With vibrant colors and bold flavors, this homemade Za’atar Spice Recipe may be what you need for your next meal!
I love sesame seeds. One day, I was picking up some spices at the store when my eyes settled on a bottle of za’atar seasoning featuring my aforementioned beloved little nutty kernels of goodness. I’d never heard of za’atar before, but I grabbed it so fast it would make your head spin and put it in my cart, excited to research how to use it when I got home. Za’atar has been a staple in Arab cuisine ever since it emerged in 12th-century Palestine and is one of the most ancient spice blends in the world. It’s traditionally made from herbs like dried oregano, thyme, marjoram, and sumac. This version calls for dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, dried oregano, and sea salt, but there are so many different ways to prepare it.
Many Middle Eastern households use za’atar as a seasoning for breads, meats, and veggies. I love to sprinkle it over store-bought or homemade hummus and tahini. I’ve since discovered a Palestinian restaurant near my house that gives you a basket of pita, a dish of olive oil, and a little bowl of za’atar for free when you sit down! Free food is the fastest way to my heart. I’ve taken to making the pita, olive oil, and za’atar combo at home as well.
Spice Substitutions
There are other spices that can get the job done as well if you don’t have an ingredient or two on this list. For example, you can mix in marjoram, cumin, or coriander to replace whatever spice you might not have on hand. These all pair well with sumac and toasted sesame seeds. And if you don’t have any sesame seeds in store, you can make a less authentic but still delicious version of this recipe by using flax, hemp, or chia seeds. Flax seeds are popular as sesame seed substitutes due to their similar, slightly nutty flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store the mixture in an airtight container in a cool and dark place. The spice blend will stay fresh for about 1 year if stored properly.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many different ways to use your za’atar spice. Dust over and bake onto flatbreads or use as a seasoning to sprinkle over meats and vegetables. I suggest drizzling it over Greek yogurt, hummus, or Creamy Baba Ghanoush and serving it with raw veggies and crumbled feta cheese. You can also use your za’atar as a marinade or dry rub for grilled mushrooms and kebabs like these Grilled Herb Hummus Chicken Kebabs. It even goes well in salad dressings!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons sumac
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.
- Stir until well mixed.
- Transfer the Za’atar spice blend to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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