Do you love the unique flavor za'atar adds to pita chips, popcorn, and, well, just about everything? Sometimes the challenge lies in just keeping enough in the pantry for impromptu seasoning. But did you realize that, as a blend of four simple spices (ok, three simple spices and one that's a little tougher to find), it's a cinch to make yourself?
Simply mix dried thyme leaves, sumac (this is the one best found at ethnic markets or online), sesame seeds, and salt. That's it - so easy!
Za'atar adds a bright, herby punch when toasted atop pita bread, and makes a delicious addition to olive oil for a dipping sauce for bread. Once you have a taste for it, you'll find excuses to sprinkle za'atar over baked eggs, yogurt dips, and rice - the list keeps growing.
We love this recipe from 101Cookbooks: she takes the extra step of drying her own thyme leaves to give the blend an ultra fresh taste. However, there's no perfect recipe for za'atar unless, of course, it's your own. We've been known to add a little oregano and cayenne pepper for some heat. Give it a shot and let us know how long it lasts in your kitchen.
Get the recipe: Za'atar Recipe at 101 Cookbooks
Related: From the Spice Cupboard: Za'atar Seasoning Blend
(Images: The Spice House)
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I just had to comment because of the image--yay for The Spice House! You could buy all the components to make your own za'atar there, or just buy their delicious mix :-)
I am also here to comment on The Spice House- just order the mix from them. BUY ALL YOUR SPICES FROM THEM. Awesome selection, quality, and always fresh. Going to one of their shops is a religious experience for me.
Here in Toronto our 'Bulk Barn store sells Sumac...very easy to find!
I've got to make some zaatar. love that stuff
I fell in love with authentic za'atar in Israel. The arab breads there are beautiful! Luckily I hoarded back about a pound of the real deal but when I make a seasoning I make it similar to this.
An online source (or brick n' mortar, if you live near Pike Place Market) for high-quality sumac is World Spice Merchants: http://www.worldspice.com/spices/sumac
I just came back from Israel where I bought a ton of this stuff. Bread, olive oil, and zaatar is like crack.
Will try sometime,,..:)
This is one of my top favorite spice blends. Its great sprinkled in a little olive oil for dipping! You can buy sumac at stores like Penzy spices or the Spice and Tea Exchange (if you live in the DC) area. This is also good just by itself! I love it!
http://beanafoodie.com/blog
Another vote for the The Spice House! We visited it on a food tour in Chicago (totally awesome thing to do, btw) and have since ordered various things from them. :) Their "catalog" is really like a cookbook full of descriptions/ideas for uses for each of their spices.
Agreed! We always buy some from this great Persian resto in Carmel,CA. Add some labne along with the zaatar & olive oil, freshly baked bread & a good bottle of wine.... Heaven!
Sumac grows wild all over the place where I live. It's a weed but quite pretty. Be careful picking it though as the sap has the same irritating effects as poison ivy!
That's a great idea. I completely forgot about Bulk Barn.