Middle Eastern-Italian Morning Harmony

Middle Eastern-Italian Fusion Breakfast Platter

Ingredients

For the Za'atar Ricotta Flatbread:

- 1 cup ricotta cheese (Italian)

- 1 flatbread (Middle Eastern, like pita or manakish)

- 1 tbsp za'atar spice blend

- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Herb-Shakshuka with Burrata:

- 2 medium tomatoes, diced

- 1/2 cup tomato passata (Italian-style puree)

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 small chili pepper, finely chopped (optional)

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp smoked paprika

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

- 4 large eggs

- 1 ball burrata cheese (Italian)

- Olive oil for cooking

For the Saffron & Parmesan Hash Browns:

- 2 large potatoes, grated

- 1 pinch saffron threads (dissolved in 1 tbsp warm water)

- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

- 1 egg

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Olive oil for frying

Extras for Serving:

- Kalamata olives

- Fresh arugula

- Hummus or baba ganoush (optional dip)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Za'atar Ricotta Flatbread:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

- Spread ricotta cheese evenly on the flatbread. Drizzle olive oil on top and sprinkle generously with za'atar spice.

- Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the ricotta is slightly bubbly and the flatbread edges are golden. Set aside.

2. Make the Herb-Shakshuka with Burrata:

- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add chili (if using).

- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato passata, cumin, smoked paprika, half the parsley, and basil. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes.

- Create small wells in the tomato sauce and crack the eggs into each well. Cover and cook until the eggs are done to your liking (around 5–8 minutes).

- Gently tear the burrata and place it on top of the shakshuka just before serving. Garnish with remaining parsley and basil.

3. Cook the Saffron & Parmesan Hash Browns:

- In a mixing bowl, combine grated potatoes, dissolved saffron, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.

- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture, flatten into patties, and fry until golden and crispy on both sides.

4. Assemble the Platter:

- Place the za'atar ricotta flatbread on one side of a large serving platter. Add the shakshuka in the center and arrange the hash browns on the other side.

- Garnish with fresh arugula, Kalamata olives, and optional dips like hummus or baba ganoush for extra flair.

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Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors where the creaminess of Italian ingredients meets the spice and vibrancy of Middle Eastern cuisine!