When I tell people that one of my favorite cooking spices to add to my food is za'atar, I usually get a blank stare or a look of confusion. As a Lebanese-American food writer, this is a source of constant vexation: that a traditional spice blend of such depth, which has been around since before written history, might be unknown to the general West. When I speak to another person from the Middle East, za'atar is nearly equal to salt or pepper!
Za'atar is a blend of dried toasted thyme, marjoram, oregano, sesame seeds and sumac (sumac used for spices is a different species than the plant with poisonous white berries). This wonderfully roasted spice blend originated in the Middle East. Traditionally, this spice blend is made without salt (yay for those eating low-sodium!). However, some brands and stores carry a version of za'atar with salt. Cuisines that commonly include za'atar in their foods are those of Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Israel.
The beauty of za'atar is its simplicity and adaptability. Since it is roasted, its taste is naturally earthy. But it also brings a lemony brightness to the foods it is paired with. Its flavor is subtle yet aromatic, rich but not overpowering, deep yet slightly tangy.
What Is Za'atar Used For?
Za'atar is healthy and full of antioxidants from the herbs, and it is very versatile. It has been popular in parts of the world for centuries, even dating back to biblical times. Probably the most classic and well-known use of za'atar is on za'atar bread (or manakish). Manakish is a Middle Eastern flatbread, topped with a mixture of za'atar, olive oil and lemon juice, that is baked in a high-heat oven (or pizza oven).
In Lebanon, za'atar bread is a popular street food and is commonly eaten for breakfast. Za'atar bread can be served with hummus or just topped with fresh tomatoes, yogurt and mint leaves. A melty cheese like mozzarella can also be added to the za'atar bread, making it almost like a Middle Eastern pizza.
How Can You Use Za'atar in Recipes?
Za'atar can be sprinkled on poached or fried eggs, or on shakshuka, enhancing the overall breakfast experience. Another great (and simple) use is to season chicken with za'atar, roast or grill it and serve it over rice. And oven-roasted potatoes pair well with a generous sprinkling of za'atar and olive oil.
One can venture out and season french fries with za'atar, as well as roasted veggies or even bagels. It would not be out of line at all to sprinkle za'atar on top of some creamy hummus, just to keep it in the same quadrant of the world. It's a superb and well-rounded blend that can be a wonderful addition to avocado toast, grain bowls, pasta salads or grilled veggies.
Where Can I Buy Za'atar?
You can find za'atar at well-stocked grocery stores, Middle Eastern markets and online. One great source is Kalustyan's, which sells Syrian, Lebanese, Israeli and Jordanian varieties of the spice blend.
There really is no limit to the uses for za'atar, besides the limits of trying something new. It's time to shine a light on the sheer genius of za'atar and make it trend to a place of popularity and acceptance, right where it belongs.
Even though it varies greatly depending on where you are in the Middle East (specific recipes are sometimes closely-guarded secrets!), za'atar is generally a combination of dried oregano, thyme, and/or marjoram (woodsy and floral), with sumac (tangy and acidic) and toasted sesame seeds (nutty and rich).
Za'atar is a spice blend composed of herbs such as thyme, oregano, marjoram or a combination of the three, along with other spices including sesame, sumac, cumin or coriander.
Zaatar or Za'tar (zaah-tur) is a common noun in the Arabic language and refers to both a Middle-Eastern herb spice mixture and importantly a distinct herb plant in the mint family. The herbal plant is referred to in English as bible hyssop or Syrian oregano, but the mixture is just called zaatar.
How to Substitute Za'atar. Ground thyme is the most common substitution for the za'atar herb, but other variations on the recipe call for equal-parts mixtures of any number of herbs: thyme, oregano, marjoram, cumin, or coriander.
Za'atar (/ˈzɑːtɑːr/ ZAH-tar; Arabic: زَعْتَر, IPA: [ˈzaʕtar]) is a culinary herb or family of herbs. It is also the name of a spice mixture that includes the herb along with toasted sesame seeds, dried sumac, often salt, and other spices.
Za'atar has been shown to help people with bronchitis stop coughing fits, and dried sumac, which is one of the main ingredients, has been shown to lower blood pressure and help people with type 2 diabetes.
Za'atar components modulate gut microbiota, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and obesity. The combined action of Za'atar components might generate beneficial effects for human health.
The beauty of za'atar is its simplicity and adaptability. Since it is roasted, its taste is naturally earthy. But it also brings a lemony brightness to the foods it is paired with. Its flavor is subtle yet aromatic, rich but not overpowering, deep yet slightly tangy.
So, we said Zaatar is a combination of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac (a tangy red spice from sumac berries - get more info about it in our sumac guide!).
Unopened, za'atar can last between 2 to 3 years, so don't worry if the date printed on the package seems ages away - it likely is! Once opened, za'atar should ideally be used within 6 months as it gradually loses its flavor over time. However, it won't spoil quickly and can still be used for up to 1 year.
Even though it varies greatly depending on where you are in the Middle East (specific recipes are sometimes closely-guarded secrets!), za'atar is generally a combination of dried oregano, thyme, and/or marjoram (woodsy and floral), with sumac (tangy and acidic) and toasted sesame seeds (nutty and rich).
What Is Za'atar? Tthis is a popular spice mix containing thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, oregano, cumin and marjoram. It's a key ingredient to so many Persian dishes, from chicken to dips, eggs to cheese. A favourite family snack is to tear up some fresh bread, and dip the morsels into olive oil and a pile of za'atar.
The beauty of za'atar is its simplicity and adaptability. Since it is roasted, its taste is naturally earthy. But it also brings a lemony brightness to the foods it is paired with. Its flavor is subtle yet aromatic, rich but not overpowering, deep yet slightly tangy.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Many of the herbs in za'atar, like thyme and oregano, contain compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in reducing inflammation in the body.
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