Za'atar (Middle Eastern Spice Blend)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Total Time
10 mins
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Course
Condiments
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Za'atar (Middle Eastern Spice Blend)
Description
The preparation of Za'atar involves toasting white hulled sesame seeds along with coriander and cumin seeds to enhance their flavors while avoiding burning. Once cooled, these toasted seeds are coarsely ground, then mixed with dried herbs including thyme, oregano, marjoram, savory (optional), sumac for brightness, and sea salt. Another portion of toasted sesame seeds is added at the end to preserve their crunch and flavor.
This blend is not ground into a fine powder but kept coarse to maintain texture and aroma. Za'atar can be stored in an airtight container away from light and heat for several months, making it a versatile seasoning to sprinkle on flatbreads, mix with olive oil for dips, or use in roasting meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons white sesame seeds hulled
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons sumac ground
- 2 tablespoons thyme dried
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- 1 tablespoon marjoram dried
- 1 teaspoon savory optional but recommended, dried
- 1 teaspoon salt sea salt
Instructions
- Toast the seeds and spices: Toast 2 tablespoons of the sesame seeds along with the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until the sesame seeds turn golden and the spices are very fragrant. Be careful not to scorch them or they will turn bitter. Remove from heat and let them cool completely. Separately toast the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of sesame seeds and let them cool (reserve these to stir in at the very end).Grind the seeds, spices and herbs: Place the toasted seed/spice mixture in a spice grinder and coarsely grind it. Add the herbs, sumac and salt and pulse just a couple of times to break up the herbs up into smaller pieces (i.e., do not grind into a fine powder). Alternatively, grind the ingredients using a mortar and pestle. Stir in the remaining toasted sesame seeds. Transfer to an airtight jar and store in a dark, cool place where it will keep for several months.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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