bowls/ recipes

Za’atar Roasted Potato Bowl

Za'atar Roasted Potato Bowl | Well and Full | #recipe

Guess what I got in the mail today!! Obvious-hint: it’s food-related. Okay, okay, I’ll just tell you – I finally got my copy of THE FLAVOR BIBLE in the mail!! If you haven’t heard of this magnum opus, it’s basically a treasure chest of information for cooks/foodies, containing a comprehensive list of ingredients, cuisines, and methodologies and their subsequent combinations. It is, really, everything you could want in a book about cookery.

This arrival comes at a fortuitous time, as I’m really trying to step up my knowledge of cooking and food in general. I’ve really been diving deep into this field and have been loving every minute it – just learning about different spices and herbs, cultural significance of dishes, and the like. It’s definitely been a positive occupancy in my mind, as I’m trying to stay hopeful about my current situation with work and life in general.

Za'atar Roasted Potato Bowl | Well and Full | #recipeZa'atar Roasted Potato Bowl | Well and Full | #recipeZa'atar Roasted Potato Bowl | Well and Full | #recipe

I know I’ve spoken on this subject before, but I really never tire of discussing the cultural significance of food and its unifying properties. Every country, region, and subculture in the world has their own cuisine, and it’s such an amazing way to learn about a given culture. But what’s even more intriguing are the similarities between cuisines that may, at first glance, seem completely different. My favorite example is pesto vs. chimichurri – Italian and Argentinian, respectively, these two sauces are made with shredded herbs (basil vs. parsley), and combined with olive oil, garlic, and an acid (with other add-ins). Two countries, thousands of miles away from each other, and geopolitically separated at that, have somehow found the same technique of shredding herbs into a lovely green sauce with garlic, oil, and an acid. And that’s not even bringing up chermoula, pistou, green harissa, salsa verde, and all the different types of chutneys. To me it’s just so cool how many variations there are on a single theme!

In this bowl, I featured za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend that is deliciously lemony and savory. You can get it at Whole Foods and some other grocery stores (I’ve seen it here and there), or on Amazon. But once you try it, I think it will be a regular staple in your pantry! Its flavor is subtle enough to add to a variety of dishes, but flavorful enough to really enhance a recipe.

Za'atar Roasted Potato Bowl | Well and Full | #recipeZa'atar Roasted Potato Bowl | Well and Full | #recipe

Za'atar Roasted Potato Bowl | Well and Full | #recipe

Za'atar Roasted Potato Bowl

This za'atar roasted potato bowl is simple and easy to make, full of warming Middle Eastern spices and ingredients.
4.50 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 2 Bowls

Ingredients
  

Potatoes

  • 12-14 Small-ish Purple Potatoes
  • 2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 2 Tsp Za'atar

Smoky Tahini

  • 1/3 Cup Tahini
  • 1/6 Cup Fresh-Squeezed Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 Tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/6 Cup Water
  • 1/4 Tsp Salt

To Serve

  • Fresh Greens
  • Sesame Seeds

Instructions
 

Potatoes

  • Preheat the oven to 425.
  • Wash and dry the purple potatoes. Cut into halves or fourths, depending on the size of the potato.
  • In a bowl, mix potatoes with olive oil, salt, and za'atar. Depending on the type of za'atar you use, you may need to adjust the amount. Taste as you go.
  • On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, bake potatoes for about 20-30 minutes, or until slightly browned around the edges.

Smoky Tahini

  • In a blender, combine tahini, lemon juice, paprika, water, and salt. Taste and adjust if needed.

Putting it All Together

  • Fill Bowls with greens, and top with potatoes. Drizzle potatoes with tahini sauce, and sprinkle sesame seeds over everything.

Za'atar Roasted Potato Bowl | Well and Full | #recipe

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34 Comments

  • Reply
    Sophie | The Green Life
    October 15, 2015 at 10:43 am

    I bought The Flavor Bible a few months ago and I LOVE it! It’s such a wonderful resource! And oh gosh za’atar is my best spice mix ever. I could seriously sprinkle it on everything!! So good.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 15, 2015 at 1:43 pm

      Isn’t it the best?! I always love trying out new spice blends :D

  • Reply
    Sydney | Modern Granola
    October 15, 2015 at 11:55 am

    I think about the same thing with bread and dumplings sometimes. Every culture has some version of it, and they’re all so wonderfully different and delicious! Speaking of delicious… this looks and sounds incredible! Za’atar is one of my all time favorite ingredients. I have a big batch of roasted za’atar broccoli right now in my fridge! Love the looks of this bowl. Yum!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 15, 2015 at 1:44 pm

      Thanks Sydney! And good point about the bread/dumplings, nearly every culture has some version of it! But let’s be honest, I love bread in any form ;)

  • Reply
    Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
    October 15, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    This simple bowl sounds so delicious! Love that smoky tahini!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 15, 2015 at 1:44 pm

      Thanks Katrina! :D

  • Reply
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
    October 15, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    You sound just like me! One of my favorite things is to learn about the food culture and cuisine of other countries! Food history and the customs surrounding it are amazing.
    (And this dish…potatoes and smokey tahini…stolen my heart!)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 15, 2015 at 4:41 pm

      Food culture lovers unite!! :D

  • Reply
    jaime / the briny
    October 15, 2015 at 3:27 pm

    hi sarah! that shot of the purple potatoes is absolutely gorgeous! i’m pretty new to your blog and i feel like i’m in a candy store (in the best way possible). thanks for sharing what you share — i’m really glad to be here! the cross-cultural food similarities is something that totally tickles me, too. such staples, like breads with similar shapes/functions popping up in so many different places around the world, all using the ingredients local to their cooks — it’s so beautiful.

    this potato bowl looks absolutely delicious. thanks for the lovely reminder that i should crack open my own copy of the flavor bible more often. :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 15, 2015 at 4:41 pm

      Aww thank you so much Jaime! Your note about being in a candy store made me smile real huge!! :D :D

  • Reply
    Cara
    October 15, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    I must check this book out! sounds extremely helpful. This bowl looks and sounds great! as always, I love reading your blog :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 15, 2015 at 7:04 pm

      You definitely should!! It’s the best resource to have in your kitchen!! I got mine on amazon :)

  • Reply
    Jess | Urban Alchemy
    October 15, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    First of all your pictures are INSANE — and this sounds delicious! I l o v e potatoes and anything with tahini! Thanks for posting:)!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 15, 2015 at 7:05 pm

      Thank you so much Jess!! :D

  • Reply
    Hotly Spiced
    October 15, 2015 at 10:06 pm

    I do love the look of the purple potatoes. What a pretty vegetarian dish xx

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 16, 2015 at 12:31 pm

      Aren’t they pretty? :D

  • Reply
    danielle is rooting the sun
    October 16, 2015 at 9:33 am

    sarah thank you so much for sharing this beautiful recipe and your associated enthusiasm for kitchen endeavors – it radiates and i love it. i love potatoes more than i could possibly relay to you – the addition of za’atar is wonderful! ♥

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 16, 2015 at 12:32 pm

      Aren’t potatoes the best!! :D

  • Reply
    Grace
    October 16, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    I’m so all about this beautiful potato bowl salad thing! Yum! And I feel your cultural food passions girl! I’ve been obsessing over this German online magazine – they make these little cooking videos with Syrian refugees – waay cool and worth checking out: http://www.ellevant.com/überdentellerrand-abid Have a good weekend!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 16, 2015 at 5:06 pm

      Ooh that looks really cool!! Thanks for sending the link Grace!! :D

  • Reply
    Melanie
    October 16, 2015 at 6:44 pm

    4 stars
    I keep hearing about this spice za’atar! I have to try it one day because this bowl looks easy and delicious!! =)

    Melanie | Toots & Dill

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 16, 2015 at 8:14 pm

      It is!! A whole lot of deliciousness for very little effort ;)

  • Reply
    Rachel @ athleticavocado
    October 16, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    Way to take the classic roasted potatoes to a whole new level! THis recipe looks incredible!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 17, 2015 at 8:18 am

      Thanks Rachel!! :D

  • Reply
    Alena
    October 16, 2015 at 9:40 pm

    I looove Za’atar and I use the Vegetarian Flavor Bible for reference all the time! SO helpful!! Yummy!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 17, 2015 at 8:19 am

      It’s my new favorite book!! ;)

  • Reply
    Jessie Snyder | Faring Well
    October 17, 2015 at 10:50 am

    Ah isn’t that book the best?! It seriously has changed my cooking life. So glad you have it to explore now too! Hope you have a yummy weekend friend! xo

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 17, 2015 at 11:22 am

      You as well lovely lady!! :D

  • Reply
    Dani @ Dani California Cooks
    October 17, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    I love that you added paprika to the dressing…I make a similar dressing and I think I’d love this smoky version!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 18, 2015 at 10:59 am

      The smoked paprika adds a whole other dimension of flavor! If you try it let me know how it comes out :D

  • Reply
    Molly
    October 21, 2015 at 11:48 pm

    Yummy! Those potatoes look so beautiful!
    -Molly
    apolloandluna.com

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 22, 2015 at 7:26 am

      Thank you Molly!! :D

  • Reply
    Jill Fisher
    October 27, 2017 at 4:44 am

    5 stars
    Some many colors and flavors vying for your attention! The bowl looks delectable and your pictures have me dreaming of food at work. This would make great mason jar meals with grain adds like some cooked farro, couscous or quinoa, or even plain steamed rice. Your recipe is perfect, although I’d sprinkle some chopped nuts or melon seeds for the omega fats.
    Zaatar adds a fresh taste to dishes, but what you find in the market often lack the one crucial ingredient that makes the original blend so flavorful — real zaatar herb, and in good portion. Most sadly contain fillings like wheat, or even citric acid for sumac. That’s why I trust this online shop for my sumac and zaatar. If allowed in the comment, I’d suggest this site — http://www.eatzaatar.com.

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 27, 2017 at 11:29 am

      Hey Jill – thanks so much for your feedback! This would DEFINITELY be delicious as a mason jar lunch… I lived on mason jar lunches when I worked in an office, because they were so easy to pack + kept all the components fresh! :) Re: Za’atar, I got mine at Whole Foods, and it had pretty good flavor, but I don’t have it anymore so I can’t look at the ingredients list :/ I will definitely check out eatzaatar.com… I’m always looking for the best sources of quality spices! :)

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