11 Delicious Recipes That Highlight the Tang of Sumac

Bob’s Sumac Kabobs

The secret to these mouthwatering kabobs lies in the flavorful spice mix featuring Aleppo chili flakes, cinnamon, and sumac. "When people think of kabobs, they usually imagine chunks of meat on skewers, but I'm showcasing the ground-meat variety, also known as kofta," says Chef John. "This recipe is one you'll want to add to your regular menu. Serve these kabobs with grilled pita bread and a mix of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, lightly seasoned with salt and olive oil, then topped with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of dried sumac."

Lebanese Fattoush Salad

This traditional Lebanese bread salad brings together toasted pita, crisp vegetables, fresh mint, parsley, and ground sumac. "A refreshing and flavorful salad from Lebanon," says Christina, who shared the recipe. "The vibrant parsley and mint really make this dish shine!"

Baharat-Spiced Chicken with Rice

A rich and aromatic baharat spice mix — combining sumac, cardamom pods, and ground loomi (dried lime) — adds depth to roasted chicken and basmati rice. "I’ve created this dish inspired by the Gulf region, with the addition of spices like loomi (dried lime)," says Buckwheat Queen. "This versatile spice blend is perfect for soups too, so keep it on hand!"

Turkish Fish Stew

White fish is seasoned with sumac, cumin, ginger, and red pepper flakes, then simmered with artichoke hearts, capers, tomatoes, and white wine. "This recipe is a true gem," says Olechka, who gives it a 5-star rating. "I've made it over 20 times, and it’s become my go-to for healthy fish dishes. The balance of spices is perfect, and it’s absolutely mouthwatering." Serve it with couscous for a complete meal.

Za'atar Pickles

Toasted cardamom and ground sumac bring a bright, citrusy kick to these bold "half-sour pickles" spiced with harissa and all the classic flavors of Turkish za'atar," says Buckwheat Queen. "After 10 days, the flavor will only deepen and improve with age."

Shish Tawook (Mediterranean Chicken Skewers)

This recipe for grilled, marinated Mediterranean-style chicken "was inspired by the Lebanese restaurant where I used to work," says soulman. "The flavor is so distinctive and unique, it'll have everyone guessing the secret ingredients—it's truly mouthwatering! It pairs perfectly with a simple rice pilaf, and also goes wonderfully with fattoush or tabbouleh salad as a side. You'll need metal skewers or a grilling basket (I personally prefer the basket)."

Za'atar Fried Chicken

"This recipe is a fusion of my Southern roots and Jewish heritage," says Press and Barrel, the creator of the recipe. It’s a simple yet flavorful fried chicken, enhanced with a homemade za'atar spice mix for a unique twist.

Kabob Koobideh (Persian Ground Meat Skewers)

Ground beef and lamb are mixed with grated onions, turmeric, and sumac before being grilled to perfection. "This is one of the most mouthwatering kabob recipes I've ever come across," says Nick Perry. "These kabobs are typically grilled over hot coals or on any BBQ grill."

Homemade Za'atar

This simple za'atar spice blend is a breeze to make at home. You’ll only need four ingredients: toasted sesame seeds, thyme, sumac, and salt. "In Lebanon, wild thyme is typically used, but regular thyme from your garden or the store works just as well," says Serena, who shared the recipe. "Za'atar refers not only to the thyme plant but also to this flavorful spice mix."

Salat Yirakot

This refreshing Mediterranean salad combines tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a tangy dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and sumac. "I loved the flavors in this dish," says Christina. "And anything with sumac is a winner for me. I’ll definitely be making this again!"

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Iraqi Sumac Salad (Summag Salad)

"The combination of tangy lemon and sumac makes this salad incredibly refreshing—it's perfect for a summer meal," says France C. "One of my favorite lunch spots is a cozy little Iraqi restaurant that serves the most amazing food! When I first tried this salad there, I knew I had to try recreating it at home."

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