A working test-kitchen ledger of ten thousand recipes.
Middle Eastern · Dessert

Charred Paneer Cookies with za'atar

The kind of Middle Eastern plate you make on repeat. za'atar, a proper bake, and a finish of fresh herbs.

4.3 from 2,321 cooks
Prep30 min
Cook40 min
Serves2
LevelAdvanced
Free to cook
Charred Paneer Cookies with za'atar
Method

How to cook it

Prep everything first: chop the aromatics, measure the za'atar elements, and pat the paneer dry so it colours well.

Warm the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat and soften the onion and garlic until sweet and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the paneer and bake until it takes on colour and the edges catch, 4 to 6 minutes.

Stir in the za'atar and the rest of the za'atar flavours, letting them cook out for a minute until fragrant.

Add the baby potatoes along with a splash of stock or water, then cover and cook gently until everything is tender and the sauce clings.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and a little acid. It should taste bright, savoury and balanced.

Finish with the topping and serve while hot.

Tested in the Stewart & Musell kitchen. Timings assume a standard home oven and hob.

More from Middle Eastern

You might also cook

Middle Eastern Tofu Flatbread Middle Eastern
Middle Eastern

Middle Eastern Tofu Flatbread

Weeknight-friendly Tofu Flatbread with the sumac and onion we come back to again and again. Big...

1 hr 40 min · Advanced
Lentil Shakshuka in za'atar Middle Eastern Members
Middle Eastern

Lentil Shakshuka in za'atar

A golden take on Lentil Shakshuka, built on za'atar and finished the way we like it. Ready in...

40 min · Easy
Cumin and coriander Turkey Curry Middle Eastern Members
Middle Eastern

Cumin and coriander Turkey Curry

This Middle Eastern Curry leans on cumin and coriander to do the heavy lifting. We char the...

40 min · Easy
Za'atar Cauliflower Fritters Middle Eastern
Middle Eastern

Za'atar Cauliflower Fritters

A charred take on Cauliflower Fritters, built on za'atar and finished the way we like it. Ready...

25 min · Easy