Za'atar Bread with Kaffir Cheese

Janis and I had lunch at Sammy's in El Segundo and shared the most delicious appetizer - I wasn't familiar with Za'atar or Byblos Lebni before having this dish and am now obsessed with both!  Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that you can purchase or make your own - it tends to be a mix thyme, toasted sesame seeds, oregano, and sumac. Byblos Lebni is a rich creamy dairy product, similar to thick greek yogurt or sour cream - if you can't find it I'd substitute plain greek yogurt in a pinch.  This is a very easy, flavorful, and pretty appetizer - thanks to Janis for the recipe so we can now make it at home!

Za’atar Bread with Kefir Cheese

Pita Bread, Flat Bread or Frozen Dough Rolls

Olive Oil

Zaatar Seasoning

Byblos Lebni (pasteurized kefir cheese) - add salt to increase flavor

Chopped Tomatoes

Preheat oven to 350.  Brush olive oil over bread and sprinkle with a generous amount of Za'atar seasoning.  Place in oven to for approximately 6-8 minutes or bake until dough is cooked if using raw dough.  Cut into slices and serve with kefir cheese and chopped tomatoes. 

note: to serve, I put the byblos lebni or yogurt in the middle of a big bowl or plate, top with more za'atar seasoning and chopped tomatoes; place the warm seasoned bread around the outside edge of bowl or plate as shown above. 

I bought za’atar seasoning at the grocery store, here’s a recipe if you want to make your own: 

Combine all in a small bowl ~
1 tablespoon ground sumac
1 tablespoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper