Zatar is a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend of toasted sesame seeds, herbs, and spices. Every recipe is a little different but my version contains fresh thyme, sumac, salt, and dried marjoram. It’s nutty, tangy, aromatic and addictive! So simple to put together, Zatar might just be your entrance to a whole new world of culinary flavours.
Zatar is amazing with hummus.
Eating Together Made Easy
Zatar is 100% plant-based. You could use this spice blend to help bring together a Middle Eastern-inspired meal for mixed dinners. You could open the meal with Zatar scattered generously over hummus. Or combine it with a fruity olive oil and slather over warm naan bread. Quinoa Mujadara would make a great accompaniment. Serve that as main for plant-based eaters, and a side for omnivores. Alternatively, you can create a seasoning paste with oil and Zatar and brush the spice mix on cauliflower for the vegan eaters, and over poultry for your omnivores.
Zatar Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoons dried marjoram
- 11/2 tablespoons fresh thyme (See recipe notes for prep tips.)
Instructions
- Put the sesame seeds on a baking sheet and toast in a 350F oven for about 5-8 minutes until starting to brown.
- Combine the seeds and spices.
- See the serving ideas in the Eating Together Made Easy section.
Notes
- To strip the leaves off of the thyme, hold the stalk with one hand, pinching two fingers of another hand around it and gliding them down the stalk.
- This spice mix should keep for several days. I just keep mine in a bowl on my counter.
Nutrition
Courses, Cuisines, and Keywords
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Looks yummy! And I could use some pain relief too. ??
I can’t make any guarantees but trying something new can be positive all on its own!
This spice has a wonderful ~ tasty flavor. We were told about and so I tried it~~ Love it! From eggs to soup to my husbands oatmeal ~ need I say more yummy.
Great to hear that you and your husband enjoyed it, Ronda! I really appreciate you taking the time to come back and review it.
I love Zaatar spices. I used it on making a pastry bread or flatbread. They are very delicious.
Thanks, Samantha! We love Zaatar!
This worked out well for me. I know you are suppose to have Zatar leaves but this recipe is great.
Happy to hear you liked it!
I love making my own spice blends and I quite enjoy Za’atar. Enjoyed it in Turkey and have used at home. It is so simple to make and enjoy making variations.
It’s a great blend isn’t it!