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Za'atar

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  • Active Time

    15 minutes

  • Total Time

    15 minutes

This Middle Eastern spice mixture is so delicious we suggest doubling the recipe and using the extra for a snack: Dunk some bread (such as pita) in flavorful olive oil and then in theza'atar. Or sprinkleza'atarover plain yogurt and drizzle with olive oil, and you've got a terrific dip.

Ingredients

Makes about 5 tablespoons

2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
2 tablespoonssesame seeds, toasted
2 teaspoons ground sumac*
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  1. Step 1

    Stir together all ingredients in a small bowl.

  2. Step 2

    • Available at Middle Eastern markets and by mail order from Kalustyan's (212-685-3451).
Cooks' note:

·Za'atar keeps, chilled in a sealed plastic bag, 1 week.

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Reviews (17)

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  • 爱这个香料混合物。我们将它添加到这么多菜es. A sprinkle on Caesar salad takes it to the next level. Added to smashed avocado with garlic salt, then spread on sourdough toast, topped with an over-easy fried egg and grind of pepper makes for an excellent and frequent breakfast at our house. Matches nicely with baked feta and tomatoes too

    • Diane

    • Arlington

    • 9/24/2021

  • Did you temper the chocolate?

    • bikebird

    • Peachtree City, GA

    • 3/6/2021

  • Made this last night to go with the za'atar crispy fish recipe-delish.

    • mencelpat@gmail.com

    • Belmont, NC

    • 5/13/2020

  • I did not have sumac on hand but used lemon zest intead. So good tossed with olive oil and carrots and kale and then roasted.

    • ndw40

    • Athens GAAthens gaAthens gaaaaa

    • 3/6/2017

  • since zaatar made of wild thyme I tried to subistute for regular one but it does not have similar taste. I bought mine from www.eatzaatar.com. it is the best quality I have ever tried.

    • helen19801123

    • 2/2/2017

  • Don't believe I ever ate za'atar before. Bought sumac at Penzeys and used thyme in my garden. Made it to use with the green bean dish also on Epi. Amazing flavors, a revelation. Will use this on many veggie dishes. Grilled chicken?

    • wrightpm

    • PV, AZ

    • 11/22/2015

  • This is easy and delicious. I have thyme in my garden year round, and bought a big bag of ground sumac at an ethnic market which is lasting forever. If you go the really easy route and buy toasted sesame seeds instead of toasting your own (silly, but quick) this comes together in no time at all. I make it now every time I make hummus.

    • Anonymous

    • San Diego

    • 5/3/2013

  • This has become my favorite spice. I sprinkle it on pita or flat bread with EVOO and a personal mixture of salt, pepper and garlic powder. Then I toast it in my convection oven until it gets a bit brown around the edges. Sometimes, I add some crushed olives & onion on it with some mozzarella cheese. Yum! It goes great with Old Moon Zin from Trader Joes. Try it, you'll love it!!

    • Badoulos

    • Southern California

    • 11/15/2011

  • If I could give this 5 forks I would. I made this and Muhammara (equally as easy and delicious) as a 2 part appetizer. I used a flat Tandori bread, but pita, and naan would work just as good. I then sat a dish of olive oil out and after a little dip-dip... smiles all around. Also try this on a garden salad with blue cheese dressing. It adds a nice tang to the salad.

    • bradsutton

    • Minneapolis, MN

    • 5/7/2010

  • This was awesome. I made it in about 5 minutes flat. We just had it as an appetizer with garlic ciabatta dipped in olive oil and then dipped in the mix. So flavorful and different... I can't wait to use it at a dinner party.

    • CathNewport

    • 5/14/2009

  • This is another staple in our house. The proportions are perfect. Great Recipe... Thanks... Jim

    • Jimrug1

    • Peoria, IL

    • 3/26/2009

  • Quick, easy and tasty; I never make hummus without it!

    • kmiffy

    • San Francisco, CA

    • 11/9/2008

  • Easy and tasty! We used the yogurt/olive oil idea, and could not get enough of it. Cucumber slices were the favorite dipper. Nice appetizer for a Middle Eastern-themed dinner.

    • gypsylthr

    • Phoenix, AZ

    • 10/27/2008

  • An easy spice mix, with a nice crisp taste. Great sprinkled on tomatoes, eggs, and veggie salads.

    • hisurfer

    • Honolulu, HI

    • 9/18/2007

  • We use this to make a delicious Lebanese snack called "Manooshi". The best way to make it is to use refrigerator bread dough, like Bridgeford, roll out pieces of dough to make 6" rounds (like pizza crust)and brush the olive oil and zaatar mixture on it - then bake. The raw dough takes up the flavors better than pita, and the aroma is wonderful. Stack them on a platter and eat for breakfast. Better at room temp.

    • Anonymous

    • Lake Tahoe, Nevada

    • 6/18/2005

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