Za'atar: The Wonder Spice of the Middle East
If you've ever been to the Middle East, then you know that Za'atar is a spice mix that is used ubiquitously in many of the region's dishes. But what is Za'atar? Where does it come from? How do you use it to cook amazing meals? And can you make your own Za'atar blend at home? In this blog post, we will answer all of these questions and more! So sit back, relax, and let us teach you everything there is to know about Za'atar!
What is za'atar and what spices are used in the blend
Za'atar is a spice blend that originates from the Middle East. Zatar or Za'atar (pronounced zaah-tar) is a common noun in the Arabic language and refers to both a Middle-Eastern herb spice mixture and also a distinctly flavoured herb plant (sometimes known as bible hyssop or Syrian oregano), but the spice mixture itself is called Za’atar. Because the herb not readily accessible in western regions ground thyme is the most common substitution for the za'atar herb when making the mixture.
Za’atar is made up of a combination of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. This mixture of spices can be used to flavour many different dishes from breads to meat. Za'atar is commonly used in Levantine cuisine, which includes the cuisines of Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan.
What are popular uses of Za’atar?
One of the most popular ways to use Za'atar is to make Zatar bread. This dish is made by simply adding the spice blend to dough and then baking it. Zatar bread can be eaten on its own or used as a dipping bread for other dishes. It is also common to see Za'atar sprinkled on top of hummus or labneh (a type of yoghurt dip).
In addition to being used as a bread seasoning, Za'atar can also be used to flavour meat and vegetables. It is commonly added to chicken or lamb before it is grilled or roasted. Za'atar can also be used to make a flavourful salad dressing.
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making your own Za'atar blend at home! While the exact proportions of each spice in Za'atar vary depending on who is making it, a good place to start is with equal parts thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. You can make your own signature blend of zatar by adding subtle hints of your own flavour by adding your own ingredients to the mix, like adding a pinch of Lemon Salt instead of regular salt.
Za'atar Ingredients
- Thyme
- Sesame seeds
- Sumac
- Salt
To make Za'atar, simply mix together all of the ingredients in a bowl, jar or pestle and mortar. Once combined, store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Now that we know what's in it, where it's from and how it's commonly used; why not try making some Zatar inspired dishes like bread or grilled chicken with Za'atar the next time you're in the kitchen? Trust us, your taste buds will thank you!
5 Easy Zatar recipes
Zatar bread: Simply add Za'atar spice blend to dough and bake.
Zatar chicken: Season chicken with Za'atar spice mix before grilling or roasting.
Zatar Roasted Squash with Spiced Yogurt Sauce
Zatar salad dressing: Combine Za'atar, olive oil, and lemon juice in a jar and shake until mixed.
Zatar Manakish: This is a delicious flatbread that is traditionally topped with Za'atar spice mix
These recipes have been created with ease and simplicity in mind, bringing out the wonderful flavours of zatar. As a spice mix, Zatar is incredibly robust and goes well with plenty of common dishes, as well as forming a base for unique middle eastern recipes. So let's dive in!
How to make zatar bread
Zatar bread Ingredients:
- Zatar Spice Mix (see above for recipe)
- Bread Dough (homemade or store bought)
Cooking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Take your bread dough and roll it out into a flat sheet. Sprinkle Zatar spice mix evenly over the surface of the dough. Roll the dough up, starting from the long side. Place the dough on a baking sheet or bread tin and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. Enjoy!
And there you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Zatar bread. Now that you know how to make it, be sure to try it the next time you're in the mood for something a little different. Bon appetit!
How to make za'atar grilled chicken
Ingredients:
- Zatar Spice Mix (see above for recipe)
- Chicken Breasts
- Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Drizzle olive oil over chicken. Season chicken breasts generously with your zatar spice mix, salt and black pepper. Grill chicken for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
For a great za'atar inspired feast, pair your zatar grilled chicken with zatar bread and zatar labneh or hummus.
How to make Za’atar Roasted Squash with Spiced Yoghurt Sauce
Ingredients:
- Zatar Spice Mix (see above for recipe)
- Butternut Squash, peeled & diced into small cubes
- Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
- Plain Yoghurt
- Garlic Cloves, minced
- Cayenne Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil and zatar spice mix. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the squash out on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fork tender.
Meanwhile, prepare the yoghurt sauce by mixing together plain yoghurt, garlic cloves, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of zatar spice mix. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
When the squash is finished cooking, spoon the yoghurt sauce over top. Serve and enjoy!
We hope you enjoyed this recipe for Za'atar Roasted Squash with Spiced Yoghurt Sauce! This meal goes great accompanied with some flatbread bites and zatar spiced chicken.
How to make a quick Zatar salad dressing
Zatar salad dressing ingredients
- Zatar Spice Mix (see above for recipe)
- Lemon Juice
- Olive Oil
- Salt & Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Simply combine Za'atar spice mix, olive oil, and lemon juice in a jar. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Shake until the dressing is mixed and emulsified. That's it! This Zatar salad dressing is the perfect way to add a little flavour to your next salad. The acidity of the lemon juice pairs perfectly with the earthy Za'atar spice mix, and the olive oil helps to round out the flavours. Give it a try the next time you're looking for something a little different!
How to make Zatar flatbread:
Zatar Flatbread Ingredients:
- Zatar Spice Mix (see above for recipe)
- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- Olive Oil
- Garlic Cloves, minced
Cooking Instructions
Once you have formed your dough and kneaded it thoroughly; split the dough into small manageable balls. Roll out the dough ball on a floured surface until it is about 5mm thick. Spread Zatar spice mix evenly over the dough and place in a hot pan. Cook until golden brown (approx 2 minutes) on each side.
Easy Zatar Appetisers
Zatar hummus: Sprinkle Za'atar on top of store-bought or homemade hummus.
Zatar labneh: Add Za'atar to yoghurt dip for a flavorful twist.
How to make Zatar Hummus:
Zatar Hummus Ingredients:
- Zatar Spice Mix (see above for recipe)
- Chickpeas, cooked & drained
- Olive Oil
- Garlic Cloves, minced
- Tahini Paste
- Salt & Pepper
- Lemon Juice
Cooking Instructions
Add chickpeas, tahini paste, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and Zatar spice mix to the bowl of a food processor or pestle and mortar. Pulse/grind until everything is combined and the chickpeas are broken down. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the desired consistency is reached. If using a pestle and mortar, add small amounts of olive oil at a time until you are happy with the consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with warm pita bread, zatar flatbread or vegetables and enjoy! This dish is the perfect appetiser or snack, and it's so easy to make and sure to be a crowd pleaser!
How to make Zatar Labneh:
Zatar Hummus Ingredients:
- Zatar Spice Mix (see above for recipe)
- Labneh Cheese (yoghurt cheese)
- Olive Oil
- Garlic Cloves, minced
Cooking Instructions
In a bowl, mix together Zatar spice mix, labneh cheese, and garlic cloves. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and mix until everything is combined.
Serve with warm pita bread, zatar flatbread or vegetables and enjoy!
We hope you enjoyed these recipes and reading about the wonder spice of the Middle East, Za’atar! For more information about Za'atar and other Levantine spices, be sure to check out our website! Thanks for reading!