Herbed Za'atar Spice Blend
Herbed Za'atar is a fragrant and versatile spice blend originating from the Middle East, packed with flavor and nutrition. This blend combines the tartness of sumac with the earthy notes of thyme, oregano, and marjoram, along with the richness of toasted sesame seeds. It's perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes, from grilled meats and roasted vegetables to pasta tossed with olive oil. You can also elevate your breakfast by sprinkling it on cream cheese bagels or add a unique flair to bruschetta topped with tomatoes and garlic. Create a flavorful dip by mixing it with yogurt or use it as seasoning for homemade hummus. This spice blend not only heightens the taste of your meals but also adds a beautiful herbal aroma to your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground sumac
4 tablespoons (ground)
Whole thyme
2 tablespoons (whole)
Toasted sesame seeds
3 tablespoons (toasted and coarsely ground)
Oregano
2 tablespoons (dried)
Ground marjoram
2 tablespoons (ground)
Savory
1 teaspoon (optional, dried)
Basil
1 teaspoon (optional, dried)
Coarse salt
2 tablespoons (coarse)
Instructions
1
In a mortar and pestle, coarsely crush the toasted sesame seeds to release their oils and enhance their flavor.
2
Add the ground sumac, whole thyme, oregano, ground marjoram, and coarse salt to the mortar.
3
For added depth, include savory and basil if desired.
4
Using the pestle, gently crush and mix all the ingredients together until well combined, but avoid making a fine powder. The aim is to keep some texture.
5
Store the za'atar spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Za'atar Spice Blend?
Herbed Za'atar is a fragrant and versatile spice blend originating from the Middle East, featuring sumac, herbs, and toasted sesame seeds.
What are the primary ingredients in this Za'atar blend?
The main ingredients include ground sumac, whole thyme, toasted sesame seeds, oregano, ground marjoram, and coarse salt.
Where does Za'atar spice blend originate from?
Za'atar spice blend originates from the Middle East.
What gives Za'atar its characteristic tart flavor?
The tartness in the spice blend comes from the ground sumac.
How do I use Za'atar in my daily cooking?
You can use it on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, pasta with olive oil, or even on cream cheese bagels.
Can I use Za'atar for breakfast dishes?
Yes, it is excellent when sprinkled on cream cheese bagels or included in breakfast spreads.
How can I make a dip with this spice blend?
You can create a flavorful dip by mixing the Za'atar blend with yogurt or using it as a seasoning for hummus.
Is Herbed Za'atar Spice Blend vegan?
Yes, this spice blend is vegan-friendly.
Is this spice blend gluten-free?
Yes, the Herbed Za'atar Spice Blend is naturally gluten-free.
Why should I crush the sesame seeds in a mortar and pestle?
Crushing the toasted sesame seeds helps release their oils and enhances their flavor within the blend.
Can I add other herbs to the recipe?
Yes, you can include dried savory and basil for added depth of flavor.
What is the best way to store Za'atar?
Store the spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness.
Should the final spice blend be a fine powder?
No, the goal is to gently mix the ingredients to keep some texture rather than creating a fine powder.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for coarse salt to provide the best flavor and texture.
Can I use Za'atar on Italian dishes like bruschetta?
Yes, it adds a unique flair when used as a topping for bruschetta with tomatoes and garlic.
What herbs provide the earthy notes in this blend?
The earthy notes are provided by the combination of thyme, oregano, and marjoram.
How many ingredients are in this specific Za'atar recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in this recipe, including the optional herbs.
Can I use Za'atar for roasted vegetables?
Yes, it is perfect for enhancing the flavor of various roasted vegetables.
What is the purpose of toasted sesame seeds?
Toasted sesame seeds add a rich, nutty flavor to the spice blend.
Is marjoram essential to this recipe?
While ground marjoram is a standard part of this specific blend, it is used to provide earthy depth.
What is the recommended preparation for the thyme?
The recipe calls for whole thyme to be mixed into the blend.
How much sumac is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of ground sumac.
Can I use this blend as a salad seasoning?
Yes, Za'atar is a great seasoning for salads.
Is savory a required ingredient?
No, savory is listed as an optional dried ingredient.
What does Za'atar smell like?
It has a beautiful, fragrant herbal aroma.
Does this recipe include basil?
Basil is an optional ingredient that can be added for extra depth.
What equipment do I need to make this?
A mortar and pestle is recommended for crushing the seeds and mixing the spices.
Can I use this spice blend on pasta?
Yes, it is delicious when tossed with pasta and olive oil.
How many tablespoons of oregano are needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of dried oregano.
Is the sesame seed amount fixed?
The recipe suggests 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds for the perfect balance.