Caramelized Onion, Cheese and Za’atar Spread

Just in time for summer gatherings, here’s the latest recipe from Christine Datian. This, along with some of Christine’s special notes, were featured in the May 30^th issue of the ArmenianMirror-Spectator, pg. 12.

Add this to your summer-entertaining menu; it’s sure to please!

Caramelized Onions, Cheese and Za’atar Spread for Middle Eastern Bread Salad

1 medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
1 cup fresh Mozzarella or Jack cheese, shredded
½ cup ricotta cheese
2-3 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp. za’atar (Middle Eastern spice mixture)
1 Tbsp. lemon juice plus 1 tsp. lemon or orange zest
1 tsp. sesame seeds, optional
2-3 Tbsp. chopped flat-leaf parsley
Sea or Kosher salt, coarse
black pepper, and dried oregano, to taste
Unsalted butter or Olive oil (for cooking the onions)

Preparation:

     1.    Preheat oven to 400°F.

Caramelized onions

     2.    Add 2 Tbsp. butter or olive oil in a medium pan; add onions and cook until caramelized to a golden brown. (Be careful not to burn the onions.) Remove from heat and cool slightly.
     3.    In a medium bowl, combine caramelized onions, cheeses, and remaining ingredients, mixing until smooth.


    

4.    Spread or spoon mixture onto sliced bread, such as pita, flat bread, baguettes, ciabatta, Italian or French bread that’s been halved. Lay bread on a baking sheet and bake until cheese melts and becomes bubbly. (May also be used on corn or flour tortillas and baked.)

Onion, Cheese and Za’atar Topping

     5.    Remove bread from oven and cut into wedges. Top bread with your choice of thinly sliced cucumbers, radishes, green onion, chopped tomato, Greek or black olives, and/or your choice of mixed greens or chopped spinach, if desired. Sprinkle with fresh mint, drizzle with olive oil; top with additional za’atar or paprika, if desired.