Farmer’s markets. Barbecues. Picnics. Brunches. We’re excited. Finally, spring is here and the weather is warming up! At Zest & Zing, we’re getting inspired by the longer days and seasonal produce, so we’re dreaming up creative ways to use our collection. We’re ready to have friends over, throw dinner parties, and cook lighter and brighter food. Here are our picks for our favourite spring recipes...
We have no doubt that our wide range of herbs, spices, custom blends, and salt mixes will help you create some tasty spring dishes and liven up everyday ingredients. So we’ve compiled a list of inspiration, ideas, and recipes that utilize some of our favorite products and ingredients – just in time for spring!
Nothing says spring like asparagus! But instead of blanching it or dousing it in hollandaise, create a little something out of the ordinary like this Asparagus with Harissa Butter and Coriander Gremolata. It might sound complex, but making the harissa butter is as simple as smashing together a bit of our harissa spice blend with some soft butter and lime juice. And “gremolata” is just a fancy word for a mixed herb topping – it’s got some chopped garlic and fresh coriander with a little lime zest to make your dish even more vibrant!
Spring is also for salads, so why not try your hand at Fattoush? It’s a bright Lebanese bread salad with cucumbers, tomato, parsley, and toasted pita bread. The addition of sumac really makes this salad, giving in that distinct Middle Eastern flavour. Don’t feel bound by this recipe though – feel free to make it taste even more like springtime with the addition of broad beans, mint, and feta with a variation on the classic.
Nothing is easier than a quick plate of roasted potatoes. But not the heavy sort. Try these Crispy Salt-and-Vinegar Potatoes. The addition of vinegar to the cooking liquid seasons the potatoes, while drizzling a little more over them while they’re still hot makes them pop. Finishing them with a flakey sea salt is essential, so why not use one of our mixes? To give these even more flavor, try out the garlic and parsley sea salt!
Springtime is for brunch. And it doesn’t have to be a big, complicated Easter Brunch extravaganza. You can keep it elegant and delicious with Quiche Lorraine. This classic dish is the perfect example of something simple that’s elevated to new heights with great spices and herbs. Using thyme, bay leaves, and nutmeg will give depth and complexity to this rich blend of eggs, bacon, and shallots. Make it even more easy by using store-bought pie crust!
Oh, French toast. Who doesn’t love it? And there are so many scrumptious variations of this brunch and breakfast favourite. Add fruit, cream, or even use leftover hot cross buns to make it even more incredible. Create Classic French Toast with the essential flavours of cinnamon and nutmeg. Or get creative with this Spiced French Toast recipe which uses cloves and powdered ginger for a unique twist on the original.
Spice up your grilled meats and keep it light with kebabs! All you need to do is marinate your meats, spear them with a skewer, and throw them on the barbecue. Vegetables optional.
This Lamb Kefta with Herb Salad and Spicy Yogurt looks incredible, especially when you add turmeric, paprika, and cumin to the minced lamb before charring it up on the grill. And the addition of harissa to the yogurt dipping sauce gives it a little kick. Served with a fresh salad of parsley, mint, coriander, and red onion, this makes a perfect springtime meal!
Liven up your chicken kebabs with some Indian flavours! Before placing your chicken on the grill, marinate it in a bit of yogurt mixed with our tandoori spice blend. We used this Chicken Tikka Skewer recipe for inspiration, but if you don’t mind a little more prep work, try Jamie Oliver’s Tandoor-Style Kebabs which use fresh garlic, ginger, and garam masala. Dark meat like chicken thighs make for extra juiciness. You can try this same method with lamb too!
Don’t feel bound by the usual meats! Make Middle Eastern Salmon Kebabs and give your fish some zing with zaatar, fresh lemons, and dill. Or venture into another spectrum of flavours with this recipe for Spiced Salmon Kebabs that incorporates chili flakes, sesame seeds, and cumin. Either way, they’re sure to be light and bright – and easy to pass around at a party!
