Originating from Middle Eastern / Levantine cuisine - think Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria - Za'atar (pronounced ZAH-tar) is a spice blend that packs a serious punch and is often used as a seasoning with pita breads, meats, vegetables or sprinkled over dips such as hummus.
Za'atar is made with herbs and spices including sesame seeds, sumac, salt, oregano, marjoram and thyme. Use it like you would salt to add a middle eastern flair to your food!
While you can purchase blends of za'atar from most supermarkets, making it yourself gives you the control to adjust the ingredient balance to suit your tastes and make your own 'house blend' using my recipe as a starting point. Keep in mind that not all blends are created equal!
How to use Za'atar?
Use za'atar as a seasoning or spice blend on your favourite proteins or vegetables. Here are some other ideas for you too:
- Use as a topping for hummus or other dips, like baba ganoush.
- Spread oil on some pita bread or a slice of bread from a crusty loaf and then sprinkle za'atar over it.
- Make my Za'atar flatbread.
- Use it as a seasoning on avocado toast.
- Mix with olive oil and drizzle over labneh for a quick and simple dip.
- As a topping for scrambled eggs, popcorn or french fries.
- Make some Za'atar potato wedges.
Ingredients in Za'atar spice blend
- Sumac is used to bring a tangy, lemony flavour.
- Sesame seeds - not always used, but I find they bring a great flavour and texture. You can optionally toast them in a skillet if you want to enhance the sesame flavour.
- Oregano - preferably use a Greek or Italian oregano, not Mexican.
- Thyme
- Marjoram - optional, replace with thyme & oregano if you choose not to use.
- Salt
Step-by-step guide to making Za'atar
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Stir well to evenly mix.
Store in an airtight container or snap lock bag.
Tips
- Always make sure you make za'atar using "fresh" dried herbs and spices. Herbs and spices lose their flavour over time, particularly if they're not stored in an airtight container.
- Lightly toast sesame seeds in a skillet until golden brown to enhance their nutty flavor before mixing them into the za'atar if you want to increase the sesame taste.
- Sumac brings the tangy flavour - adjust the dish to your taste by varying the amount of sumac.
- Mix well before use, to make sure the ingredients are well distributed.
- Store in an airtight container or snap lock bag to maintain the freshness and aroma of your za'atar.
- Experiment with new spices and herbs to create your own house blend.
How to store za'atar
Za'atar should be stored in an airtight container or snap lock bag, in order to maintain its freshness and to keep it aromatic. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as a pantry or cupboard.
When stored properly in an airtight container, za'atar can last up to six months to a year. The herbs and spices will lose some of their potency over time - if the blend starts to smell less aromatic or tastes bland, it's a sign that it's time to replace it.
Any substitutes for za'atar?
There isn't really a substitute for za'atar - it's unique. You could add some sumac and sesame seeds to herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning for an approximation.
Dukkah can be used in many places that za'atar is, despite having a different flavour profile.
Sumac?
Sumac is a spice that tastes sour - similar to lemon juice. It's a crucial ingredient for za'atar, so you really can't make it without the sumac, or substitute it.
You can find sumac at most large supermarkets and at specialty spice stores. Alternatively, you'll easily find it online (i.e. Amazon).
Add your own touch
To the standard recipe I have, you can try adding any of the optional flavour enhancers to help you come up with your own za'atar house blend:
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 - 1 tsp lemon zest, finely sliced
- A pinch of pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried mint
You can add as many of these as you'd like - use the amounts as a guide and adjust the blend to suit your tastes.
Za'atar spice blend
| Prep | Total |
|---|---|
| 5 mins | 5 mins |
- 2 tbsp sumac
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds optionally toasted for a stronger flavour, see note 1
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp thyme
- 2 tsp marjoram optional - increase thyme and oregano to 3 tsp each if omitting
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp cumin to add warmth and earthy notes
- 1/4 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 - 1 tsp lemon zest, finely slied for extra citrus
- A pinch of pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried mint
- Combine all ingredients and stir well.
- Store in an airtight container or snap lock bag.
- Toasted sesame seeds - if you want to strengthen the sesame taste in your za'atar, you can toast the sesame seeds until golden in a skillet over medium heat.
- Optional 'enhancers' - these ingredients are optional and you can add any or all when formulating your own za'atar house blend. You can toast and grind the cumin or coriander seeds to bring out more flavour if you wish to.
- Storage - store in an airtight container or snap lock bag, out of sunlight, for the best results. If you leave the za'atar exposed to the air it will lose its flavour more quickly.
