Za'atar Spice Blend
The classic Levantine thyme-sumac-sesame blend, wonderful over olive-oil-drizzled flatbread.
Condiment
Vegan
⚠ Contains: Sesame. Always check your own ingredients — this isn't a guarantee for severe allergies.
How this varies: Palestinian za'atar tends to be herb-forward and earthy with a more restrained sumac hit; Syrian versions often increase the sesame for a nuttier, denser blend; Jordanian versions sometimes fold in dried citrus peel or extra wild thyme. True wild thyme (Origanum syriacum) gives the authentic Lebanese/Palestinian version its distinctive edge and isn't fully replicable with standard supermarket thyme.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp dried thyme (wild thyme/za'atar herb if available, otherwise good quality culinary thyme)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried marjoram
- 3 tbsp sumac
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
Steps
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until light golden, 2-3 minutes; cool completely before mixing — warm seeds will clump the blend.
- In a bowl, combine the thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, and salt, crumbling any large herb pieces between your fingers.
- Stir in the cooled sesame seeds.
- Store in an airtight jar away from light and heat for up to 3 months for best aroma.
- Mix generously with olive oil and spread over flatbread before baking for manakish, or sprinkle over labneh, hummus, roasted vegetables, or eggs.