Lebanese style Idli fry/ leftover makeover

It is sheer madness or pure love that I am experiencing with this new found spice mix - Za'atar. My sis-in-law got me few packets of various spices from middle east. I made all dishes I could think of..labneh, pizza, pita's etc.
All are due for posting, but not before I make them again and click amazing pictures.
This morning, I had some left over Idlis from last night's dinner. Out of nowhere I thought of trying the zaatar spice in Idlis. 


It worked...did it? Ohh my , it definitely works for me. For people who are yet to taste Zaatar, it is a mixture of spices like thyme,marjoram , roasted sesame seeds and sumac. Sumac(su- mok) is actually powdered dried berries of the same name. The taste of sumac dominates the Zaatar mixture which is tart, tangy and slightly sweet. It works extremely well with yogurt, cheese and mediteranean vegetables.



Ingredients
Left over idlis (6-7)
2 tspn Zaatar spice
1 tspn chilli powder
salt to taste(Check the salt in Zaatar)
Oil to fry
Method
1) In a large wok, heat the oil, About 1 tbsp.
2) Chop the idlis roughly.
3)Add them to the wok and stir fry until they are crispy and slightly brown in color
4) Add the zaatar spice, chilli powder and salt.
5)Remove and serve
Sprinkle more Zaatar on top and serve with fresh yogurt on the side.

Comments

Chef Mireille said…
I love Za'atar. There is a Middle Eastern restaurant here I love called the Moustache and they have a Za'atar Pizza..after I had that, I was hooked!
Jayanthi said…
Absolutely no idea and nearly had my tongue twisted trying to pronounce some of the names. But your pictures speaks for the dish. Looks yum yum...
rajani said…
I have heard about Za'atar before, should try getting it now! Lovely idli makeover now :)
Santosh Bangar said…
what is Zaatar?
quick and delicious
Archana said…
looks absolutely delicious. Must say i like your picture a lot.
Archana said…
looks absolutely delicious. Must say i like your picture a lot.
Nice Middle-eastern twist to our traditional idly!!!
Gals, today's picture's credit goes to Rajani, she almost held my hand virtually when I was clicking the picture, with finer details mentioned clearly
Jayashree said…
I have heard so much about zatar from different bloggers that I now have to taste it.
anjana said…
wow!!what a combination!!middle east spice with south indian idli..loved it.surely try this :)
Anjana
I have never heard of this before .. but your picture has made me curious to know more about the lebanese cuisine
Srivalli said…
I love zatar, once when we blogger friends met over lunch in a lebanese restaurant, this blogger friend was going gaga over it and ordered from the kitchen!..must agree it tasted great on the buns and pizzas..:)
Harini R said…
never had the guts to explore lebanese cuisine! but the picture is definitely a great one!
Aarthi said…
this recipe looks awesome..will try it sometime..
Rasi said…
i have never heard of this spice.. in fact the description you have given, i can imagine.. i bet it bought in a nice flavor.. this is good mix of idli with spices.. super pradyna :)

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Suma Gandlur said…
Interesting one.
I keep seeing these spice mixes in my local grocery store but never thought of buying them.
Archana Vivek said…
I love zattar. Good twist to use it idli.
Unknown said…
Ahhh now Idlis with Zaatar!!! I was there in UAE for 5 years but never got this idea one can mix this spice mix with idli gret one.
Cool Lassi(e) said…
Very innovative! I have never tried cooking with Zaatar! Will do soon. :)
Pradnya I love using Zaatar!!..more in lebanese cooking though..but this surely is wonderful!
Anusha said…
lucky you for the zatar!! lovely idlies

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