, yet still crispy, crunchy, and tasty, everything you’d want your fries to be

Za’taar is a spice blend that is common in various Middle Eastern foods. It is made by combining dried ingredients like basil, thyme, toasted sesame seeds, marjoram, and sometimes sumac. There are many different blends to zataar and each has it’s own unique flavor. The addition of za’taar and sumac provide lots of zesty flavor which allows you to reduce some salt or sodium content. Excess sodium in the diet can lead to elevated blood pressure and heart disease. Potatoes are also a large part of this recipe and contain their own unique benefits. It is important to keep the skins on of the potatoes because they provide lots of fiber, which would otherwise be lost if peeled and thrown away. Potatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium and antioxidants. They support heart and digestive health as well as being a source of complex carbohydrates that allow the release of energy slowly over time. This prevents energy highs and crashes.

Matchstick Za'taar Fries

Ingredients:

6 russet potatoes
3 tbsp za’taar seasoning
1-2 tbsp sumac spice
5 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup olive oil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 Degrees. Add minced garlic with the olive oil and mix well. Set aside. Line a baking tray with waxed paper and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. Wash the potatoes well and dry. Cut each potato into french fry strips, about ¼ -inch to ½ -inch thick. Add cut potatoes into a large bowl of cold water. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
  3. When done remove from bowl and blot fries completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. Add fries to a large bowl, add za’taar, sumac, garlic and olive oil mixture, and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Line fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Add to the oven and allow to cook for 40 minutes, turning the fries halfway through to ensure even cooking. Remove when golden brown.
  5. Add a sprinkle of salt again if desired. Serve alongside ketchup or tahini yogurt sauce. Enjoy!

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1 Comment

  • Reply Lemon Garlic Tahini Sauce – Alaa's Pantry November 23, 2017 at 8:50 pm

    […] alongside homemade za’taar fries, in your favorite shawarma sandwich, or with fresh vegetables for […]

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