Zaatar

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook/Toast Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 15 minutes

• Yield: Approx. $\frac{3}{4}$ cup spice blend (12 servings)

• Heat Intensity: Mild to Zero (Aromatic & Tangy)

• Skill Intensity Level: Easy / Beginner

Equipment Needed

• Dry skillet or frying pan (preferably cast iron or heavy stainless steel)

• Spice grinder or mortar and pestle (optional, for whole seeds)

• Small mixing bowl

• Airtight glass storage jar

Ingredients

For the Spice Blend (Za’atar Mix)

• Unhulled Raw Sesame Seeds: 3 tablespoons

• Ground Sumac: 2 tablespoons (provides the signature citrusy tang)

• Dried Thyme: 2 tablespoons (rubbed or finely crushed)

• Dried Wild Oregano: 1 tablespoon

• Dried Marjoram: 1 tablespoon

• Ground Cumin: 1 teaspoon (toasted and freshly ground preferred)

• Coarse Sea Salt or Flaky Salt: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

For Serving (Traditional Dip)

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: $\frac{1}{2}$ cup (high quality, cold-pressed)

• Pita or Flatbread: Warm, fresh pita bread or naan for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Serving Methods & Pairings

1. Classic Olive Oil Dip: Pour $\frac{1}{4}$ cup of extra virgin olive oil into a shallow dipping bowl. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of za’atar blend on top. Dip warm pita bread into the oil and spice mix.

2. Man’oushe (Za’atar Flatbread): Mix za’atar with olive oil to form a paste. Spread evenly over raw dough and bake at 220°C (425°F) for 8–10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

3. Breakfast Topping: Sprinkle over labneh, thick Greek yogurt, fried eggs, or sliced fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.

4. Proteins & Veggie Rub: Rub over chicken, fish, or lamb prior to roasting. Toss with chickpeas, cauliflower, or potatoes before air-frying or baking.

Shelf Life & Storage Instructions

• Shelf Life: Up to 3 to 6 months stored in a cool, dark pantry.

• Preservation Note: Because sesame seeds contain natural oils, they can spoil over time. Keep the jar away from heat sources and direct sunlight. To extend freshness up to 1 year, store the airtight jar in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Profile

The following nutrition values are calculated per serving size of the dry spice mix (approx. 1 tablespoon / 10g).