Brown Butter Za’atar Pasta

Brown Butter Za’atar Pasta

Introduction

This Brown Butter Za’atar Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together the nutty richness of brown butter, the aromatic flavors of za’atar, and the freshness of mixed herbs. It’s quick to make, yet packed with complex flavors, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 packed cup fresh herb leaves (parsley, oregano, mint, thyme, or a combination)
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup firmly packed freshly grated or 1/3 cup store-bought grated), divided
• 1 pound dried long pasta (spaghetti or bucatini)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon za’atar, plus more for serving
• 1/2 medium lemon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the pasta

Directions

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Coarsely chop the fresh herb leaves.
   • Finely grate the Parmesan cheese or measure out the store-bought grated cheese.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
   • Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions for 1 minute less than al dente.
3. Make the Brown Butter Sauce:
   • Cut the unsalted butter into a few pieces and melt it in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the za’atar and continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally and scraping up any browned bits at the bottom with a wooden spoon, until the butter is nutty, fragrant, and toasty-brown (about 2 to 3 minutes).
   • Remove the pan from heat and carefully squeeze the juice from the lemon into the pan (be cautious as it will spatter).
   • Add the kosher salt and stir to combine.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
   • Pour the reserved pasta water into the brown butter sauce and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
   • Simmer, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan, until the liquid reduces by half (about 3 minutes).
   • Add the drained pasta and toss continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, and the pasta reaches al dente (about 1 minute more).
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove the pan from heat.
   • Add the chopped herbs and half of the Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine.
   • Serve the pasta garnished with the remaining Parmesan and a generous sprinkle of za’atar.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: Approx. 500 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Conclusion

This Brown Butter Za’atar Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that can easily become a staple in your recipe repertoire. The unique combination of flavors will impress your family and guests, making it a go-to option for any pasta lover. Enjoy!

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Feel free to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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