Za’atar Pork Chops With Zucchini Rice

Za’atar is a spice blend popular throughout Eastern Mediterranean countries and usually includes dried oregano, thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds.

Fluffy rice and warm zucchini form a simple but fresh base for the rich pork chops. Linda Gassenheimer/TNS

By Linda Gassenheimer Tribune News Service

This flavorful seasoning, za’atar, gives these pork chops a delicious Middle Eastern flair. Za’atar is a spice blend popular throughout Eastern Mediterranean countries and usually includes dried oregano, thyme, sumac, and sesamxe seeds. Conveniently, it is widely available in the spice section of most supermarkets. You may also find za’atar sold blended with olive oil, which works just as well in this recipe. As an easy accompaniment, fresh zucchini cubes are mixed with rice and cooked in the microwave, creating a quick, light side dish.

Helpful Hints

• 3 crushed garlic cloves can be used instead of minced garlic.
• Microwaveable brown rice can be used instead of basmati rice.

Countdown

• Prepare all ingredients.
• Make zucchini and rice.
• Make pork.

Shopping List

To buy: 3/4 pound boneless loin pork chops, 1 bottle za’atar seasoning, 1 lemon, 1 jar minced garlic, 1 container no-salt-added chicken broth, 1 large zucchini, 1 package microwaveable basmati rice, 1 bunch cilantro.

Staples: olive oil, salt, and black peppercorns.

Za’atar Pork Chops With Zucchini Rice

Serves 2

• 2 tablespoons za’atar seasoning
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/4 cup no-salt-added chicken broth
• 3/4 pound boneless loin pork chop
• 4 cups1/4-inch zucchini cubes
• 1 package microwaveable basmati rice to make 1 1/2 cups cooked
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves

Mix za’atar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and chicken broth together in a small bowl. Place pork on a cutting board. Remove visible fat from pork and pound until about 1/4-1/2-inch thick. This can be done with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a sturdy skillet. Heat a nonstick skillet just large enough to hold the pork in one layer over medium-high heat. Add the pork and brown 3 minutes. Turn pork over and add the zaatar sauce to the skillet and cook 3 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 145 degrees F. If za’atar sauce runs dry, add a little more broth. Meanwhile, place the zucchini in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave 2 minutes. Remove from microwave and add the basmati rice to the microwave oven for 1 minute or according to package instructions. Measure 1 1/2-cups and reserve any remaining rice for another meal. Add the rice to the zucchini and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Divide the rice between 2 dinner plates. Place the pork over the rice. Spoon the sauce over the pork and rice. Sprinkle cilantro on top.

Per serving: 554 calories (33 percent from fat), 20.6 g fat (3.6 g saturated, 8.6 g monounsaturated), 96 mg cholesterol, 47.3 g protein, 46.7 g carbohydrates, 3.5 g fiber, 349 mg sodium.

Linda Gassenheimer is the author of over 30 cookbooks, including her newest, “The 12-Week Diabetes Cookbook.” Listen to Linda on www.WDNA.org and all major podcast sites. Email her at [email protected]. Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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