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Za'atar Recipe

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Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made from a herb mixture usually containing thyme, sumac, cumin, salt and other spices. It’s used extensively throughout the Levant countries as a topping for Arabic pita bread, meat, yogurt, hummus, and salads.

Za’atar spice is an incredibly versatile spice mixture with a nutty, herbal flavor. It’s often tangy (from the sumac) and sometimes tastes lemony, depending on the ingredients used.

Below are some great recipes using za’atar as well as a recipe for za'atar seasoning that you can make at home.

Za'atar spice mix recipe

Recipes with Za’atar Spice

Za’atar is used in many Middle Eastern dishes, but it makes for a great topping on lots of different types of food - meat, vegetables, yogurt, and bread. It packs a zesty punch and is highly adaptable. Here's a bunch of delicious recipes that use Za’atar.

Za'atar spice blend

Storage

Here's how you can make your own za'atar spice blend at home. It's easy to make and keeps for several months if you store it in an airtight container.


Where to Buy Za’atar

Za’atar is can be found in most Middle Eastern grocery stores and specialty groceries. It can also be purchased online - I recommend the Spice House's za'atar seasoning, but if you want to buy it on Amazon, get the Sheffa Za'atar Spice Blend.


More Middle Eastern Spice Blends

Check out our other Arabic spice blends and spices.

Yield: a little over ½ cup

Za'atar Recipe

Ingredients for za'atar spice in a bowl.

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made that's incredibly versatile and used in many dishes.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons coriander
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sumac
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

    1. Heat a small frying pan over medium heat. Toast the thyme, cumin, coriander, and sesame seeds for 2 minutes - stirring every 30 seconds.

    2. Combine the toasted seeds, sumac, and salt in mortar and pestle or spice mill and grind them till combined. A rough consistency is okay.

    3. Save for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container.

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