Za'atar Beef Eggplant with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Za'atar seasoning is all the rage right now in the United States, but it has been popular across the Middle East since ancient times. Za'atar is a fragrant and herbaceous seasoning that makes any dish it is used in stand out from the rest! In this recipe you will enjoy my take on a classic middle eastern flavor combination without having to step foot out of your own kitchen! Let me know what you think in the comments!

Ingredients

•2 eggplants

•Olive oil

•1 large lemon, juiced

•1 red onion, chopped

•1 lb ground beef

•4 cloves garlic, minced

•1 TB Za’atar seasoning

•Flat leaf Parsley

Mint Yogurt Sauce

•16 oz greek yogurt

•3 oz fresh mint leaves, finely chopped

• 4 oz crumbled feta

•1 clove garlic, minced

•1/2 large lemon, juiced

•dash of cayenne or paprika(optional)

•salt and cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F

2. Slice eggplants in half. Cut diagonal slits on the white part of the eggplant. Coat both sides with lemon juice and olive oil.

3. Bake for 15-20 minutes each side, or until brown and soft all the way through.

4. While eggplants are baking, combine mint yogurt sauce ingredients in a bowl

5. Heat oil in a nonstick pan on medium heat.

6. Add Za’atar seasoning and toast for 30 seconds in oil or until fragrant.

7. Add red onion, sauté until soft and golden brown.

8. Turn the heat up to medium high.

9. Add Beef and cook through. The beef should be thoroughly browned and crispy.

10. Place the beef on the cooked eggplant, top with mint yogurt sauce and parsley for garnish.

4 servings