Za’atar Spice – Middle Eastern Spice Blend

This za’atar spice recipe is an authentic Palestinian spice blend made with herbs, toasted sesame seeds, and sumac. Perfect to marinate/ season vegetables, or sprinkled over hummus.

Za’atar is naturally vegan, free from gluten, and nuts!

What is Za’atar?

In Arabic, za’atar is a term used to refer to a specific type of wild oregano or a spice blend mix using the same herb among other ingredients.

It’s a very popular spice blend in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Turkey, where it’s used to season meats, vegetables, or mixed with olive oil to dip your bread.

This recipe for za’atar is an authentic Palestinian recipe kindly shared with me by my bother in law’s family.

What you’ll need to make a za’atar spice blend

• Thyme (dried)
• Oregano (dried) – Wild oregano would be perfect for this recipe but any dried oregano variety would work fine.
• Sesame seeds
• Anise seeds – To add a subtle sweet licorice flavor that’s mildly spicy but very fragrant.
• Sumac – A spice made from dried and ground berries of wild sumac flowers. It has a very pleasant tart and tangy flavor.
• Salt – to season your spice blend.

How to make za’atar spice perfectly every time

• Start with toasting your sesame seeds in a skillet.
• Once the sesame seeds are fragrant and nicely toasted, reserve 2 tablespoons.
• Add the remaining toasted sesame seeds to a small blender or mortar and pestle.
• Lightly blend or crush the toasted sesame seeds, then add the remaining herbs and spices.
• Finally, blend your za’atar to combine everything.
• Add the remaining whole toasted sesame seeds and store your za’atar in a glass jar.

Za’atar is perfect for seasoning vegetables, plant-based protein, or adding more flavor to any middle eastern inspired dishes. I like to use it on hummus, baba ghanoush dip, or labneh.

Some recipes to use za’atar spice on

• Hummus
• Roasted eggplant dip 
• Roasted garlic dip
• Falafel sandwich 
• Fava bean falafel – Egyptian Style

What you might need to make za’atar

Sumac

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Sesame Seeds

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Za'atar Spice - Middle Eastern Spice Blend

Prep Time

10 mins

 

This za’atar spice recipe is an authentic Palestinian spice blend made with herbs, toasted sesame seeds, and sumac. Perfect to marinate/ season vegetables, or sprinkled over hummus.

Course: Spices

Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Plant-based, Vegan

Keyword: spice blend, za'atar recipe, za'atar spice, zaatar

Servings: 20

Calories: 18 kcal

Author: L

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp dried thyme
• 4 tbsp dried oregano
• 8 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp anise seeds
• 3 tbsp sumac
• pinch of sea salt

Instructions

1. Place your sesame seeds on a skillet over medium heat and toast for 3 to 4 minutes or until nicely toasted and fragrant.

2. Reserve 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds.

3. Add the remaining toasted sesame seeds to a small blender (or mortar and pestle) and blend (crush).

4. Taste test for seasoning and adjust to your preference. You can add more salt if needed/ sumac for more tang.

5. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until everything is well incorporated.

6. Transfer to a glass jar and add the whole toasted sesame seeds that you reserved earlier.

Recipe Notes

• You can keep za'atar in a sealed glass jar at room temperature for about 3 months.
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