Zaatar Naan with Whipped Feta and Olives Recipe
This Zaatar Naan with Whipped Feta & Olives recipe offers a delightful blend of Middle Eastern flavors with a crispy, warm naan base topped with a creamy, tangy whipped feta and vibrant olives. Ideal as a flavorful appetizer or snack, it combines easy preparation with bold tastes for a joyous culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Naan
- 4 pieces Naan (store-bought or homemade; gluten-free option available)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (high-quality extra virgin)
For the Whipped Feta
- 200 grams Feta (crumbled; vegan feta substitute available)
- 100 grams Greek Yogurt or Cream Cheese (dairy-free alternatives for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional; can use fresh garlic)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (optional; brightens flavor)
For the Topping
- 4 tablespoons Zaatar (essential spice blend)
- 200 grams Mixed Olives (Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and green olives)
- Fresh Herbs (optional; parsley or mint for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200 °C (400 °F) to prepare for baking the naan.
- Prepare Naan: Lightly brush each naan piece with olive oil to ensure even seasoning and crispiness.
- Season Naan: Evenly sprinkle zaatar spice blend over the oiled naan, distributing the flavors uniformly.
- Bake Naan: Place the seasoned naan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed and slightly crispy.
- Broil for Char: Switch oven to broil and broil the naan for an additional 30 seconds to achieve a slight char and deepen the flavor.
- Make Whipped Feta: In a food processor or blender, combine crumbled feta and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder and lemon zest if using for enhanced taste.
- Prepare Olives: Chop the mixed olives coarsely. Optionally, toast them lightly in a pan to deepen their flavor and aroma.
- Assemble: Spread the whipped feta generously over the warm, zaatar-seasoned naan.
- Add Olives and Garnish: Top the whipped feta layer with chopped olives, then garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra richness and serve immediately to enjoy the flavors at their best.
Notes
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute feta with vegan feta and Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.
- Gluten-free naan can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
- Fresh garlic can be substituted for garlic powder to enhance freshness.
- Broiling time should be watched carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to vary the olives used based on availability or preference.
- Fresh herbs add a bright, fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serving this dish warm enhances the flavor and texture experience.
