Avocado Toast With Pomegranate and Za’atar

This Avocado Toast With Pomegranate and Za’atar is a snap to get together, and a surefire to impress your friends and family for brunch! It only takes a few minutes to smash the avocado, toast the bread, and add the toppings! Crispy, light, fresh, and savory, this avocado toast is one of my favorite brunch dishes to make at home.

Inspired By Memories of Paris

I did a recent Google search on one of my favorite brunch spots in Paris – Cafe Oberkampf – and to my complete shock… I found out it was permanently closed. While I can only speculate (and shed a tear) as to why it’s no longer open, one thing is for certain, their menu – especially their avocado toast – lives on in my head rent-free!

They offered morning delights like shakshuka and fruit tartines, but their shining star was their avocado toast. Crispy bread, schmeared with ripe avocado and generously topped with za’atar, was a combination I’d never forget, and I guarantee you won’t either!

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Za’atar and pomegranate give this avocado toast a Mediterranean twist

Have you ever tried Middle Eastern or Meditteranean cuisine and noticed that savory, slightly tangy topping on everything? It’s probably za’atar! Za’atar happens to be one of my favorite spice blends, and it’s great on everything. If you want a soft introduction to za’atar, try my Middle Eastern Focaccia for a truly unique and delicious twist.

What Is Za’atar?

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made of dried hyssop, sumac, sesame seeds, salt, and sometimes thyme. It is slightly nutty and has citrus and peppery notes. Sprinkled on chicken, fish, and bread, za’atar is a versatile and exciting seasoning that is a great addition to your spice rack!

Za’atar adds a dimension of unexpected flavor to otherwise mild avocados and plain bread, and is a perfect match for juicy pomegranate!

Nutrient Dense Toppings

Avocado is highly nutritious and a great source of vitamins C, E, and K which are great for skin and brain health. It also contains a lot of vitamins that are frequently lacking in many people’s diets, like folate and B6.

The za’atar contains sumac, which has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice. The sesame seeds are loaded with vital nutrients that help protect your immune system.

Easy Tips For Excellent Avocado Toast

You may be no stranger to avocado toast, however, it also helps to have a few tips and tricks to ensure each bite of avocado toast is as great as the bistro’s down the street.

• Pick a ripe avocado with firm, green flesh. The avocado should give slightly when pressed, but it shouldn’t be mushy or yellow inside.
• Don’t skip the garlic! Rubbing the garlic on the toast will give it flavor without the spiciness of raw chopped garlic.
• Be generous with the za’atar. Since this spice blend is replacing the traditional “vinaigrette” that is usually found on avocado toast, go ahead and sprinkle as much as you’d like!
• Try other toppings! Pepitas (toasted pumpkin seeds), soft boiled egg, and prosciutto are all solid choices.

INGREDIENTS  

• 1 large ripe avocado
• 1 clove garlic, cut in half
• 2 tbsp za’atar
• 3 tbsp pomegranate seeds
• 4 thick slices of sourdough or French bread
• 1 lemon, juiced
• salt, to taste
• olive oil, for drizzling

INSTRUCTIONS 

• Toast the slices of sourdough in a toaster or under a broiler until crispy and golden brown.
• Rub the garlic clove halves cut side down on the toasted bread on both sides.
• Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
• Using a fork, mash the avocado to desired consistency. It should be smooth enough to be spreadable on the toast.
• Season the avocado with salt and lemon juice to taste.
• Spread a small portion of the avocado mixture on a slice of bread. Repeat with until all slices have avocado spread on them.
• Arrange the toast on a serving plate. Top with olive oil, pomegranate seeds, and za’atar. Serve.