If you can’t find zaatar spice mix at your local grocery store, make your own at home. Za’atar’s Spice Blend is a flavorful Middle Eastern spice blend that we use in a variety of ways. We use it in our various salad dressings , in marinades for tofu or tempeh, sprinkle generously over bread ( Manakeesh ) and add it to recipes like whole baked cauliflower to pack in amazing flavor. “Zatar” is the Arabic word for the wild thyme used as the main ingredient in this recipe. Here’s a simple yet authentic Lebanese recipe for this aromatic, earthy, and surprising condiment.
While you can buy zaatar powder in stores , I have to mention that I haven’t found one that tastes as good as our homemade one. But why keep looking for ready-made mixes when it’s so easy to make your own zaatar. Zaatar powder varies by region – here’s a Lebanese zaatar recipe that includes thyme, coriander seeds, cumin, sumac, sesame seeds and salt. Other versions may include other dried herbs like oregano, cilantro, etc., but this simple version is our favorite of the house. And you do not need a lot of spices, only one tasty ingredient is especially important – sumac. Sumac is something we use a lot in our cooking, and with its tangy, almost citrusy flavor, it’s the key to this zaatar spice blend.
How does Zaatar spice mixture taste?
With its tart, savory, earthy flavor with hints of bitter lemon sumac, it’s a unique spice blend to try in the kitchen.
The Zaatar spice is a mixture of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano or marjoram. Add earthy spices like cumin, coriander seed, toasted sesame, salt and don’t forget the most important ingredient – sumac. Sumac gives zaatar the delicious and unexpected spice.
Recipes in which the Zaatar Spice Mixture can use:
- Manakeesh the Lebanese Zaatar flatbread
- vegan beetroot chickpea salad
- whole roasted cauliflower with zaatar and tahini dressing
- look for zaatar in our recipes…
This list will continue to be updated as new recipes using Zaatar Spice Blend are added…
Make your own zaatar spice mix
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. small bunch of thyme and/or oregano
- 1 tbsp. Cumin*
- 1 tbsp. coriander whole*
- 1 tbsp. white sesame* roasted
- 1 tbsp. ground sumac*
- ½ tsp kosher salt*
- ¼ tsp chili flakes*
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
- For the best, most flavorful zaatar, use whole cumin and coriander seeds. Roast these without adding fat in a hot pan until fragrant and then grind them in a spice grinder or mortar.
