The flavours of Middle Eastern and Northern African cuisine are quite distinctive thanks to the complex spice blends used by cooks over thousands of years.

 

While we may not be able to reproduce these ourselves, Alexandra’s Bazaar in Auckland, has done it for us with their Chermoula Mix and Zahtar (they also have several other exotic spice and pepper mixes to add zest to cooking).

 

Chermoula is a blend of cilantro, cumin, paprika, garlic and lemon and is indispensable in the kitchen preparing Moroccan dishes. Use it to enhance or marinate fish principally, but it is equally at home with chicken, lamb and vegetables. Rub fish, chicken or lamb with Chermoula prior to cooking on the barbecue, pan frying or baking. Add extra water and use as a sauce for shellfish or heat to a simmer and use as a dressing on cooked vegetables.

 

Zahtar is a subtle mix of sumac, thyme, sesame seed and salt, widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine.  Alexandra’s Zahtar is based on the Lebanese version of this traditional recipe, with ground almonds added to make a nuttier mixture. The “secret” ingredient is sumac, a slightly tart, fruity spice which is often used on its own over hummus or in salads…Yum!

 

Zahtar is extremely versatile. As a dip, dunk your special bread into olive oil, then into Zahtar. Brush pita bread with olive oil, sprinkle with Zahtar, slices into wedges and lightly crisp in a warm oven…and it’s equally good on crostini. Substitue Zahtar for garlic as an alternative to garlic bread or add to yoghurt-based mayonnaise for vegetable dips.  Blend with a little natural yoghurt, salt and pepper for a sauce with kebabs, grilled fish or chicken.  Use as a seasoning for sautéed vegetables or baked potato wedges….Zahtar’s uses are limited only by your imagination.

 

Alexandra Fine Foods spent years of experimentation and expertise to capture authentic flavours for their range of artisan spice blends. All ingredients are premium grade and no artificial colours, or flavours have been used. Check their website on www.al-bazaar.co.nz The good news is that we have six prizes of a pack each of Zahtar and Chermoula to give away, courtesy of Alexandra Fine Foods.