What Is Za’atar? (Middle Eastern Spice Blend Explained)
Za’atar is a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend made from herbs like thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sumac, mixed with toasted sesame seeds and salt. Often referred to as za’atar seasoning, it’s used as a condiment or finishing touch on meats, breads, dips and more. While the exact za’atar ingredients vary by region, the flavour is always bold, herby, and slightly tangy
The History and Origin of Za’atar
Za’atar (Arabic and Hebrew) simply refers to any type of wild herb that grows in the Fertile Crescent (The Fertile Crescent is a crescent-shaped region in the Middle East spanning Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Northern Egypt, together with the northern region of Kuwait, the Southeastern region of Turkey and the Western portion of Iran. Some authorities also include Cyprus)
What Plant Is Za’atar Made From?
In some local regions, Za’atar most often refers to a plant called Origanum syriacum, a kind of bitter mint or wild oregano, also known as Hyssop. The original blend for Za’atar mixes hyssop with toasted sesame seeds, salt and sumac. Only later as hyssop became harder and harder to acquire, did other dried herbs such as thyme and oregano become incorporated into the blend.
What Does Za’atar Taste Like? Flavour Profile and Ingredients
Za’atar has a full flavour, both herbal, sweet and with elements of citrus. Sumac brings the bright, punchy lemon flavour, oregano’s slight bitterness balances the sweetness of marjoram, and sesame provides an earthy, nutty, satisfying crunch.
How to Use Za’atar – Traditional
Za’atar is often referred to as a condiment rather than a spice because it isn’t usually used within a dish. Its main function is to garnish meats, stews, vegetables, hummus, dips, and many other meals. One of the most famous ways to use Za’atar is to mix it with salt and sprinkle it over a popular bread type known as Manakeesh.
Za’atar Modern Style Uses
Aside from the traditional use in Middle Eastern recipes, the nutty, earthy blend of dried herbs and spices is versatile enough to be used in many modern-day and international / fusion recipes such as pasta, roast dinners, BBQs, one-tray oven roasts, dips, sprinkled over cheese and almost any kind of bread.
How to use Za’atar in Cooking
While za’atar is often sprinkled fresh as a topping, it can also be used within recipes – adding flavour to rubs, roasted dishes, and infused oils or part of a rub on meat before roasting or grilling.
Other Easy Recipes with Za’atar
- Sprinkled over fried or poached eggs
- As a garnish on yoghurt, hummus or labneh
- Added to dips and sauces
- Used to season bread and flatbreads
- Sprinkled on roasted vegetables such as cauliflower, carrot, potatoes and aubergine
- Mixed with olive oil and drizzled over fresh or roasted tomatoes
- Used as part of a rub or marinade on fried, roasted or grilled meats and fish
- To add flavour to kebabs or shawarma
- Mixed into rice, beans or lentils
- Mixed with other spice blends such as Baharat
- As a garnish on Manakeesh, a type of Middle Eastern ‘Pizza’
Za’atar Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp dried marjoram
- 2 tbsp sumac
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- dry roast cumin seeds until fragrant. Transfer to a pestle & mortar or small blender along with sea salt flakes and grind into a powder.
- Combine salt and cumin with all other ingredients. Transfer to an airtight container and keep in a cool dark cupboard. Will last up to 2 months before the flavour starts to fade.
Notes
Recipes on flaevor.com using Za’atar Spice Blend
Oven Roasted Green Beans Tomatoes and Feta
These perfectly roasted green beans are cooked with sweet tomatoes and creamy feta, making for a simple yet flavourful side dish. Unlike the typical use of za’atar as a garnish, here it’s incorporated during the cooking process, infusing the oil with its earthy, herby aroma and used to baste the vegetables just before serving. Oven Roasted Green Beans Tomatoes and Feta recipe here:
Spicy Aubergine Caviar Pasta
A Heartwarming Pasta Dish With an Unforgettable Sauce. Roasted aubergines add a luxurious touch to rich tomato sauce and a harmonious blend of spices. This decadent sauce can be used for pasta, pies, burgers, and in sandwiches. Spicy Aubergine Caviar Pasta Recipe
Oven-Baked Baharat Rice
Inspired by the ancient Middle Eastern dish Mejadra which traditionally features baharat spices, tender aubergines, and crunchy flaked almonds, this comforting one-pot rice dish is finished with a generous garnish of za’atar, adding a final layer of herby, nutty flavour. Oven-Baked Baharat Rice recipe here:
Roasted Cauliflower with Spiced Butter Rice
Za’atar forms the flavourful foundation of this dish, coating the vegetables and infusing the pan juices and oil with its earthy, aromatic character. As the vegetables roast, the spices deepen and meld into a vibrant, zingy sauce, perfect for spooning over soft, juicy tomatoes, sweet peppers, whole roasted garlic bulbs, and fluffy, buttery rice. Roasted Cauliflower with Spiced Butter Rice recipe here:
