How to make the best Homemade Zaatar Spice Mix

Therefore, this spice is prepared at home often and is stored in an airtight container for later use.

Not only in the Lebanese, Arabic or other Middle Eastern dishes, this simple spice can also be used to flavour up your dressings, stir-fried vegetables, dips, pasta, soups, pizza and meat recipes.

So whenever you plan a Lebanese or Mediterranean menu, don’t forget to make this spice beforehand.

Learn how to make this spice mix that can be stored in an airtight container for about 15 days in a cool dry place.

Here are some more Spice Recipes that you can make at home – Pumpkin Pie Spice, Panch Phoran, Chinese Five Spice Powder, Homemade Spiced Hot Cocoa Mix and Roasted Cumin Powder.

What is Zaatar Spice?

It is a delicious and inviting blend of Sumac, Dried Thyme, Sesame Seeds, Dried Oregano, Sea Salt and Dried Marjoram. Most of the ingredients are easily available in the market, but if you can’t find them you can search for it online. 

All you have to do is dry roast sesame seeds and mix it along with all the other ingredients.

Add everything in a grinder and grind to get a smooth powder. Easy peasy, isn’t it?

What does it taste like?

Due to the use of so many flavourful spices, the taste of Zaatar can be tangy, herbal, nutty and toasty at the same time.

What are the Ingredients used to make it?

To make Zaatar Spice, you will need very few ingredients.

I have used white sesame seeds. You can use either Unhulled or Hulled. I prefer using unhulled in my cooking as they are healthier than the hulled ones.

You will also need dried thyme, oregano, and marjoram.

If you can’t find marjoram, you can increase the quantity of oregano. 

Sumac is a very important ingredient added in this spice mix so do not skip it.

Flavour it using sea salt.

How to use it?

This flavourful spice mix is traditionally sprinkled on a fresh homemade Bread or Pita along with a drizzle of olive oil.

You can even sprinkle it on your plain and flavoured Hummus recipes. 

You can also add this spice to the marination of vegetables and meat.

But you can sprinkle it on any dish you like, to enhance the taste instantly.

I also like to make Zaatar tea or even sprinkle this spice mix on my homemade chips and crackers.

You can also sprinkle it on your Pizza, Labneh, Manoushe, Fatayer, Croissant, Halloumi, and Salads.

What is Sumac?

Sumac is another Mediterranean spice that is made with deep red berries that are grounded into a coarse powder.

It is another versatile spice that adds a tangy lemony flavour to the dish but is comparatively less tart than the lemon juice.

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Pumpkin Pie Spice

Taco Seasoning

Pomegranate Molasses