Zatar Mac & Cheese

Zatar Mac and Cheese

A delicious fusion of creamy, cheesy comfort food with the herbaceous, tangy kick of zatar, this Zatar Mac and Cheese is a perfect way to elevate a classic dish. The savoury depth of zatar pairs wonderfully with the rich, gooey cheese sauce, making for a unique twist on traditional mac and cheese.

Ingredients:

  • 250g (9 oz) elbow macaroni or any pasta shape of your choice

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)

  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk (or dairy-free milk like almond or oat for a dairy-free version)

  • 1 cup (120g) grated cheddar cheese

  • 1 tub of ricotta cheese

  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

  • 1-2 teaspoons zatar

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

  • Salt, to taste

  • A drizzle of olive oil (optional, for extra richness)

  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional – parsley, mint, or basil)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

    • Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

  2. Make the Cheese Sauce

    • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux (paste). Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to avoid burning.

    • Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to smooth out any lumps. Continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens (about 4-5 minutes).

  3. Add the Cheese and Zatar

    • Once the sauce has thickened, add all the cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

    • Stir in the zatar, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    • Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy zatar sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash more of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

  5. Finish and Serve

    • Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top for extra richness, if desired.

    • Transfer the zatar mac and cheese to serving bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil for a burst of colour and freshness.

  6. Enjoy!

    • Serve your Zatar Mac and Cheese immediately, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of Middle Eastern flavour from the zatar.

Tips:

  • Vegan/Dairy-Free: For a fully vegan mac and cheese, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cheese like cashew-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.

  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of zatar to your taste – more for a bold, herbaceous kick or less for a subtler flavour.

  • Add-ins: You can add cooked vegetables (like spinach, peas, or roasted tomatoes) or protein (such as grilled chicken or chickpeas) for extra texture and nutrition.

This Zatar Mac and Cheese is a decadent and flavourful twist on the beloved classic. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with the aromatic zatar, makes for a rich and comforting dish with a unique Levantine flair. Perfect for a weeknight dinner. Enjoy!