But Seriously, You Need A Go-To Za'atar Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's zaatar made of? ›

Za'atar is a spice blend composed of herbs such as thyme, oregano, marjoram or a combination of the three, along with other spices including sesame, sumac, cumin or coriander.

Zaatar or Za'tar (zaah-tur) is a common noun in the Arabic language and refers to both a Middle-Eastern herb spice mixture and importantly a distinct herb plant in the mint family. The herbal plant is referred to in English as bible hyssop or Syrian oregano, but the mixture is just called zaatar.

Even though it varies greatly depending on where you are in the Middle East (specific recipes are sometimes closely-guarded secrets!), za'atar is generally a combination of dried oregano, thyme, and/or marjoram (woodsy and floral), with sumac (tangy and acidic) and toasted sesame seeds (nutty and rich).

Za'atar components modulate gut microbiota, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and obesity. The combined action of Za'atar components might generate beneficial effects for human health.

Zaatar has a number of outstanding health benefits, like being able to boost the immune system, improve skin health, build strong bones, improve circulation, clear out the airways, ease inflammation, give you more energy, improve your mood, help you remember things, and treat chronic diseases.

Za'atar. Also among Middle Eastern blends is za'atar, a mixture with a very different base than baharat. It consists of a mix of herbs (basil, thyme, oregano, or hyssop), toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. As in many Middle Eastern blends, other spices like cumin and coriander can be added.

Also among popular Middle Eastern blends is Za'atar, a mixture with a very different base and flavor profile than baharat. It is a much more herbaceous, nutty blend, consists of a mix of dried herbs (basil, thyme, oregano, or hyssop), toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.

Za'atar, both the herb and the condiment, is popular in Algeria, Armenia, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey.

Fresh za'atar leaves make a very good topping to fresh salads and are also used in Arab cuisine in a salad of chopped za'atar leaves, flavored with lemon, salt and pepper. Za'atar leaves also have a slight bitterness, which is felt when large quantities are used.

What is in Trader Joe's Zaatar? ›

Its ingredients include toasted sesame seeds, thyme, marjoram, coriander, oregano, chickpea flour, sea salt, sunflower oil, citric acid and lemon oil.

Sumac is a red-purple powder that adds a lovely lemony flavor and gorgeous color. Za'atar is a lemony hyssop or thyme, sumac, and sesame seed blend.

Unopened, za'atar can last between 2 to 3 years, so don't worry if the date printed on the package seems ages away - it likely is! Once opened, za'atar should ideally be used within 6 months as it gradually loses its flavor over time. However, it won't spoil quickly and can still be used for up to 1 year.

Toasted sesame seeds (as opposed to the standard white), which adds a sweet, nutty flavor. A good amount of quality ground sumac from Mediterranean sumac berries, which adds a subtle lemony and earthy flavor; the perfect balance to the wild thyme and oregano. And a small pinch of kosher salt to round everything out.

Cuisines that commonly include za'atar in their foods are those of Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Israel.

The beauty of za'atar is its simplicity and adaptability. Since it is roasted, its taste is naturally earthy. But it also brings a lemony brightness to the foods it is paired with. Its flavor is subtle yet aromatic, rich but not overpowering, deep yet slightly tangy.

In 1977, Israel enacted a law that made it illegal for Palestinians to pick za'atar, an herb, and akkoub, a thistle akin to an artichoke or asparagus. This was done because they are essential to Palestinian cuisine.

Sumac is a red-purple powder that adds a lovely lemony flavor and gorgeous color. Za'atar is a lemony hyssop or thyme, sumac, and sesame seed blend.

How to use Zaatar Spice? Keep this seasoning blend handy and you will think of it as a finishing flavor for all kinds of dishes, like fried eggs, salad dressings, roasted and fresh vegetables and chicken, dips such as hummus and baba ganoush, bread, potatoes, atop avocado toast and kale chips.