Sumac: tart flavor, three useful jobs

From One Good Ingredient, in collaboration with Sufra. Food images are AI-generated illustrations and narration is synthetic.

Sumac brings a tart, lemony note. Its red color does not mean chili heat. Check the ingredient list before seasoning: some sumac products already contain salt.

Toss thinly sliced onions with a little sumac and olive oil. Taste before adding more seasoning. Use them in sandwiches or alongside grilled food.

A light sprinkle over hummus adds a tart contrast to its creamy texture. Start small and taste it with the dip rather than tasting the spice alone.

In Musakhan, sumac seasons the onion mixture with chicken and bread. The recipe below has the quantities and complete method; this guide explains the ingredient.