FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM NOVEMBER 15, 2018 • THANKSGIVING • THE QUEENS COURIER 53
thanksgiving
Try the trendiest fl avors tonight
New seasonings make it easy
Exotic fl avors common in the Middle
Eastern region of the world like harissa,
za’atar and shawarma are having a
moment, appearing on restaurant menus
and in popular make-at-home recipes.
Now is the perfect time to give these
fl avors a try. Th anks to new global seasonings
from McCormick Gourmet, the
spice combinations are already blended
for the ultimate taste and simplicity.
Made from high-quality herbs and
spices, the seasonings are USDAOrganic
certifi ed and Non-GMO Project
verifi ed so you can feel good about the
ingredients used in your cooking. Th e
expertly blended spices help create distinctive
global-inspired dishes that take
your home dining experience to the next
level so you can explore these fl avors
from around the world without leaving
the comfort of home.
• Za’atar: This traditional Middle
Eastern blend of spices including
thyme, oregano and sesame seeds is
perfect for sprinkling on fl atbreads,
roasted vegetables, nuts or popcorn. It
can also be mixed into hummus or oil
for dipping.
• Harissa: A spicy fl avor found in North
African cuisine, this seasoning is made
from a combination of chilies, warm
spices and mint. Add it to meat and
veggies before roasting, stir it into
cooked rice and grains, mix it into
yogurt to make a dip or combine it
with roasted bell peppers and oil to
turn this spice into its namesake sauce.
• Shawarma: Oft en associated with the
slow roasting of meat, this Middle
Eastern street food favorite is made
with cinnamon, coriander, cardamom
and more. Use this seasoning to fl avor
an easy marinade for chicken, pork
or steak.
Look for these fl avors as well as
new Peruvian and Berbere seasonings
in the spice section of retailers
nationwide. Find more recipe ideas at
McCormickGourmet.com.
Grilled Chicken Shawarma
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 16 minutes
Servings: 8
• 1 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, divided
• 5 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet
Organic Shawarma Seasoning, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet
Sicilian Sea Salt
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken
breast
• 4 pita pockets, halved
• 1 medium seedless cucumber, thinly
sliced
• 8 lettuce leaves
In small bowl, mix 1 cup yogurt and
1 teaspoon shawarma seasoning. Cover
and refrigerate until ready to serve.
In small bowl, mix oil, lemon juice,
remaining yogurt, remaining shawarma
seasoning and sea salt. Reserve 2 tablespoons
of mixture; set aside.
Place chicken in large re-sealable plastic
bag or glass dish. Add marinade; turn
to coat well. Refrigerate 1 hour, or longer
for extra fl avor.
Heat grill or skillet to medium heat.
Remove chicken from marinade.
Discard remaining marinade. Grill or
saute 6-8 minutes per side, or until
cooked through and internal temperature
reaches 165 F, brushing with
reserved marinade.
Slice chicken into thin strips. Serve in
pitas with cucumber, lettuce and yogurt
dressing.
Shaved Carrot Salad with
Pomegranate Harissa Dressing
Prep time: 20 minutes
Servings: 5
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 3 tablespoons pomegranate juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet
Organic Harissa Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet
Sicilian Sea Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick Gourmet
Organic Black Pepper, coarse ground
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 pound multicolor carrots, washed
and peeled
• 1/2 cup shelled roasted pistachios
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 3 cups baby arugula
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
In large bowl, mix mint, pomegranate
juice, honey, harissa seasoning, sea
salt and pepper. Gradually add oil while
mixing with wire whisk until well mixed.
Set aside.
Trim carrot ends. Slice each carrot
lengthwise into ribbons with vegetable
peeler or mandoline. In medium
bowl, toss carrots with 1/4 cup prepared
dressing. Stir in pistachios and cranberries.
Arrange arugula on serving platter.
Drizzle with remaining dressing and top
with carrot mixture. Sprinkle with feta
before serving.
Za’atar Labneh
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 (2 tablespoons each)
• 1 cup labneh (yogurt cheese)
• 2 teaspoons McCormick Gourmet
Organic Za’atar Seasoning, divided
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• pita bread, for serving (optional)
• pita chips, for serving (optional)
• sliced fresh vegetables, for serving
(optional)
In small bowl, mix labneh and 1 teaspoon
seasoning until well blended.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with
remaining seasoning.
Serve with fresh pita bread, pita chips or
sliced fresh vegetables, as desired.
Courtesy Family Features