Za’atar Spice Blend

This za’atar spice blend is an easy homemade version of the classic Middle Eastern spice that combines sesame seeds, sumac, thyme, and marjoram.

Adapted from Amy Zitelman | The Tahini Table | Agate Surrey, 2020

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that’s as simple as can be to make, both in terms of its ingredients and the bringing of them together. A classic example of how the sum truly is more expansive than the parts.–Renee Schettler Rossi

HOW SHOULD I USE ZA’ATAR?

This Middle Eastern spice blend has historically lent its iconic flavor to any number of dishes. Here are a few suggestions or we’d love to hear what you did in a comment below:
● Stir it into pasta
● Mix with Greek yogurt for a healthy dip
● Sprinkle over flatbread and drizzle with oil
● Rub over a whole chicken or chicken pieces from a whole chicken or even just the relatively blander chicken breasts before roasting

Za’atar Spice Blend

This za'atar spice blend is an easy homemade version of the classic Middle Eastern spice that combines sesame seeds, sumac, thyme, and marjoram.

Prep 5 mins

Total 5 mins

Condiments

Middle Eastern

4 servings

14 kcal

4.50 / 2 votes

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Ingredients 

• ▢ 4 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• ▢ 1 tablespoon dried sumac
• ▢ 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• ▢ 2 teaspoons dried marjoram

Directions

 

• In a small container with a lid, mix the sesame seeds, sumac, thyme, and marjoram. Store, tightly closed and away from lights, at room temperature for up to 1 month.

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Show Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 14kcal (1%)Carbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.5g (1%)Fat: 1g (2%)Saturated Fat: 0.2g (1%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 18mg (1%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 0.03gVitamin A: 42IU (1%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 39mg (4%)Iron: 2mg (11%)

If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #LeitesCulinaria. We’d love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Recipe Testers’ Reviews

Joanna Burnett

I did make the homemade za’atar recipe and it made 1/4 cup. After making the cacio e pepe pasta, I also used the za’atar on flatbread with olive oil, which was delicious.

Jack V.

I tested it with olive oil and bread and it was delicious.

Janie P.

I really liked the za’atar. Nice combination of flavors. Flavorful but not overpowering. Have not used it on anything else yet, but I definitely plan to.

The za’atar only took about 3 minutes to make.

Peter Quick

Wonderful taste. This is the second time I used this flavoring. First was a LC test recipe for lemon chicken with za’atar, and I discovered it.

Originally published December 19, 2020