Mediterranean Pizza

The first time I had Za'atar bread in Dubai, I fell in love with it. Za'atar spice is a blend of some dried herbs (oregano, thyme, savory), salt, sesame seeds and sumac (another key ingredient to Middle Eastern cuisine).  I was cursing myself for not bringing back some of the spice to the US until my recent trip to a Middle Eastern grocery store - where I found the Za'atar spice.  My happiness knew no bounds. So it was certainly the right time to make some Za'atar pizza. Ofcourse, credit goes to my husband for making this uber delicious homemade veggie loaded delight! Enjoy!

Method and Ingredients: 

Stone baked pizza crust (I used the Culinary Circle brand)

1/2 cucumber, cubed

1 medium tomato, cubed

1/2 cup feta cheese

3/4 cup eggplant, diced

1/4 to 1/2 cup red onions, cut lengthwise

Fresh basil

Zaatar powder

Dash of Italian seasonings

Dash of paprika

1 tsp honey

1 tsp vinegar

Salt and Pepper

Olive oil

1. Place a pizza stone in the oven in the lower rack. Preheat the grill to 450F. And let the pizza stone heat up for a atleast 1/2 hour.

2. Heat oil in a flat bottom skillet. Add the eggplant and let sautee on medium heat for 3 minutes.  Add the onions and continue sauteeing for 3 minutes. (this is just to cook the eggplant slightly before adding to pizza) Add salt, black pepper, italian seasonigs, paprika, and a little harissa sauce (optional). Toss well.

3. Using a fork, gently rake the pizza base.  Drizzle olive oil over the base.  Now, sprinkle some zaatar powder all over.

4.  Once the pizza stone is hot, start assembling the pizza. Spread the eggplant and onion mixture over the pizza.  Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. 

5. In a bowl, mix the cucumber and tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil, some honey, vinegar, salt and pepper.

6. Towards the very end, add the tomatoes and cucumber mixture on the pizza.

7. Sprinkle feta cheese and some basil leaves. Let bake for another 5 minutes or so to melt the cheese a bit.

Serve hot.