Grilled Zucchini with Zaatar (Printable Version)
Tender grilled zucchini slices seasoned with zaatar and garlic, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon.
# Ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 -
680 grams zucchini or summer squash
02 -
Handful of cherry tomatoes (optional)
→ Seasonings and Oils
03 -
30 milliliters extra virgin olive oil
04 -
2 cloves garlic, finely minced or 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
05 -
2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend (see note)
06 -
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
07 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
08 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes
→ Fresh Ingredients
09 -
Juice of one lemon
10 -
2 tablespoons fresh herbs (Italian parsley, cilantro, mint, dill, or basil) for garnish
→ Optional Sauce
11 -
Tahini yogurt sauce (see note)
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
02 -
Cut zucchini into 8 mm (1/3 inch) thick slices and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
03 -
Drizzle olive oil over the slices and toss to coat evenly. Add minced garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and zaatar spice, then mix thoroughly until all slices are well coated.
04 -
Arrange zucchini slices on the hot grill. Close the lid and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until prominent grill marks form. Flip slices carefully, close lid again, and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes.
05 -
Continue grilling briefly until slices become tender, slightly bendable, and translucent. Avoid overcooking to maintain texture.
06 -
Return grilled zucchini to the bowl, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them, and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve immediately garnished with fresh herbs. Optionally serve atop tahini yogurt sauce and grilled cherry tomatoes.
# Notes:
01 -
For a quick zaatar spice, combine 1 teaspoon each of cumin, coriander, dried thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds with ¼ teaspoon salt.
02 -
To prepare quick tahini yogurt, mix 180 ml plain yogurt or kefir with 60 ml tahini paste, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste.
03 -
Grilling cherry tomatoes alongside zucchini adds a colorful, flavorful garnish.