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

☞ Contents

1

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

4.67 / 3 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

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