Za'atar Spiced Fish

I like to pick up different spices and foods at the store, and then try them out at home. When I saw this little box of za'atar spice, I wanted it! But I wasn't really sure what to do with it. 

The ingredients on the side said thyme, sesame seeds, marjoram, sumac and salt. I wasn't sure what the flavor profile was for sumac, but I knew what the rest of it was. I also remembered seeing an episode of "Top Chef" where they put it on fish, so I created from there. 

I had some extra carrots and potatoes to use up as well, so the accompaniment is a spiced carrot potato puree. It was certainly a different flavor profile than we are used to, but I really enjoyed it. I think my next escapade will be to make some homemade za'atar mix, as it apparently is good with flatbread, which sounds delicious!

Za'atar Spiced Fish

 

For the carrot potato puree:

1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced 

1 pound carrots, peeled and diced 

2 teaspoons salt 

3 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon cumin 

1 teaspoon coriander 

1 teaspoon ground ginger 

1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 

Place potatoes and carrots in a large pot, and cover with water. Add salt. Bring to a boil, and boil until both are fork tender. Drain all but about 1/2 cup of the boiling water. Add butter and spices, and using immersion blender or regular blender, puree until smooth. Cover and set aside. 

For the fish: 

4 firm white fish filets (I used tilapia here) 

2 tablespoons za'atar spice 

1 teaspooon salt 

1 teaspoon pepper 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

Fresh lemon wedges 

Season fish liberally with za'atar spice, salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan, and saute fish approximately 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Serve on top of puree, with a lemon wedge.