Mediterranean Pantry Quick Fixes

Ana Sortun of Oleana and Sofra in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is inspired by Turkey, Lebanon and Greece. Here, some of her pantry essentials.

Plus: The Next Big Mediterranean Flavors

Bulgur

Use fine bulgur (labeled #1) instead of bread crumbs as a binder for dishes like meatballs.

Recipes

• Greek Salad with Bulgur in Pita Pockets
• Hanger Steak with Warm Bulgur Salad
• Summer Bulgur and Green Bean Salad
• Bulgur, Pomegranate and Walnut Salad

Dried Spearmint

Substitute dried spearmint for dried oregano in homemade tomato sauce.

Recipes

• Anatolian Purslane, Lamb and Lentil Stew
• Persian Pomegranate Soup with Meatballs

Lebneh or Greek Yogurt

Use instead of sour cream in soups, stews and rice dishes.

Recipes

• Fried Scallion Dip with Lebneh
• Za’atar Flatbreads with Cucumber-Yogurt Salad
• Date Cake with Pistachio Lebneh
• Lamb Chops with Harissa-Yogurt Sauce

Sumac Powder

Flavor salads with sumac (a tart and fruity dried berry) instead of lemon juice.

Recipes

• Fattoush
• Grilled Eggplant Risotto
• Tangy Spinach Pastries
• Lebanese Chicken Salad

Za’atar

Sprinkle za’atar—a mix of dried herbs, sesame seeds and sumac—on everything from pizza to roast chicken to cooked vegetables.

Recipes

• Za’atar Flatbreads with Cucumber-Yogurt Salad
• Crispy Pita Chips With Za’atar
• Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Hazelnut Vinaigrette
• Warm Olives with Sesame Seeds and Oregano

More Incredible International Recipes:

Middle Eastern

Mexican

Italian Main Dishes

Published July 2009