Name: Za’atar Spice Blend
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 4 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon dried sumac; 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried marjoram

Jump to recipe

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

A scoop of za'atar spice blend on a white background.

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

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

Quick Glance
Quick Glance
5 M
5 M
Makes 4 tablespoons

Print Recipe

Want it? Click it.

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.

Print Recipe

Want it? Click it.

Show Nutrition

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.