Za'atar Spice Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does za'atar spice consist of? ›

Za'atar is a spice blend composed of herbs such as thyme, oregano, marjoram or a combination of the three, along with other spices including sesame, sumac, cumin or coriander.

Za'atar can be sprinkled on poached or fried eggs, or on shakshuka, enhancing the overall breakfast experience. Another great (and simple) use is to season chicken with za'atar, roast or grill it and serve it over rice. And oven-roasted potatoes pair well with a generous sprinkling of za'atar and olive oil.

Ingredients. Toasted sesame seeds, spices (thyme, marjoram, coriander, oregano) chickpea flour, sea salt, sunflower oil, citric acid (acidulant), lemon oil.

Zaatar or Za'tar (zaah-tur) is a common noun in the Arabic language and refers to both a Middle-Eastern herb spice mixture and importantly a distinct herb plant in the mint family. The herbal plant is referred to in English as bible hyssop or Syrian oregano, but the mixture is just called zaatar.

Za'atar has been shown to help people with bronchitis stop coughing fits, and dried sumac, which is one of the main ingredients, has been shown to lower blood pressure and help people with type 2 diabetes.

How to use Zaatar Spice? Keep this seasoning blend handy and you will think of it as a finishing flavor for all kinds of dishes, like fried eggs, salad dressings, roasted and fresh vegetables and chicken, dips such as hummus and baba ganoush, bread, potatoes, atop avocado toast and kale chips.

Za'atar components modulate gut microbiota, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and obesity. The combined action of Za'atar components might generate beneficial effects for human health.

The two things to remember about zaatar is that it will burn and become bitter at high temperatures and that it loses aroma and pungency with age.

Sumac is a red-purple powder that adds a lovely lemony flavor and gorgeous color. Za'atar is a lemony hyssop or thyme, sumac, and sesame seed blend.

Are there different types of Zaatar? ›

In much of the Middle East, za'atar recipes are closely guarded secrets, and there are also substantial regional variations. Unsurprisingly, these variations are a matter of extreme national pride. There are some standards: the most common herbs are thyme and oregano, and they make up the bulk of the blend.

What are other names of Za'atar? Za'atar is also known as wild thyme, thymbra spicata, sometimes called Syrian oregano, hyssop, although the shape, taste, and look of Za'atar differs from that of oregano plants.

Unopened, za'atar can last between 2 to 3 years, so don't worry if the date printed on the package seems ages away - it likely is! Once opened, za'atar should ideally be used within 6 months as it gradually loses its flavor over time. However, it won't spoil quickly and can still be used for up to 1 year.

The smell and taste of za'atar is sharp but rich, and deeply aromatic. Although thyme and oregano compose the dominant flavors, there is a prominent nuttiness from the toasted sesame seeds and a slight tang from the dried sumac.

Homemade za'atar can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard, for up to 6 months. However, it's important to note that the shelf life of your homemade za'atar may vary depending on the freshness and quality of the ingredients you used to make it.

“Since it's not one singular spice, za'atar has a lot of balance in its overall flavor — vegetal, nutty, lemony, and zesty,” explains Engel. The flavor will vary depending on the blend you choose to source or make.

Sumac is a red-purple powder that adds a lovely lemony flavor and gorgeous color. Za'atar is a lemony hyssop or thyme, sumac, and sesame seed blend.

What does it taste like? The prominent flavor of za'atar spice blend is the dried wild thyme, which has a rich, herbal taste that compliments the other ingredients in the blend so well. Sumac, a red ground powder of the edible sumac berry, imparts a bright, tangy, tart flavor similar in flavor profile to citrus.

Anti-inflammatory Properties: Many of the herbs in za'atar, like thyme and oregano, contain compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in reducing inflammation in the body.