Za’atar is both the name of a family of herbs and the name of a Mediterranean condiment or spice blend using those herbs. This is a really simple mixture of spices that is super easy to make at home! The primary ingredients include thyme, oregano, sumac and sesame seeds and you can play around with the herbs both in the amounts and with the addition of others like savory. (I also enjoy the addition of some aleppo pepper for heat!) Za’atar is great on everything from salads to flatbreads, hummus, grilled meats, etc!
Za’atar
A Mediterranean spice blend with thyme, sumac, oregano and sesame seeds that is great on everything from grilled chicken, to naan to hummus, etc!
ingredients
- 3 tablespoons thyme
- 2 tablespoons sumac
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 teaspoon salt
directions
- Grind everything except 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and then mix in the whole sesame seeds and enjoy.
Option: Dry/toast your own fresh thyme in the oven!!
Option: Add savory.
This is perfect to have a homemade spice!!
Kevin, I was brought up with this spice (Lebanese heritage) and I love it. I use it also when I make my home made salad dressing. I use my home made Za'atar and home made dry Adobo in olive oil and lemon juice…YUMMMY 🙂
I was just introduced to Za'atar last year, but I purchased a bag of it on Amazon because I didn't think of making my own. I keep it in a jar in the fridge and love it on roasted cauliflower. When I run out, I'm going to make it homemade now. Thanks for the recipe Kevin!