Zaatar
Lightly toast the cumin seeds in a dry pan just until they start to release their aroma.
Zaatar. Za atar is the arabic name for an herb blend that is ubiquitous in israeli cooking. Za atar the middle eastern spice mixture is so delicious we suggest doubling the recipe and using the extra for a snack. Grind them to a fine powder using a pestle and mortar then stir in all the other ingredients plus 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
Traditionally the blend was made from a plant by the same name but today most za atar blends are made from herbs like oregano marjoram and thyme and don t actually contain any of the real za atar herb. As a family of related middle eastern herbs it contains plants from the genera origanum calamintha basil thyme thymus typically thymus vulgaris i e thyme. Much like sausage seasonings each country and family has a distinctive style of za atar.
This za atar spice recipe is easy to make at home from scratch with just four ingredients. It is also the name of a spice mixture that includes the herb along with toasted sesame seeds dried sumac often salt as well as other spices. When buying dried herbs though look for ones that are bright in color as that indicates freshness and flavor.
Za atar pronounced zaah tar is most identified with middle eastern and mediterranean cooking. What is za atar zaatar. And even some health benefits from soothing inflammation to boosting cognition.
Our particular blend is israeli in style. Is a culinary herb or family of herbs. Yes it can be a little confusing.
Za atar has some of the same naming issues as curry while there is a curry plant the name usually refers to a blend of spices. Dunk some bread such as pita in flavorful olive oil and then in the za atar. And as if that weren t enough za atar sometimes contains salt dried orange zest dried dill or the wild herb za atar also called hyssop it grows throughout the levant and is the mixture s.
Za atar refers both to the thyme plant itself as well as this spice mix. Sumac is a member of the cashew family. While in lebanon wild thyme is used regular thyme from the supermarket or your garden makes a fine substitute.
The za atar herb is an aromatic variety of wild oregano that s also known as hyssop and syrian marjoram. The same goes for buying a pre made za atar blend seek out one that is vibrant not dull and clumped. Traditionally za atar is made by drying fresh herbs in the sun but store bought dried herbs will do the trick.
But usually za atar refers to a spice blend.
