Sumac Local Spice From Iran from www.tasteatlas.com
Introduction
When it comes to adding a unique tangy flavor to your dishes, Persian sumac is the spice you need. It is a versatile ingredient that can add a citrusy sour taste to a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in Persian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines. In this article, we will explore the origin of Persian sumac, its health benefits, how to use it in various dishes, and some of the popular recipes that you can try at home.
What is Persian Sumac?
Sumac is a spice that is made from the dried and ground berries of the sumac plant. Persian sumac, also known as Rhus coriaria, is a variety of sumac that is native to Iran. It is a dark red powder that has a sour, tangy taste with a slightly fruity aroma.
Health Benefits of Persian Sumac
Persian sumac is not only a delicious spice, but it also has some health benefits. It is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. It is also rich in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. Additionally, Persian sumac has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
How to Use Persian Sumac
Persian sumac is a versatile spice that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be used as a dry rub for meat, fish, or vegetables, or it can be added to marinades, dressings, and sauces. It is also commonly used as a topping for salads, dips, and roasted vegetables.
Meat and Fish
Persian sumac can be used as a dry rub for meat and fish. Simply mix the spice with some salt and pepper and rub it onto the meat or fish before cooking. It works especially well with chicken, lamb, and fish such as salmon and trout.
Vegetables
Persian sumac can also be used to add flavor to roasted vegetables. Toss your favorite vegetables with olive oil, salt, and sumac before roasting them in the oven. It works particularly well with eggplant, zucchini, and cauliflower.
Sauces and Dressings
Persian sumac can be added to sauces and dressings to give them a tangy flavor. Try adding it to a yogurt-based sauce for grilled meats, or mix it with olive oil and lemon juice for a quick and easy salad dressing.
Popular Recipes Using Persian Sumac
Sumac Roasted Chicken
Ingredients: - 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces - 2 tablespoons of sumac - 1 tablespoon of salt - 1 tablespoon of black pepper - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons of olive oil Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 2. In a small bowl, mix together the sumac, salt, pepper, garlic, and olive oil. 3. Rub the spice mixture onto the chicken pieces, making sure to coat them evenly. 4. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Nutrition: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 25g - Fat: 20g - Carbohydrates: 1g - Fiber: 0g
Sumac Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients: - 1 eggplant, cut into cubes - 2 zucchinis, cut into cubes - 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips - 1 teaspoon of sumac - 1 teaspoon of salt - 1 teaspoon of black pepper - 2 tablespoons of olive oil Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. In a large bowl, mix together the sumac, salt, pepper, and olive oil. 3. Add the vegetables to the bowl and toss them until they are coated evenly with the spice mixture. 4. Spread the vegetables out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned. Nutrition: - Calories: 150 - Protein: 3g - Fat: 8g - Carbohydrates: 18g - Fiber: 7g
Sumac Yogurt Dip
Ingredients: - 1 cup of plain yogurt - 1 teaspoon of sumac - 1 clove of garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon of olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Instructions: 1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, sumac, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. 2. Serve the dip with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or as a topping for grilled meats. Nutrition: - Calories: 70 - Protein: 5g - Fat: 5g - Carbohydrates: 2g - Fiber: 0g
Conclusion
Persian sumac is a delicious and versatile spice that can add a unique tangy flavor to your dishes. It is not only tasty but also has some health benefits. You can use it in a variety of ways, from dry rubs to sauces and dressings. Try out some of the recipes we have shared and experiment with using Persian sumac in your own cooking.
