Exploring fresh flavors keeps meals exciting, and potatoes offer endless possibilities. Among the various potato dishes, french fries hold a special place at our tables. Whether you prefer steak fries, shoestring, crinkle cut, or curly, their crunchiness and salty goodness stand unrivaled. While Cajun seasoning is a go-to enhancement, there’s an alternative that challenges the norm—za’atar fries.
If you haven’t encountered za’atar yet, it’s a Middle Eastern spice blend bursting with flavor. This mixture brings together oregano, thyme, marjoram, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds. The result is an earthy, tangy, and nutty profile that brightens any dish. If you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, you may recognize this blend from manakish, a Lebanese flatbread topped with olive oil, cheese, and za’atar seasoning. When sprinkled on fries, za’atar introduces a refreshing layer of citrus and herbal notes.
Adding flair with a complementary dipping sauce
For those ready to elevate their fry experience, za’atar offers a powerful punch of flavor. You might opt to take your favorite fast-food fries and sprinkle on za’atar, but making hand-cut fries at home takes it to the next level.
Begin by slicing your potatoes into the shape you desire. Once prepared, coat them lightly with olive oil before baking them in the oven until they achieve your preferred level of crispiness. Afterward, drizzle a little more olive oil on top and sprinkle in one to two tablespoons of za’atar. Use moderation, as the flavor can be quite robust.
If you love dipping, consider the perfect sauce to complement your za’atar fries. While some might stick with classic ketchup, creating a sauce from lemon juice, tahini, Greek yogurt, garlic, and a hint of maple syrup can elevate your dipping experience to new heights.
