Okay, the holiday madness is about to sink in. You realize that you’ve been invited to 10 holiday parties, and you’re starting to panic because you have no idea what to make for them. Fear not. I have an easy-to-prepare side dish that you can bring to any gathering. It’s roasted rainbow carrots that are seasoned with za’atar and ground coriander. Za’atar is a very common Middle Eastern spice blend that’s earthy, nutty with a touch of tang. The blend usually contains thyme, ground sumac and sesame seeds, but the exact spice combination differs between various spice companies. Before I go any further, let’s talk about sumac. Sumac is another spice you would often see in Middle Eastern cuisine. They’re red berries that grow in bushes that are dried and ground to produce the spice. Their tangy flavor reminds me of lemon juice but without the acid. I’m using ground sumac in my yogurt sauce because the tanginess pairs very well with the slightly sour qualities of yogurt. I know that these Middle Eastern spices can be difficult to find sometimes, but fortunately, Nugget Markets carry a wide selection of herbs and spices, including za’atar and sumac! Every time I walk into the store, I’m impressed by the variety of spices and sauces that I can find there. But don’t take my word for it—find out for yourself! From start to finish, this dish took about 30 to 35 minutes to make. It’s so easy to prepare and it adds a lovely color to your holiday table!
COOKING NOTES FOR ZA’ATAR ROASTED CARROTS
Making a double batch: If you’re cooking for more than 4 people, double the amount of the ingredients for the roasted carrots. The yogurt sauce recipe specified below should be enough for 2 batches of carrots.What to do with leftover sumac yogurt sauce: It’s a fantastic dip for vegetables or crackers. The sauce also pairs very well with fritters, like my leek and kohlrabi fritters!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Nugget Markets. Visit their website for more information or follow them on Facebook or Twitter! Click here find a location near you.
