The secret to tangy, flavorful vegan dishes? Sumac!
What's the story
Sumac is a tangy and slightly fruity spice that's pretty much the unsung hero of Middle Eastern cooking.
Made from the dried and ground berries of the sumac plant, it has a unique lemony flavor that can make almost anything taste better.
In this article, we explore five creative ways to use sumac in vegan cooking. It adds depth and zest without overpowering the taste.
Twist 1
Sumac-infused hummus
Take your classic hummus to the next level by adding one to two teaspoons of sumac.
This not only gives a gorgeous reddish color but also introduces a zesty tang that perfectly balances the creaminess of chickpeas.
Serve this sumac-kissed hummus with warm pita bread or fresh vegetables for a delicious snack or starter.
Twist 2
Zesty sumac salad dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and two teaspoons of sumac to create a vibrant salad dressing.
This dressing is perfect for simple green salads or grain-based salads like quinoa or couscous.
The acidity from the lemon juice and the sumac adds a refreshing zest that complements the natural flavors of your salad ingredients.
Twist 3
Roasted vegetables with sumac
Roasting vegetables is a great way to enhance their natural sweetness.
But, a sprinkle of sumac can elevate your basic roasted veggies into a show-stopping side dish.
Just toss your go-to veggies (think carrots, potatoes, zucchini) with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of sumac. Roast them in the oven until they're tender and caramelized to perfection.
Twist 4
Vegan tacos with sumac-spiced filling
Add a surprising flavor twist to your vegan tacos with the secret ingredient: sumac!
Simply saute onions and bell peppers with black beans or lentils, then season with a generous sprinkle of sumac alongside cumin and chili powder for extra depth.
The result? A deliciously tangy taco filling that complements avocado slices and fresh cilantro wrapped in soft corn tortillas. Yum!
Twist 5
Sumacy berry compote
If you have a sweet tooth, a berry compote with a hint of sumac is perfect.
Just simmer strawberries and blueberries with sugar over low heat until they break down into a saucy consistency.
Then, stir in half a teaspoon of sumac for a unique twist.
This is delicious on vegan pancakes or oatmeal.