Lemon & Za'atar Goat Cheese Dip

This Lemon & Za'atar Goat Cheese Dip is sunny and flavorful and so simple to make. Grab some crackers and gather your coven. This is definitely awesome.

Being a witch gives me the freedom to do whatever I want, and that means I can eat cheese and crackers or chips and dip for dinner, and no one can stop me. I'm prepared to accept the consequences of my choices. Though I must say, the consequence of dip for dinner is usually deep pleasure, occasionally followed by satisfied sleepiness.

When there's no rules, you get to see the world in a whole new way and detach yourself from what dinner is supposed to look like. And of course, it goes beyond the kitchen and expands into your whole life. If something's not working in your life, there's a good chance that you have at least some power to make a change. But if you just start with eating whatever you want, that's pretty awesome all by itself.

What makes Lemon & Za'atar Goat Cheese Dip so awesome?

This lemon & Za'atar Goat Cheese Dip originated with Alison Roman in her book Nothing Fancy. She's got quite a few dip recipes that just involve something creamy topped with an infused oil. It seems too simple to be this good, but I absolutely could not stop eating this. Trust me, I tried.

We're simply spreading some creamy goat cheese in a shallow bowl, then pouring over some good olive oil infused with lemon, za'atar, fresh thyme, and toasted sesame seeds. As you scoop it up onto a cracker, the oil and the cheese come together to bring you creamy richness and a wallop of bright, sunny flavors. It's perfect for Spring gatherings, and you can have it ready in about 10 minutes.

Magical Properties of Lemon

While most sources associate lemons with water and the moon, I've discovered other sources that claim lemons are ruled by the element of air and the planet Mars, as well as the Sun. Of course, your intuitive response to this bright and cleansing fruit is always going to be the most practical. Lemons can be used in spells for enhancing relationships and increasing strength. (Source: Kitchen Witch's Guide to Healing & Self-Care by Maggie Haseman)

To learn more about the magical properties of the ingredients in this recipe, check the Kitchen Magick page.

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to make this dip. The full details are in the recipe card below.

• Sesame seeds
• Olive oil - This is the time to use the good stuff if you have it, but everyday olive oil will also work if that's what you've got.
• Lemon - You'll need the zest and juice, so grab a fresh lemon.
• Za'atar
• Thyme - Fresh is best, but dried will work in a pinch. You'll only need a teaspoon if using dried.
• Salt and pepper
• Goat cheese - Creamy goat cheese is my preference
• Crackers

Tips for making Lemon & Za'atar Goat Cheese Dip

There's barely any cooking involved. I toast my sesame seeds in the tiny skillet I use to cook a single egg. Just add them to a dry pan over low heat and give them the occasional shake for a couple of minutes until they start to smell nutty. Then you'll add the oil, lemon zest and juice, thyme, and za'atar, and just let that simmer for a couple of minutes to infuse the oil.

While your oil is infusing, smear your creamy goat cheese over the bottom of a shallow bowl. I like to create lots of swoops and swirls for the oil to settle in. Once your oil is smelling awesome, you'll pour that over the cheese and season with good flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper. Let this hang out for at least 10 minutes, but you can also cover this and stash it in the fridge for the next day if you like.

Make sure to get some oil and some cheese in every bite. It's messy but so delicious.

Put this Lemon & Za'atar Goat Cheese Dip on your table and make everyone happy. It's that awesome.

Looking for more awesome dip recipes? Try this Scallion & Chili Yogurt Dip or some colorful Sweet Potato Chickpea Dip.

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