ZAATAR SANDWICH RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6. Mix together the olive oil and za’atar and brush the aubergine slices on both sides with the oil. Heat a griddle pan over a high heat and sear the aubergine slices for a minute on each side, until they just start to soften and have distinctive griddle marks. You will need to do this in batches. 

  Line up eight slices of aubergine on a lightly greased baking tray and top each one with a layer of peppers, some of the mozzarella and a scattering of sun-dried tomatoes. Top each with another aubergine slice to create eight 'sandwiches'. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, until the aubergines are soft and the cheese is oozing.

Steps:

• Place a rack in center of oven; preheat to 450°. Whisk za’atar, 2 garlic cloves, and ½ cup oil in a small bowl. Spoon over both sides of eggplant rounds (about 1 tsp. per side) and rub into flesh. It will absorb, so use all of the za’atar oil! Generously season with salt. Roast eggplant on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet until tender and beginning to brown in spots, 35–45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pulse parsley and ½ cup chives in a food processor until finely chopped. Add tahini and pulse until smooth. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in ½ cup water and continue to pulse until sauce is the consistency of a thin yogurt; season with salt.
• Toss cucumbers, tomatoes, mint, lemon juice, and remaining garlic clove, 2 Tbsp. oil, and 2 Tbsp. chives in a medium bowl; season Israeli salad with salt.
• Mix hummus, harissa, and cumin in a small bowl (if you like it spicy, add more harissa).
• Generously spread tahini sauce and hummus mixture inside pita. Place a few rounds of eggplant (or one if using a large eggplant) inside. Stuff pita with Israeli salad, cabbage, eggs, and pickles.