Perfectly Creamy & Tangy Ricotta Za'atar Spread

In the Middle East we eat a lot of Za’atar. It’s the perfect start to your day (or really at any point during the day at all)

Za’atar is a spice mix used throughout the Middle East composed of thyme, oregano, sumac, salt & sesame seeds. The beauty of this spice mix is that it has many variances depending on which country in the Middle East your’e in, and even varies from one home to another. It’s always paired with some rich, dark extra virgin olive oil and eaten with warm pita bread. Always delicious. Alongside za’atar, labaneh is usually served as well. Labaneh is a strained and salted version of greek yogurt. It’s rich and so, so creamy. It adds such a subtle punch of flavor to breakfast. For this recipe, i wanted to mimic the perfect pair that labaneh and za’atar make together. They’re like two peas in a pod, so why introduce labaneh’s Italian cousin to the mix here? Ricotta. For this spread, i use some perfectly creamy ricotta and mix in some za’atar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Once it’s whipped it becomes heavenly. Spread this on anything you like. Croissants, bagels, pita bread, cucumbers, a shoe, your old textbook… you get the picture. It’s so phenomenally good. If you’re looking for some awesome za’atar, head to your local Middle Eastern grocery store or browse Amazon’s vast collection. I love Ziyad brand so that’s always a good option!

I highly recommend doubling or tripling this recipe as it makes enough for 2-3 bagels or croissants to be fully slathered, but i promise you’re going to want more!

This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to whip the spread once you remove it from the refrigerator as you want to maintain the fluffy consistency!

Serve this spread alongside some fresh mint, cucumbers, tomatoes and plenty of olive oil for extra drizzling.

Give this recipe a try! Share your comments and some love. If you make this recipe and share it on social media, tag it with the hashtag #hungrilyhomemaderecipe

Total Time: 5 minutes

Yield: 2-3 servings

Ingredients:

1. 4 tbsp ricotta

2. 2 tbsp za’atar

3. 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

4. 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

5. 1/2 tsp salt

6. Extra Za’atar and sumac for sprinkling on top

Method:

1. In a small mixing bowl add your ingredients and using a whisk, whip until light and airy.

2. Spread on your favorite type of bread or eat as a veggie dip!