Cracked Sumac
Rhus coriariaClinical Encyclopedia
Cracked sumac is a spice made from the dried and crushed berries of the sumac plant, known for its tangy, lemony flavor. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine to enhance the taste of various dishes.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Cracked sumac can be used as a seasoning for meats, salads, and dips. It is best added at the end of cooking to preserve its flavor.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose cracked sumac that is vibrant in color and aromatic. Avoid any that appear dull or have an off smell.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor and potency.
Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds
Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.
Known for their antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress.
Compounds that may reduce inflammation and support heart health.
"Sumac has been used since ancient times and was a popular spice in Roman cuisine."
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Sumac-Spiced Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad tossed with vibrant vegetables and a zesty sumac dressing, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cracked sumac
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cracked sumac, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Pour the dressing over the salad, toss well, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Sumac Roasted Chickpeas
Crispy roasted chickpeas seasoned with cracked sumac, making for a healthy and addictive snack.
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cracked sumac
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, cracked sumac, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
- 3. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy, stirring halfway through.
Grilled Chicken with Sumac Marinade
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a tangy sumac mixture, served with a side of grilled vegetables.
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons cracked sumac
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a bowl, mix the cracked sumac, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- 2. Marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- 3. Grill the chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
Sumac and Avocado Toast
A nutritious avocado toast topped with cracked sumac and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch.
- 2 slices whole-grain bread
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon cracked sumac
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Salt to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1. Toast the whole-grain bread slices until golden brown.
- 2. Mash the avocado in a bowl and season with salt and cracked sumac.
- 3. Spread the avocado mixture on the toasted bread and sprinkle with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if desired.
Sumac-Spiced Roasted Vegetables
A colorful medley of seasonal vegetables roasted with cracked sumac, enhancing their natural flavors.
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cracked sumac
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 2. Toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, cracked sumac, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
Sumac Yogurt Dip
A creamy yogurt dip infused with cracked sumac, perfect for serving with fresh vegetables or whole-grain pita.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon cracked sumac
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Chopped mint for garnish
- 1. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cracked sumac, minced garlic, olive oil, and salt.
- 2. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- 3. Garnish with chopped mint and serve with fresh vegetables or pita chips.
Sumac Lentil Soup
A hearty lentil soup flavored with cracked sumac, providing a warm and nutritious meal packed with protein.
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons cracked sumac
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- 2. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cracked sumac, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
- 3. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
Sumac and Feta Stuffed Bell Peppers
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of quinoa, feta, and cracked sumac, baked to perfection.
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons cracked sumac
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. In a bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, feta cheese, cracked sumac, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Sumac Infused Hummus
A twist on traditional hummus with the addition of cracked sumac, offering a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with veggies.
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons cracked sumac
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
- 1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, cracked sumac, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- 2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- 3. Serve with fresh vegetables or pita bread.
Sumac-Spiced Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Succulent shrimp marinated in a sumac mixture and grilled to perfection, ideal for a healthy summer barbecue.
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cracked sumac
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
- 1. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, cracked sumac, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- 2. Add the shrimp and marinate for 20-30 minutes.
- 3. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is cracked sumac?
Cracked sumac is a spice made from the dried and crushed berries of the sumac plant, known for its tangy flavor.
How do you use cracked sumac?
It can be sprinkled on salads, meats, and dips, or mixed into marinades.
Is cracked sumac healthy?
Yes, it is rich in antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Where can I buy cracked sumac?
It is commonly available in Middle Eastern grocery stores and online.
Can cracked sumac be used in cooking?
Yes, it is often used in cooking, especially in Middle Eastern dishes.
Does cracked sumac have any side effects?
No significant side effects are known when consumed in normal dietary amounts.
How should cracked sumac be stored?
Store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I substitute cracked sumac with lemon juice?
While lemon juice can provide acidity, it lacks the unique flavor profile of sumac.