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    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Cooking Basics » Za’atar Spice Mix

    Published: Aug 15, 2020 | Last Updated On: Aug 28, 2020 by Neha Mathur

    Za’atar Spice Mix

    2752 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice mix that is very versatile in its use. Rub it over veggies, chicken, beef, or fish, or sprinkle over hummus, labneh, or baba ganoush, it takes the taste of any dish to another level. Here is how to make it at home.

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

    Za'atar served in a bowl. (Zaatar)
    Jump to:
    • About This Recipe
    • Ingredients to be used
    • Step By Step Recipe
    • Usage Ideas
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Storage Suggestions
    • Recipe Card

    About This Recipe

    Za’atar is a herb mix that is very popular when it comes to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

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

    This flavourful mix is used in many of the recipes as the ingredient or even to just sprinkle on top to enhance the taste of a dish.

    The recipe and the proportion of ingredients vary from region to region and each house have their own secret method to make it. I am sharing the one which I learned from a Middle Eastern restaurant owner in India.

    Za’atar is a delicious and inviting blend of 6 ingredients that includes 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.

    This Za’atar is,

    • Full of flavour
    • Easy to make
    • Versatile
    • Perfect to enhance the taste of simple dishes

    Ingredients to be used

    Zaatar Ingredients.

    To make Za’atar, you will need very few ingredients.

    White Sesame Seeds – 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.

    In this, sesame seeds are dry roasted before adding with other ingredients.

    Other Spices – 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 Za’atar so do not skip it.

    Step By Step Recipe

    Dry roast sesame seeds till slightly browned.

    Sesame seeds roasting in a pan.

    Cool.

    Roasted and cooled sesame seeds.

    Mix all the ingredients in a blender and blend to make a smooth powder.

    All the ingredients mixed in a blender.

    Store Za’atar in an airtight container for up to 15 days.

    Ready za'atar.

    Usage Ideas

    Za’atar is traditionally sprinkled on a fresh homemade Bread or Pita along with a drizzle of olive oil. Or you can mix it with olive oil and dunk your bread in the oil.

    You can even sprinkle it on your plain and flavoured Hummus, Baba Ganoush or Labneh. 

    Za’atar spice mix can also add this spice to the marination of vegetables and meat.

    Sprinkle it on any dish you like, to enhance the taste instantly just like I made Za’atar Pita Chips.

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

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Sumac?

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

    It is a versatile spice that adds a tangy lemony flavor to the dish but is comparatively less tart than the lemon juice. It is the ingredient that gives Za’atar a unique flavor.

    Is Za’atar and Oregano same?

    Za’atar and Oregano are completely different! Oregano is one of the ingredients used to make this Middle Eastern Za’atar.

    Storage Suggestions

    Store Za’atar in an airtight glass jar for upto 3 months in a cool and dry place. Though it stays for long, I try and make it fresh as it will just gradually loose its aroma and taste over time.

    So if you want the fresh and bomb taste of Za’atar in your dishes, try and make it fresh.

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    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice mix that is very versatile in its use. Rub it over veggies, chicken, beef, or fish, it takes the taste of any dish to another level. Here is how to make it at home.

    Za’atar Recipe

    Za'atar is a Middle easter spice mix that is very versatile in its use. It takes the taste of any dish to another level. Here is how to make it at home.
    4.17 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Basics
    Cuisine: Middle Easten
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 20 servings
    Calories: 8kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • ¼ cup Sumac
    • 3 tablespoon Dried Thyme
    • 2 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
    • 2 tablespoon Dried Oregano
    • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Marjoram
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    Instructions

    • Dry roast sesame seeds till slightly browned.
    • Cool.
    • Mix all the ingredients in a blender and blend to make a smooth powder.
    • Store in an airtight container for up to 15 days.

    Notes

    Store-bought Za’atar have more amount of herbs and hence the color is ofter on the greener side. You can add some more dried herbs if you wish to.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Veena Theagarajan

      February 18, 2014 at 12:16 pm

      so flavourful.. love it

      Reply
    2. Manjula Bharath

      February 19, 2014 at 5:55 am

      wow fabulous presentation and very flavorful spice mix !!

      Reply

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