From Salads to Kebabs: How to Make the Most of Sumac in Your Cooking

• April 14 2023
• 13 min reading time

Sumac is a spice that has been used for centuries in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Its use dates back to ancient times when it was prized for its medicinal properties, as well as its flavour. The ancient Greeks and Romans used sumac as a souring agent in their cooking, and it was also used as a dye for textiles. Sumac is made from the dried and ground berries of the sumac plant, which is native to the Middle East. The berries are usually harvested in late summer or early autumn and then dried and ground into a fine powder. Sumac has a vibrant red colour and a sour flavour that comes from its high concentration of malic and citric acid. It is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Sumac has a tart, lemony flavour that adds a unique dimension to dishes. Its taste is similar to that of lemon, but with a more complex and nuanced flavour. It has a slightly sweet undertone that balances out its sourness, making it a versatile spice that can be used in sweet as well as savoury dishes. Sumac is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, where it is used to add flavour to everything from salads and dips to grilled meats and vegetables. It is a key ingredient in the spice blend za'atar, which is used throughout the Middle East to flavour breads, meats, and dips. Sumac is also used to add a tangy flavour to soups and stews, and it is often sprinkled over hummus or other dips to add a bright pop of flavour. Whether you are using it to make a salad dressing, marinade, or seasoning, sumac is sure to add a delicious and distinctive touch to your cooking. So why not give it a try and discover the flavourful world of sumac?

Sumac Salad Dressing: Elevate Your Greens to a Whole New Level

If you're looking for a way to take your salads to the next level, look no further than sumac salad dressing. This tangy and flavourful dressing is easy to make and adds a unique twist to your greens. Here's everything you need to know about making and using sumac salad dressing. To make sumac salad dressing, you will need:

• 1 tablespoon of sumac
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make the dressing, whisk together the sumac, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Slowly add the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sumac salad dressing is a versatile dressing that pairs well with a variety of greens and toppings. It works particularly well with salads that feature Mediterranean or Middle Eastern ingredients, such as chickpeas, olives, and feta cheese. Try using sumac salad dressing to dress up your next salad, or use it as a marinade for grilled chicken or fish. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for vegetables or bread.

Grilled Meats and Sumac: A Perfect Pairing for Kebab Lovers

If you're a fan of grilled meats and kebabs, you may be missing out on the flavourful and tangy addition of sumac. Sumac is a great spice to use when grilling meats and kebabs, as its sour and tangy flavour pairs perfectly with the smoky and savoury taste of grilled meats. Here are some tips for using sumac with your grilled meats:

• Mix sumac with yoghurt to make a marinade for chicken or lamb. The yoghurt will help tenderise the meat while the sumac adds flavour.
• Use sumac as a dry rub for beef or lamb before grilling. Mix the sumac with salt, black pepper, and other spices like cumin or coriander to create a flavourful spice blend.
• Sprinkle sumac over grilled meats just before serving. This will add a bright and tangy pop of flavour to your meat.
• Use sumac in a sauce to serve with your grilled meats. Mix it with yoghurt, tahini, or even tomato paste to create a delicious and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled meats.

Sumac is a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the flavour of your grilled meats and kebabs. Its sour and tangy taste is the perfect complement to the smoky and savoury taste of grilled meats, making it a great addition to any barbecue or cookout.

Sumac Roasted Vegetables: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish

Roasting vegetables is a delicious and healthy way to add flavour and nutrition to your meals. But have you ever tried adding sumac to your roasted vegetables? Sumac is a Middle Eastern spice that has a tangy and lemony flavour, making it the perfect addition to roasted vegetables. Here's everything you need to know about making sumac roasted vegetables. To make sumac roasted vegetables, you will need:

• 500 grams of mixed vegetables (such as cauliflower, carrots, and Brussels sprouts)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 teaspoons of sumac
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make the roasted vegetables, preheat your oven to 200°C. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with the olive oil, sumac, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned. Sumac roasted vegetables are a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. They work particularly well with grilled meats or as a side dish for Middle Eastern or Mediterranean-inspired meals. You can also use them as a base for a vegetarian bowl or salad. Sumac roasted vegetables are a flavourful and nutritious way to add some variety to your meals. The tangy and lemony flavour of sumac pairs perfectly with the sweetness of roasted vegetables, making them a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.

Sumac Yogurt Dip: The Perfect Accompaniment to Your Snacks and Appetisers

If you're looking for a tangy and flavourful dip to accompany your snacks and appetisers, look no further than sumac yogurt dip. This Middle Eastern-inspired dip is made with yoghurt and sumac, a spice that has a sour and lemony taste. To make sumac yogurt dip, you will need:

• 1 cup of plain yoghurt
• 1 teaspoon of sumac
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make the dip, mix together the yoghurt, sumac, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil on top and stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sumac yogurt dip is a versatile dip that pairs well with a variety of snacks and appetisers. Here are some ideas for using sumac yogurt dip:

• Use it as a dipping sauce for fresh vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
• Serve it alongside pita bread or crackers as a snack or appetiser.
• Use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
• Pair it with grilled meats or vegetables for a tangy and flavourful side dish.

Sumac yogurt dip is a healthy and flavourful way to elevate your snacks and appetisers. Its tangy and lemony taste pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables, crackers, or even grilled meats. So why not give sumac yogurt dip a try and discover the taste of the Middle East in your own kitchen?

Sumac Rice Pilaf: A Flavourful and Easy-to-Make Side Dish

If you're looking for a flavourful and easy-to-make side dish to accompany your meals, look no further than sumac rice pilaf. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is made with fragrant basmati rice and flavoured with sumac, a spice that has a tangy and lemony taste. To make sumac rice pilaf, you will need:

• 1 cup of basmati rice
• 2 cups of water
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of sumac
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make the rice pilaf, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent. Add the rice and sumac and stir to coat the rice in the spices. Add the water and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Sumac rice pilaf is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It works particularly well with Middle Eastern or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, such as grilled meats, stews, or tagines. Here are some ideas for using sumac rice pilaf:

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken or lamb for a flavourful and healthy side dish.
• Use it as a base for a vegetarian bowl, topped with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a tangy sumac yogurt sauce.
• Pair it with a hearty stew or tagine for a complete Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

Sumac rice pilaf is an easy and flavourful way to add some variety to your meals. The tangy and lemony taste of sumac pairs perfectly with the fragrant basmati rice, making it a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.

Sumac Marinated Chicken: A Crowd-Pleasing Main Dish for Any Occasion

If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing main dish for your next dinner party or family gathering, look no further than sumac marinated chicken. This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is made with tender and juicy chicken that has been marinated in a tangy and flavourful mixture of sumac, yoghurt, and spices. To make sumac marinated chicken, you will need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup of plain yoghurt
• 2 tablespoons of sumac
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

To make the marinade, mix together the yoghurt, sumac, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. To cook the chicken, preheat your oven to 190°C. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Sumac marinated chicken is a delicious and versatile main dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas for using sumac marinated chicken:

• Serve it with roasted vegetables or a salad for a healthy and flavourful meal.
• Use it as a base for a Middle Eastern-inspired bowl, topped with hummus, tabbouleh, and other Middle Eastern-inspired toppings.
• Serve it with a tangy and flavourful sauce, such as sumac yogurt sauce or a spicy harissa sauce.

Sumac marinated chicken is a crowd-pleasing main dish that is easy to make and packed with flavour. Sumac pairs perfectly with the tender and juicy chicken, making it a delicious addition to any meal.

Sumac and Seafood: A Fresh and Flavourful Combination for Fish Lovers

If you're a seafood lover looking for a fresh way to enhance your favourite dishes, look no further than sumac. Sumac pairs well with a variety of seafood, from fish and shrimp to scallops and crab. Here are some tips for using sumac with seafood:

• Use sumac as a dry rub for fish before grilling or baking. Mix the sumac with salt, black pepper, and other spices like paprika or cumin to create a flavourful spice blend.
• Sprinkle sumac over cooked shrimp or scallops just before serving. This will add a bright and tangy pop of flavour to your seafood.
• Mix sumac with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic to make a marinade for grilled fish. This will infuse the fish with a delicious tangy and lemony flavour.
• Use sumac as a seasoning for crab cakes or other seafood patties. Mix it with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices for a flavourful and crispy coating.

Sumac and seafood are a fresh and flavourful combination that is sure to impress. The lemony taste of sumac pairs perfectly with the delicate flavour of seafood, making it a delicious addition to any meal.

Sumac Spice Blends: Mix Up Your Cooking with These Creative Combinations

Sumac is a versatile spice that can add a tangy and lemony flavour to a variety of dishes. While sumac can be used on its own, it is also commonly used in spice blends to enhance the flavour of dishes. Here are some creative sumac spice blends that you can use to mix up your cooking and add new flavours to your meals.

• Za'atar: Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically includes sumac, thyme, sesame seeds, and sometimes other spices like oregano or marjoram. It is commonly used as a seasoning for grilled meats, vegetables, or bread.
• Baharat: Baharat is a Middle Eastern spice blend that typically includes sumac, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and sometimes other spices like nutmeg or coriander. It is commonly used as a seasoning for meat dishes, stews, or rice.
• Advieh: Advieh is a Persian spice blend that typically includes sumac, cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and sometimes other spices like rose petals or saffron. It is commonly used in rice dishes or stews.
• Ras el Hanout: Ras el Hanout is a North African spice blend that typically includes sumac, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and sometimes other spices like ginger, allspice, or nutmeg. It is commonly used as a seasoning for meat dishes, stews, or tagines.
• Shawarma Spice Blend: Shawarma spice blend typically includes sumac, cumin, coriander, paprika, and sometimes other spices like garlic powder or cinnamon. It is commonly used as a seasoning for chicken or lamb shawarma.

Sumac spice blends can be used in a variety of dishes to add a unique and flavourful twist. Here are some ideas for using sumac spice blends:

• Use za'atar as a seasoning for grilled meats or vegetables.
• Use baharat to season ground beef for kebabs or meatballs.
• Use advieh to flavour rice dishes, such as pilaf or biryani.
• Use ras el hanout as a seasoning for tagines or stews.
• Use shawarma spice blend to season chicken or lamb for shawarma wraps or bowls.

Sumac spice blends are a creative and delicious way to add new flavours to your cooking. With their unique combinations of spices, they can add a flavourful twist to a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to rice dishes to stews.

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• Tweet
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email

---