Za’atar Beef Bowl with Kani’s Hummus & Baba Ghanoush

This recipe has a long title, but that’s because it relies heavily on the heavenly flavors of Kani’s hummus and baba ghanoush. Kani is one of our prepared food vendors. She prepares Kurdish flatbreads filled with homemade falafel, lamb, and chicken. She makes sweet and flaky baklava. And most importantly, she makes some of the best hummus I’ve ever had. It’s light, it’s fluffy, it’s smooth, it’s perfect. While other hummus is heavy and overly flavored, Kani’s is like a smooth, cooling balm, melding effortlessly with whatever you’re spreading it on or dipping it in. Enjoy this recipe incorporating her creations!

By Sarah Golibart Gorman

Ingredients

• 1 container of Kani’s hummus*

• 1 container of Kani’s baba ghanoush*

• 1 lb of beef* (or another protein) - ask your farmer for the right cut, I used “cube steak” from GlenDor in this recipe

  • 1 teaspoon za’atar

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 zucchini*, chopped

• 2 squash*, chopped

• 1 bunch carrots*, sliced in half longways

• 2 cups rice

• 1 bag kale*, chopped

• Sauce

  • 1 cup plain greek yogurt

  • Juice of one lemon

  • 1 teaspoon dry mint (or handful of fresh leaves*)

  • 3 garlic cloves

  • 1 teaspoon za’atar

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

    *These ingredients can be found at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market, check What’s Fresh to see what’s in season

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Prepare 2 cups of rice using your desired method.

3. Toss chopped carrots, zucchini, and squash in olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes or so.

4. Make the sauce by combining all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Taste and adjust seasonings until it tastes good to you!

5. Season beef with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon za’atar. Heat your fat of choice (butter, oil), in a skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the beef for 2-3 minutes and cook until you reach your desired doneness. Set aside to rest before slicing.

6. Add chopped kale to the hot beef pan, add a little water and cover, steaming for 5 minutes or so.

7. Arrange all ingredients on a plate, drizzle with sauce and add a big dollop of Kani’s hummus and baba ghanoush. Enjoy!