This easy Za'atar spice recipe is a traditional aromatic Middle Eastern mix of herbs, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and a pinch of Aleppo pepper that will transform your cooking. 6 ingredients, minutes to make – what are you waiting for?
Za'atar (Zaah-tar) seasoning is my first grab from the spice cabinet when I want to add Middle Eastern flare to simple recipes like tomato and pomegranate salad, quinoa and chickpeas, or chickpea salad with creamy tahini dressing. It turns oil-free hummus into a beyond store-bought deliciousness and is a great way to jazz up a simple green salad with classic lemon tahini dressing or oil-free pomegranate vinaigrette.
Table of Contents
Why Homemade Spice Blends are the Best
It's true! Homemade spice blends taste better than store-bought because you control the ingredients. This isn't limited to za'atar. Fillers like wheat, flavored straw or husk, and flavor enhancements like citric acid instead of lemon zest or sumac can lurk in everything from chili powder to Berbere blends.
If you are gluten-intolerant, spice blends can be a hidden source of gluten. End that now. Make your own.
Don't fall for it - spice blends take minutes to make and last for months. I routinely spend an hour each month renewing my cache of chipotle chili powder and shawarma seasoning while cleaning and monitoring my spice inventory. I make a list, and when it grows, I order spices in bulk.
Ingredients and Notes
Sesame seeds. Use hulled (outer shell removed) or unhulled sesame seeds. I prefer hulled when making homemade tahini, but either works for Zaatar.
Sumac. Spicy, tangy sumac with a distinctive red color is an essential zaatar ingredient.
Aleppo pepper. Not all Za'atar recipes use chili, but I love the added mellow chili flavor of Aleppo pepper. Substitutes include cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, paprika, or ancho chili powder.
Oregano. Use 'regular' oregano, the kind you find on most store shelves. Mexican oregano is not the same plant.
Marjoram. Use extra oregano if you don't have marjoram (they are related).
Thyme. Thyme adds a peppery and sweet flavor.
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
Why I Don't Add Salt
Many spice blend recipes call for added salt, and I am generally opposed to this practice. Salt can diminish the flavor of the other ingredients and, over time, can infiltrate sesame seeds (in particular), making the entire mix too salty. Take control of your cooking. Add salt individually, in increments, as the dish cooks and the flavors develop. You can always add salt, but overcoming a recipe that is too salty is nearly impossible.
How to Make Za'atar
Step 1: Toast the sesame seeds for 1-2 minutes. Stir them constantly and remove them from the hot pan to keep them from burning.
Step 2: Measure and add the ingredients to a small dish or jar. Mix well.
Expert Tip
Fresh spices make the best spice mixes. Check the expiration date. Take note: The freshness and potency of herbs and spices are impacted by direct sunlight or sources of heat, such as the stove or steam, like the Instant Pot.
Spice Storage Tips
Store zaatar in an airtight container, spice jar with a lid, or a sealed baggie. Label the container with the date you made it and the earliest expiration date of the herb or spice used.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to show your love for za'atar! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Sprinkle za'atar over oil-free Fattoush salad.
- Mash chickpeas and mix with cilantro green sauce with celery, onion, and zaatar for amazing stuffed pita pockets.
- Make zaatar sweet potato flatbread! Mix the spice blend in the dough or press it into the top of each flatbread before grilling or baking.
- Add zaatar to stuffed sweet potatoes with tahini dressing.
- Bring mixed vegetables and bulgur to life by adding a tablespoon of the spice mix with more for a beautiful garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wild thyme is a shrub native to Europe that can be used in recipes. It has a more intense flavor than regular thyme. Start with a ratio of 1 regular thyme to ½ wild thyme and adjust after tasting.
Traditional zaatar is made with dried herb. You can make a similar zaatar blend for one-time use with chopped fresh herbs, although the flavor will be different from the original.
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👩🏻🍳 Recipe
Easy Za'atar Spice Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons thyme
- 1 tablespoon marjoram
- 2 teaspoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper - see note 2
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Stir the seeds constantly as they toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the sesame seeds and the rest of the ingredients in a small dish or jar. Mix well.
- Makes 8 tablespoons.
Notes
- Nutritional information based on 1 teaspoon per serving.
- The best substitute for Aleppo pepper is paprika, red chili flakes (crushed red pepper), or ancho chili flakes.
- Store zaatar in an airtight container or jar with a lid. Keep it in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Fresh spices are best. Note the earliest date of expiration of the individual spices. That's the last date with the highest potency for your spice mix.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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