Za’atar Spice Recipe
Spice up your next meal with this Za’atar Spice Recipe! This Middle Eastern seasoning is herby, citrusy and nutty, and is perfect for grilled meats, dips like hummus and baba ganoush, and so much more. It includes just 6 ingredients and it keeps for up to 6 months!
A flavorful spice blend is one of the best ways to transform a dish from ordinary to unforgettable. This Za’atar Spice Recipe is a Middle Eastern seasoning with a unique combination of toasted sesame seeds, herbs and sumac, and it adds a zesty and aromatic layer of flavor to any dish.
You can certainly purchase Za’atar seasoning at a wide variety of stores, but I love preparing seasonings at home. The freshness really shines through and most store bought brands contain far too much sodium.
This recipe includes just a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep, and it’s guaranteed to add some spice to your life. 🙂
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- This Za’atar spice blend is herby, citrusy and adds a zesty, aromatic layer of flavor to any dish!
- It includes just 6 ingredients and it comes together in minutes.
- It keeps for up to 6 months in the pantry in an air tight container.
- It’s extremely versatile and works as a seasoning, as part of marinade, or simply sprinkled over hummus or scrambled eggs.
Za’atar ingredients
Authentic Za’atar seasoning includes the zaatar plant, which is an herb plant in the mint family that is native to the Middle East. This recipe utilizes a combination of herbs as a substitute for zaatar.
Many authentic recipes also include whole coriander and cumin seeds, which are ground with the sesame seeds with a mortar and pestle.
Ingredient notes
- Sesame seeds. Toasted sesame seeds add nuttiness and texture. They may be ground or left whole.
- Sumac. This ingredient adds a lemony flavor without any acidity. It’s bright, savory and really sets this seasoning apart. I love using it as a seasoning for roasted vegetables and potatoes!
- Herbs. This Za’atar recipe includes equal parts dried oregano, thyme and marjoram.
- Salt. This seasoning includes just a bit of salt to enhance the flavors.
How to make Za’atar seasoning
This seasoning comes together in mere minutes. Simply toast the sesame seeds and combine them with the rest of the ingredients!
Pro tip: Za’atar seasoning may be left whole as shown, or ground in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle.
See the recipe card below for full instructions.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet over medium low heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Cool slightly and place all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Stir well to combine, then store in an air tight container.
FAQs
Za’atar is a popular Middle Eastern spice blend consisting of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, and marjoram, and is combined with toasted sesame seeds, salt, and sumac for a tangy, nutty flavor.
It can also include cumin and coriander seeds, which are toasted with the sesame seeds then ground in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle.
This versatile mix adds a burst of flavor to various dishes like meats, vegetables, and bread.
Za’atar refers to a Middle Eastern herb spice blend, which typically utilizes an herb plant called zaatar that’s in the mint family.
Zaatar in English is bible hyssop or Syrian oregano.
Za’atar is a savory, aromatic blend of earthy herbs such as thyme, oregano and marjoram, citrusy notes from sumac, and mild nuttiness from toasted sesame seeds.
Sumac is tart and lemony with floral notes, and it’s not spicy at all. It adds a bright pop of flavor and is a great addition to any pantry.
Serving suggestions
Za’atar spice blend is extremely versatile and adds Middle Eastern flair to a number of dishes.
- Sprinkle over white bean hummus or avocado hummus for added texture and flavor.
- Stir it into olive oil and use it to dunk pita bread. It can also be baked right into breads of all varieties.
- Sprinkle it over scrambled eggs, poached eggs or avocado toast.
- It’s great as a seasoning for grilled meats like lamb, beef and chicken. It’s also wonderful on grilled vegetables!
- It’s a great way to spice up roasted chicken!
- It makes a great marinade combined with olive oil, lemon juice and garlic.
Recipe notes
- Pro tip: Za’atar seasoning may be left whole as shown, or ground in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle.
- Store seasoning in an air tight container in a cool, dark place for 3-6 months.
More homemade seasonings you’ll love:
- Blackened seasoning
- Dukkah by The Daring Gourmet
- Homemade chai spice mix
- Homemade pumpkin pie spice
- Homemade Jamaican jerk seasoning
- Homemade taco seasoning
Did you try this recipe? If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram
Za’atar Spice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Place in a small bowl to cool.1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Add the sumac, oregano, thyme, marjoram and salt to the bowl of sesame seeds and stir well to combine.1 tablespoon sumac, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried marjoram, 1 teaspoon salt
Notes
- Pro tip: Za’atar seasoning may be left whole as shown, or ground in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle.
- Store seasoning in an air tight container in a cool, dark place for 3-6 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
