Za'atar is an aromatic Middle Eastern spice blend that has been used in cooking for centuries. It typically contains thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and sometimes salt. The combination of herbs, spices, and nuts gives za'atar a unique flavor profile that is earthy, nutty, tangy, and citrusy.
This versatile spice can be used to add flavor to many dishes, from meats to vegetables to breads. Once you have za'atar in your pantry, you'll find endless ways to incorporate it into your everyday cooking.
A Brief History of Za'atar
The word "za'atar" refers to a wild herb in the oregano family that grows abundantly in the Middle East. This herb was dried and used for its medicinal benefits since ancient times. The za'atar spice blend was developed to mimic the tangy, earthy flavor of wild za'atar herb.
There are many variations of the za'atar spice mix across the Middle East. Some regions add spices like cumin, coriander, or fennel seed. The basic blend contains thyme, roasted sesame seeds, and ground sumac berries.
This mixture has been used in Middle Eastern cooking for thousands of years. There is evidence that ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia and Egypt used za'atar as early as 1500 BC.
Key Takeaway: Za'atar spice blend has its origins in the ancient Middle East and was traditionally used for its medicinal properties. The blend was created to mimic the flavor of wild za'atar oregano.
Za'atar Ingredients Explained
While za'atar recipes can vary, these core ingredients are used in most blends:
Thyme
Thyme is the backbone of za'atar, providing its distinctly earthy, woodsy flavor. Most blends use wild thyme varieties that grow in the Middle East, like Syrian oregano or Lebanese wild thyme. Dried thyme has an intensity that pairs well with the other spices.
Sumac
Sumac comes from the dried, ground berries of flowering sumac plants. It adds a sour, lemon-like tartness to za'atar. This bright red spice provides a balance to the earthy thyme.
Sesame Seeds
Toasted sesame seeds give za'atar its rich, nutty flavor and pleasant crunch. Sesame is an important crop in the Middle East, so it features prominently in regional cooking. The sesame seeds are usually toasted before being ground and added to the spice mix.
Salt
Some recipes include salt while others leave it out. Adding a bit of salt enhances the overall flavor profile. But it's easy to season with salt after mixing the za'atar with olive oil.
Key Takeaway: The core ingredients in za'atar spice blend are thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. Salt is also added to some recipes.
How to Use Za'atar Powder in Recipes
Za'atar is a versatile seasoning that can be incorporated into many savory dishes. Here are some of the most popular ways to use it:
Season Meat and Fish
Sprinkle za'atar on lean meats like chicken, lamb, and fish before cooking. The spice blend forms a tasty crust while cooking. Za'atar also pairs well with rich meats like lamb. Add it to ground lamb when making kebabs or patties.
Roast Vegetables
Coat vegetables with olive oil and za'atar before roasting. The spices caramelize beautifully in the oven. It works for hearty veggies like cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, and eggplant.
Make Dips and Spreads
Mix za'atar into hummus, labneh, baba ghanoush, and other Middle Eastern dips and spreads. You can also drizzle good olive oil over plain yogurt or mayonnaise, then swirl in za'atar. The spices liven up the creaminess of these dips.
Top Breads
In the Middle East, za'atar shines when used to flavor flatbreads. Mix za'atar with olive oil and spread it over fresh pita or flatbread before baking. You can also sprinkle it over baked breads and pastries. The spices add nice texture and flavor.
Season Eggs
Add za'atar to omelets, scrambled eggs, or fried eggs. It provides a flavor boost at breakfast. You can even bake eggs in a dish with za'atar tomatoes or potatoes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Make Salad Dressings
Whisk za'atar into lemon juice and olive oil for a bold vinaigrette. The spices complement Mediterranean ingredients like olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Blend it into hummus or Greek yogurt for a creamy salad dressing.
Sprinkle Over Popcorn
Toss hot popcorn with olive or melted butter, then sprinkle on za'atar for an addictive snack. The spices add complexity to the simple corn flavor.
Key Takeaway: Za'atar powder can be used to season and crust meats, roast vegetables, flavor dips, dress salads, and much more. It's a versatile spice for everyday cooking.
Creating Flavorful Za'atar Blends at Home
It's easy to make za'atar spice blend at home. With just a few core ingredients, you can create your own signature flavor.
Start with equal parts thyme and sesame seeds, then experiment with the sumac and salt. Here are some tips for making homemade za'atar:
- Use dried thyme rather than fresh for a stronger flavor. The woody notes are important.
- Try a mix of wild thyme and oregano for complexity.
- Play with the ratio of sumac. More will give it tanginess, less is more subtle.
- Toast the sesame seeds lightly to bring out their nuttiness.
- Add any extras like marjoram, cumin, or fennel seeds.
- Season to taste with salt once mixed. Particularly if using for a dip.
- Combine everything in a spice grinder. Pulse to a fine or coarse texture.
- Store in an airtight container out of sunlight for maximum freshness.
Making your own za'atar allows you to tweak the blend to your taste. You can also experiment with ingredients like lemon zest, mint, or za'atar marjoram.
Key Takeaway: Homemade za'atar can be customized to your flavor preferences. Start with equal parts thyme and sesame seeds, then adjust the sumac and salt.
Get Creative with Za'atar in Your Cooking
Once you become familiar with the flavor of za'atar, don't be afraid to get creative with how you incorporate it into dishes.
Here are some unique ways to experiment with this versatile seasoning:
- Make za'atar spiced snack mixes with nuts and pretzels
- Whip up a yogurt or tahini sauce flavored with za'atar
- Toss roasted chickpeas in za'atar and olive oil for crunchy snacking
- Swirl za'atar into fluffy mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Rub a beef roast or rack of lamb with za'atar before cooking
- Mix za'atar into burger patties along with onion and garlic
- Stir some za'atar into pancake or waffle batter for breakfast
- Add it to cheese spreads, compound butter, or cream cheese
- Use it in place of other herbs on pizza or flatbread
- Make a za'atar spiced olive oil for dipping crusty bread
Don't stop at traditional uses for this spice blend. Za'atar can be used to create so many unique flavor combinations. Dare to experiment with new ways to cook with it.
Tips for Buying and Storing Za'atar Powder
To get the most flavor and freshness from your za'atar powder, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the expiration date and choose the freshest spice jars or bags.
- Buy from a supplier with high product turnover for maximum freshness.
- Look for vibrant, green za'atar rather than dull or gray.
- Smell the za'atar through the packaging - it should be highly aromatic.
- Read the label carefully and avoid fillers like wheat.
- Store za'atar in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Keep za'atar powder away from light, heat, and humidity for longer life.
- Use within 6 months for best flavor, under 1 year for ground spices.
- Buy smaller quantities if you don't use it frequently to prevent stale za'atar.
Choosing high quality za'atar and storing it properly helps retain the complex flavor and aroma of this prized spice blend. With the right care, it will be ready to spice up any dish.
Creative and Delicious Ways to Cook with Za'atar
Za'atar is one of those versatile spices that can transform both simple weekday meals and elegant dinner party dishes. Here is a sampling of creative recipes to inspire you:
- Za'atar Roasted Chicken and Vegetables: Chicken pieces tossed with za'atar, garlic, and lemon then roasted with potatoes, carrots, and onions.
- Za'atar Grilled Steak: Top sirloin steaks coated in a paste of za'atar, olive oil, garlic, and yogurt, then grilled until caramelized.
- Open-Faced Za'atar Avocado Toast: Thick multigrain toast topped with mashed avocado, crumbled feta, and showered with fresh za'atar.
- Za'atar Salmon: Salmon fillets baked with a za'atar and breadcrumb crust for a Middle Eastern spin on the dish.
- Za'atar Egg Salad: Hard boiled eggs mashed with olive oil mayo and generously spiced with tangy za'atar.
- Za'atar Pita Chips: Crisp baked pita chips tossed in olive oil and za'atar make the perfect snack or party dipper.
- Cauliflower Steaks with Za'atar Yogurt: Caramelized cauliflower steaks drizzled with lemon-za'atar yogurt sauce.
The options are endless when cooking with this iconic Middle Eastern spice blend! Za'atar transforms simple ingredients into exotic and vibrant dishes.
FAQs
What does za'atar taste like?
Za'atar has a complex flavor that is simultaneously earthy, nutty, tangy and lemony. The blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame comes together to create a unique and addictive taste.
Can you use dried or fresh thyme?
Dried thyme has a stronger, more concentrated flavor for za'atar spice blends. Fresh thyme is milder tasting. Some recipes use a combo, but dried thyme makes up the bulk.
Does za'atar need to be heated?
Za'atar can be used raw but heating releases even more of the essential oils and aromas of the dried spices. When cooking meat or vegetables with za'atar, be sure to allow time for the flavors to be brought out.
Can you substitute oregano or marjoram?
Oregano and marjoram complement the thyme in za'atar. Many blends include a mix of thyme, oregano and marjoram. Using all oregano would make the flavor too one-note.
What oil is best for za'atar recipes?
Good quality extra virgin olive oil allows the za'atar flavor to shine. Nutty sesame oil is also excellent. Avoid heavy, greasy oils that will overpower the spices.
What can I serve with za'atar chicken or fish?
Rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, fresh salad, yogurt sauce, or hummus all pair nicely with za'atar seasoned meat. Flatbread is also traditional.
Conclusion
Za'atar's unique blend of thyme, sesame, and sumac has been livening up Eastern Mediterranean cooking for ages. This versatile seasoning can be used to deliver big flavor in everything from meat dishes to baked goods.
With its tangy, herbal, nutty notes, a jar of za'atar spice blend is essential for any well-stocked pantry. Home cooks will never tire of all the diverse ways to use it.