Good Food Reads: Variety in the Spices of Life

The past few summers, as soon as the zucchini starts to take over garden patches, I make a batch of Yotam Ottolenghi’s genius Turkey Zucchini Burgers with Sumac Yogurt Sauce. They are the perfect use of summer’s garden bounty and are also the recipe that got me hooked on sumac. As my kitchen skills have grown over the years, so has my willingness to try new herbs and bold spices. I’ve come to love a big flavor punch, especially when it comes to vegetables. While I was pulling out my spices for this summer’s first go at Ottolenghi’s recipe, I thought I’d try to put together a collection of spice heavy recipes to experiment with for this week’s Good Food Reads! Get ready for some serious spice!

First up is this Chicken and Tomato Salad with Sumac and Herbs, featured in the New York Times. It uses tons of fresh herbs and more sumac!

While you’ve got the sumac and your spices out, try this recipe for Cucumbers with Labneh and Cherries for a refreshing take on a side dish.

And since I know you’re going to be as sumac obsessed as I am, how about this Sumac Chicken with Cauliflower and Carrots for an easy, healthy dinner? It’s a sheet pan wonder that will be perfect for busy weeknights.

Don’t think I forgot a beverage! How about this Chili Lime Pineapple Soda? I think it would also be good with a splash of vodka, if you’re looking for an evening cocktail.

Want a show stopping, filled with flavor treat? Look no further than this recipe for Zucchini and Herbed Ricotta Flatbread. I think I might try it on the grill for a little added flavor.

I first had chicken under a brick while traveling in Tuscany about 10 years ago. Here’s a great take on the classic, using fresh sage and flavor packed juniper berries: Chicken Under A Brick with Sage and Olives.

As you all know by now, I’ve never met a good vegetarian recipe that I don’t like. Itching to try these Spiced Grilled Vegetables.

The lovely Amanda of Heartbeet Kitchen killed it with this  profile of Shelly Westerhausen’s gorgeous recipe for Minted Baba Ghanoush. My backyard mint plant is going to be put to good use!

This recipe for Lemongrass Curry With Shrimp from Bon Appetit can be made – leaving out the shrimp – a day ahead, which is definitely helpful for the weekday dinner crunch.

And finally, we can’t talk about spices without including a recipe for chicken wings, right? Try these Chicken Wings with Mango Chili Sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.

I hope you all have a great weekend filled with good food, great spices, and lots of fun with friends and family. Let us know what you make! We’d love to see your kitchen successes. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.