You’ll love the added flavor boost that Za’atar spice blend gives to so many foods. The nutty, tangy flavor is delicious on Middle Eastern dips, salads, and soups. And that’s just the start of the many ways you can use za’atar.
Za’atar is easy to make, and you’ll find lots of ways to use it. Try sprinkling it on grilled meat, vegetables, or fish. Brush pita bread with olive oil, sprinkle with za’atar, then toast under the broiler. Sprinkle it on hummus, baba ganoush, or yogurt dips.
Make larger amounts to give as gifts. Your friends are sure to love it!
Tips
- If you start with fresh herbs, you’ll need to thoroughly dry them first.
- You can play with the recipe by adding other spices, such as cumin, crushed coriander seeds, or red pepper flakes.
- Another herb that is often used in za’tar is dried hyssop, also called za’atar (making things a bit confusing). It has a strong flavor, so start with a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon for the amounts given in this recipe). Grind it with the oregano and thyme in the instructions below.
This recipe makes about a cup of spice blend.
Ingredients
You need the following ingredients to make za’atar.
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup dried oregano
- 1/4 cup dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 tablespoons ground sumac
Directions
Toast the sesame seeds. Put them in a small skillet and turn the heat to low-medium. Toast them until lightly golden (about 3-5 minutes), stirring or shaking them in the pan constantly to prevent them from burning. If they start to brown too quickly, turn down the heat. When finished, pour the seeds into a wide bowl to cool. Don’t leave them in the pan, because they will continue cooking on the hot surface.
Add the oregano and thyme to a mortar and lightly grind them with the pestle. Add the sea salt and grind everything a little more. Stir in the sumac, and sesame seeds.
Store the spice in an airtight jar. It should maintain its freshness for several months.
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