My Egyptian father gave me this Zaatar recipe, and I love his version of it! It is earthy, fragrant and complex. He told me the story of how his mother used to make it back in his little village in Egypt.
Growing up, there was always a jar of za’atar right next to our stove, and he would use it to season everything from meat dishes to vegetables, hummus, and pita bread. My mother zaatar in her version of Middle Eastern rice, and salads, and so it just became woven into our daily life. I didn’t really understand how special it was until I started cooking for myself.
Since then, it has been a staple in our catering business, the secret ingredient that elevated our Middle Eastern Recipes.
But first, What is za’atar?
What is Zaatar made of?
- oregano
- marjoram
- thyme
- cumin
- coriander
- sesame seeds
- salt
- the most important ingredient of all: Sumac! Sumac gives zaatar the unexpected tanginess that, to me, is the key to the best zaatar.
How to make Zaatar
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Mix all the spices, salt and sesame seeds together in a small bowl or jar.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
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For enhanced flavor, toast whole seeds (cumin seeds and coriander seeds) until fragrant, then grind. This will make the most flavorful zaatar. If you don’t have whole seeds, feel free to use ground spices.
How to use Zaatar Spice?
- Middle Eastern Rice
- Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs, Arugula and Zaatar
- Zaatar Meatballs with Green Tahini Sauce
- Lebanese Slaw (Salatet Malfouf)
- Roasted Eggplant with Zaatar
- Grilled Zucchini with Zaatar, Garlic and Labneh
- Roasted Sunchoke and Barley Bowl with Zaatar Tahini Sauce
- How to Make Labneh
- Authentic Baba Ganoush (Grilled or Baked!)
Za’atar FAQs
What does Zaatar taste like?
Zaatar spice is aromatic and earthy, with a tangy, nutty flavor.
Does zaatar go bad?
Zaatar is a combination of spices and sesame seeds, and the oil in sesame seeds can go rancid after several months. Always smell your zaatar; it should smell earthy and fragrant.
Why is my zaatar bitter?
Zaatar should only have a mild, pleasant bitterness from the thyme or oregano. If your zaatar is overly bitter, it may contain too much thyme compared to the rest of the ingredients.
Does zaatar always have sumac?
Even though zaatar blends can vary, most contain sumac, the spice that gives it its signature tangy flavor.
Other flavorful Spice Blends to try:
- Dukkah Recipe
- Ras el Hanout Spice Blend
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Furikake Seasoning Recipe
- Homemade Yellow Curry Powder
- Garam Masala Recipe
- Chinese Five Spice
More from Feasting at Home
Watch How to Make Zaatar
Zaatar / Za’atar Spice
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: ½ Cup
- Category: Spices
- Method: Toasted
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
An authentic recipe for Za’atar Spice – a flavorful Middle Eastern Spice that can be used to season hummus, baba ganoush, vegetables, meats, etc. (My Egyptian Dad’s recipe.)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme– crushed (or sub oregano)
- 1 tablespoon cumin (see instructions about whole or ground)
- 1 tablespoon coriander
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon or more aleppo chili flakes- optional
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.
- TIP: For the best flavor, toast whole spices (cumin seeds and coriander seeds) until fragrant, then grind. Do not grind the sesame seeds. Toasting the whole spices first will make the most flavorful zaatar! If you don’t have whole seeds, feel free to use ground spices.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Notes
There are many variations of Zaatar. This was my dad’s recipe- he was Egyptian. Other regions have different versions. There is not one “right” way. It varies from area to area, and even household to household.
This Villa Jerada Zaatar Spice Blend is lovely if you rather purchase it! Made in Seattle!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 tablespoon
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 88.2 mg
- Fat: 1.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.8 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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Nice flavorful recipe. Son loved it mixed with olive oil and fresh pita. Utilized thyme and oregano from the garden.
Sounds great Brian. So glad you all enjoyed!
Hi, I read your blog like every week. Your
humoristic style is witty, keep it up!
Glad you are enjoying!