MUSHROOM SCHMALTZ STUFFING; SPINACH STUFFING WITH ZA’ATAR.

Spinach Stuffing With Za’atar

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  • Level: Easy
  • Total: 1 hr 40 min
  • Active: 35 min
  • Yield: 8 servings
Za’atar seasoning, the iconic Middle Eastern spice and herb blend, is the perfect ingredient for Thanksgiving recipes. A fragrant mix of woody herbs such as thyme, za’atar (also known as hyssop, a common herb found throughout the Middle East), marjoram, and/or oregano, tangy sumac, and nutty sesame seeds, this blend pairs perfectly with all the homey flavors traditionally found on the holiday table.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Put the bread in a large bowl. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and drizzle over the bread along with 2 tablespoons olive oil; sprinkle with the za’atar and toss. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until golden and dry, tossing halfway through, 20 to 25 minutes.
  2. Butter a 3-quart baking dish. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons each butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks and celery; season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and tender, 13 to 15 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook until just heated through, about 2 minutes.
  3. Whisk together the half-and-half, eggs, egg yolks, nutmeg, lemon zest and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large bowl. Fold in the bread cubes and vegetables, then transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes; uncover and bake until crisp and golden, 25 to 30 more minutes. Let cool 10 minutes. Top with feta, if using, and sprinkle with more za’atar.