Best 6 Homemade Zaatar Recipes

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In the realm of Middle Eastern cuisine, zaatar stands as a culinary crown jewel, captivating taste buds with its aromatic blend of earthy herbs, tangy sumac, and nutty sesame seeds. This versatile condiment transcends cultural boundaries, weaving its magic into countless dishes, from the humble flatbread to the hearty stew. Embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of crafting homemade zaatar, unveiling two distinct variations that cater to every palate. Discover the classic zaatar recipe, a harmonious union of earthy thyme, savory oregano, and zesty sumac, infused with the warmth of toasted sesame seeds. Alternatively, explore the delectable green zaatar, a vibrant symphony of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and mint, complemented by the tang of lemon zest and the crunch of pistachios. Let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable adventure as you explore the diverse culinary landscapes of zaatar, transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

AUTHENTIC ZA'ATAR SPICE RECIPE



Authentic Za'atar Spice Recipe image

An authentic recipe for Za'atar Spice - a flavorful Middle Eastern Spice that can be used to season hummus, baba ganoush, vegetables, meats, etc. (My Egyptian Dad's recipe.)

Provided by Sylvia Fountaine | Feasting at Home Blog

Categories     Spices

Time 5m

Yield ½ Cup

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon dried thyme- crushed (or sub oregano)
1 tablespoon cumin (see instructions about whole or ground)
1 tablespoon coriander
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon sumac
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon or more aleppo chili flakes- optional

Steps:

  • Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.
  • For the most flavor, toast whole seeds (cumin seeds and coriander seeds) until fragrant, then grind. This will make the most flavorful zaatar. If you don't have whole seeds, feel free to use ground spices.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 15 calories

17 BEST WAYS TO COOK WITH ZA'ATAR



17 Best Ways To Cook With Za'atar image

If you want something healthy, bold, and delicious, these za'atar recipes might just change your life. They're nutty, herbaceous, and oh-so-scrumptious.

Provided by insanelygood

Categories     Recipe Roundup

Number Of Ingredients 17

One Sheet Pan Roasted Za'atar Chicken and Potatoes
Za'atar Garlic Spinach Pasta
Simple Mediterranean Avocado Salad
Mediterranean-Style Sweet Potato Toast
Harissa Hummus with Za'atar
Za'atar Chicken with Fattoush
Quinoa Pilaf with Za'atar Roasted Butternut Pumpkin and Persimmon
Best Middle Eastern Salad Dressing
Middle Eastern Za'atar (Manakish Za'atar)
Roasted Vegetable Soup with Tahini and Za'atar
Sheet Pan Za'atar Chickpeas with Sweet Potatoes
Mediterranean Flatbread with Arugula and Smoked Salmon
Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Za'atar and Tahini
Olive and Za'atar Focaccia
Labneh with Olive and Za'atar
Za'atar-Roasted Carrot Soup with Chickpeas
Grilled Za'atar Chicken Burgers with Cucumber Mint Tzatziki

Steps:

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a delicious za'atar recipe in 30 minutes or less!

Nutrition Facts :

ZA'ATAR



Za'atar image

Provided by Alton Brown

Time 5m

Yield 2 tablespoons

Number Of Ingredients 4

3 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon powdered sumac
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Put all of the ingredients into a spice grinder and pulse until a powder is formed, about 30 to 45 seconds. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

ZA'ATAR



Za'atar image

Za'atar, the Middle Eastern spice mixture is so delicious we suggest doubling the recipe and using the extra for a snack: Dunk some bread (such as pita) in flavorful olive oil and then in the za'atar.

Categories     Condiment/Spread     No-Cook     Quick & Easy     Summer     Gourmet

Yield Makes about 5 tablespoons

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
2 teaspoons ground sumac*
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

Steps:

  • Stir together all ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Available at Middle Eastern markets and by mail order from Kalustyan's (212-685-3451).

ZA'ATAR



Za'atar image

A fragrant Middle Eastern mix that will instantly add a savoury spice to any dish

Provided by Miriam Nice

Time 7m

Yield makes 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

2 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp dried oregano
2 tbsp sumac

Steps:

  • Lightly toast the cumin seeds in a dry pan, just until they start to release their aroma. 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. It is now ready to use in your recipes, but will keep in a clean jar or airtight container for a month.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 26 calories, Fat 2 grams fat, SaturatedFat 0.3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 0.2 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 0.1 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 1 grams protein, Sodium 1.24 milligram of sodium

ZA'ATAR



Za'atar image

Za'atar is the name for both a traditional Middle Eastern seasoning blend and the pungent green herb that gives the blend its intense, earthy character. The hardy herb, which grows wild, tastes like a combination of oregano, marjoram, summer savory and thyme - all of which can be used as substitutes if dried za'atar isn't available. As with all spice blends, recipes vary widely depending on the region and the cook, but this one, adapted from Lior Lev Sercarz of La Boîte in New York, includes ground sumac berries for acidity, toasted sesame seeds for their rich, earthy notes, and a little salt as well. Za'atar can be used in marinades for grilled or roasted poultry or meats, mixed into dips, salads and egg dishes, or set on the table to be sprinkled on dishes as a bright and herby condiment.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     easy, condiments

Time 10m

Yield 1/3 cup

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 tablespoon/9 grams sesame seeds, preferably unhulled
3 tablespoons/5 grams dried za'atar (see Note)
1 tablespoon/10 grams crushed or ground sumac
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Steps:

  • Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds to the skillet and toast, stirring, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and set aside to cool.
  • Using a spice grinder, clean coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle, ground the za'atar leaves with the sumac and salt. Add to the bowl with toasted sesame and mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Tips:

  • Choose the freshest herbs possible for the best flavor.
  • Toast the sesame seeds and cumin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This will bring out their flavor and aroma.
  • Use a mortar and pestle to grind the toasted sesame seeds and cumin seeds into a fine powder. This will help to release their oils and create a more flavorful zaatar.
  • Add other spices to your zaatar blend, such as thyme, oregano, or sumac, to taste.
  • Store your homemade zaatar in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Conclusion:

Homemade zaatar is a delicious and versatile spice blend that can be used in a variety of dishes. It's a great way to add flavor to dips, spreads, roasted vegetables, and grilled meats. You can also use it as a seasoning for salads, soups, and stews. With its earthy, nutty flavor, zaatar is sure to become a staple in your spice cabinet.

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