Za'atar sometimes written as Zaatar , Zataar or Zahtar, is one of our favourite middle eastern spice! Za'atar is so easy to make with ingredients that you may have in your pantry.

  

What is Zaatar?

Zaatar is a unique blend of tangy, earthy, salty and sourish spice blend; consist of dried herbs, toasted sesame seed, sumac and ground roasted cumin.

One of our favourite middle eastern spice blend.
We often have zaatar with bread dip in olive oil.

What is Zaatar spice made of?

Zaatar spice blend varies from one place to another.

Dried oregano is used in Lebanese Zaatar instead of thyme.
While coriander seeds is added Egyptian Zaatar and some may add Aleppo chilli flakes too.

Sumac is a must in any zaatar being prepared.

What is Sumac?

Sumac also known as summach comes in powder or ground form from sumac flower berries.
Sumac is a spice that gives that tangy, sourish, acidic almost like lemon juice.
Sumac has a deep red hue colour.

 

How to Make Zaatar seasoning?

Not counting salt and pepper, there are 4 ingredients to make Zaatar.

Cumin, dried thyme, Sumac and sesame seeds.
Mix them all up in a bottle.

How else can I use Zaatar?

Apart from a quick dip with bread and olive oil, you can drizzle some oilve oil on hard boil eggs and sprinkle some zaatar on it, or use zaatar as rub or marinade for any meat dishes.

 

How to store Zaatar?

Store Zaatar in an airtight bottle and in your pantry.

How long can I keep Zaatar?

Do not keep zaatar for more than 3 months. The sesame seeds will be turn bad and rancid.