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Zaatar Naan with Feta and Olives Recipe

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5 from 149 reviews

This flavorful Zaatar Naan with Whipped Feta & Olives recipe combines fragrant zaatar-spiced naan with creamy whipped feta and briny olives. Perfect as a vibrant appetizer or snack, it’s quick to prepare using simple ingredients and an oven-baking method, enhanced by fresh herbs for a delightful Mediterranean twist.

Ingredients

For the Naan

  • 4 pieces Naan (store-bought or homemade; gluten-free option available)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (high-quality extra virgin)

For the Whipped Feta

  • 200 grams Feta (crumbled; vegan feta substitute available)
  • 100 grams Greek Yogurt or Cream Cheese (dairy-free alternative for vegan)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (optional; fresh garlic can be used)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (optional; brightens the dish)

For the Topping

  • 4 tablespoons Zaatar (essential spice blend for flavor)
  • 200 grams Mixed Olives (Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and green olives)
  • Fresh Herbs (optional; parsley or mint for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200 °C (400 °F) to prepare for baking the naan.
  2. Prepare the Naan: Lightly brush each piece of naan with olive oil to enhance flavor and crispness. Evenly sprinkle zaatar spice blend over the oiled naan to infuse it with aromatic flavor.
  3. Bake the Naan: Place the seasoned naan pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm and lightly crisp.
  4. Broil for Char: After baking, broil the naan for an additional 30 seconds to develop a slight char and deepen the flavor.
  5. Make the Whipped Feta: In a food processor, blend crumbled feta with Greek yogurt or cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder and lemon zest if using, blending again to combine evenly.
  6. Prepare Olives: Chop mixed olives coarsely. Optionally, toast them lightly in a pan to bring out extra flavor.
  7. Assemble the Dish: Spread a generous layer of whipped feta on the warm baked naan, then top with chopped olives for a salty contrast.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley or mint and a drizzle of olive oil to brighten and complement the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute feta and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives.
  • Gluten-free naan can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Fresh garlic may be used instead of garlic powder for a stronger flavor.
  • Olives can be toasted or used straight from the jar according to preference.
  • Broiling should be carefully watched to avoid burning the naan.