How to Incorporate These Mediterranean Spices Into Your Cooking

Spices
Photo by Mahz Alam on Unsplash

Spices can be an easy way to add variety to your cooking. Here are some fun ideas for incorporating fresh and delicious Mediterranean spices you might be less familiar with into your cooking routine. 

Za’atar

Za’atar combines the earthiness of thyme and oregano with the nutty flavor of sesame seeds and a hint of tanginess. One of the easiest ways to use it is to sprinkle zaatar on pita bread brushed with olive oil. Alsy try mixing za’atar with yogurt for a flavorful dipping sauce.

Aleppo Pepper

Aleppo pepper has a mild heat with fruity and slightly tangy undertones. It’s great to sprinkle on pizzas, pasta, or even avocado toast. You can also add it to marinades for an extra layer of flavor in grilled dishes. Or for something very simple, mix Aleppo pepper into olive oil for a delicious dressing.

Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds offer a warm and earthy taste. A simple and tasty recipe can be to toss some carrots with olive oil, caraway seeds, and a touch of honey. Roast them until tender and caramelized for a side dish that’s both sweet and savory. You can also add it to meat rubes for some added depth of flavor.