Grilled Vegetables with Za’atar Vinaigrette
03Z has always liked zucchini/summer squash well enough. Like most vegetables he prefers it roasted or grilled. He won’t eat the version they have at school, and I think that’s because it may be steamed. So, it wasn’t surprising that he liked this version, but it *was* a bit surprising that he ate 4 servings of it, and only stopped because there was none left.
I added some lemon juice to the vinaigrette because I just feel like it goes so well with zaatar. The sumac will add some tartness already, but lemon vinaigrettes are the bee’s knees for me. This was a great side dish and a nice change of pace both from dressed salads and plain cooked vegetables. There is a good chance I will be dressing 90% of things with zaatar vinaigrette from now on.
Grilled Vegetables with Zaatar Vinaigrette
Adapted from David Lebovitz
2 lbs. zucchini/squash/eggplant
1-1/2 Tbsp. sherry or cider vinegar
1-1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. yellow mustard
4-5 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil and a little extra for grilling
4 tsp. zaatar
1/4 tsp. sumac
salt to taste
Slice the eggplant into 1/4″ slices and sprinkle with salt. Place in a mesh strainer over a bowl and drain for 30-60 minutes, turning occasionally to encourage the liquid to run off. Wipe dry.
Slice the zucchini and squash and toss along with the drained eggplant, a little oil, and salt and pepper. Brush a grill or grill pan with a little oil and once hot, grill the vegetables, charring on one side before flipping them. Make sure not to overcook or undercook. Place on a serving platter as they finish grilling.
Whisk the vinegar, lemon juice, and yellow mustard together. Whisk in the olive oil, zaatar, sumac, and salt to taste. Pour the mixture over the vegetables.
We’re going through a heavy zucchini phase right now too.
Where do you buy your zaatar?? I am having problems finding it!
I love za’atar and definitely don’t use it often enough. Sounds great in this vinaigrette and how awesome that it even won over Zachary!!