Za'atar spice recipe is an important blend within the Palestinian pantry, it's known for its lively aroma and distinctive taste. Za’atar, as the name refers to both the plant and the blend is comprised of a mixture of dried za'atar leaves, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt.
Za’atar is a popular staple spread that is a key item in the Palestinian kitchen, made of a few simple ingredients and used widely with so many options, perhaps the most popular is manakeesh.
This is a simple homemade authentic recipe that I grew up watching my mother making during the spring season, when fresh za'atar is harvested.
Up until this day, my mother likes to make her homemade za’atar by picking fresh za’atar from her backyard. She delicately picks the leaves from each stem, then lays them on a large white sheet, and lets them dry under the sun, so she can make za’atar spice to store and use throughout the year.
Green fresh za’atar leaves are also popular and can be used in many recipes, as in za’atar cookies or za’atar bread cheese balls, or even adding them to a basic salad recipe or an omelet would bring so much flavor.
Jump to:
What is Za’atar?
Za’atar which is pronounced Zaah-tar is the Arabic word for the herb thyme. Za’atar is an herb very similar to oregano and native to the Levant regions, particularly Palestine, Jordan, Syra, and Lebanon.
Za'atar which is also the name of the spice blend, typically includes ground dried thyme leaves, sumac spice, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. It's often mixed with olive oil and sometimes used as a seasoning with salads and vegetables, or sprinkled on labneh (strained yogurt). Za'atar has a tangy, nutty, earthy flavor and is a popular ingredient in many recipes within the Palestinian/Middle Eastern cuisines. It's also used as a dip for bread when mixed with olive oil.
Za'atar has great health benefits, to name a few, it boosts the immune system, improves skin health, and builds strong bones, and studies have shown that it helps with memory and brain power due to increased circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain.
Importance of Za’atar to Palestinians
Za'atar holds a special place in Palestinian cuisine and culture. It's not just an important pantry item but a symbol of heritage, tradition, and culinary identity. In Palestinian households, za'atar is a pantry staple, cherished for its versatility and rich flavor.
In Palestinian cuisine, za'atar is used in various ways, reflecting the region's culinary heritage and preferences. It's commonly enjoyed as a topping for freshly baked bread, such as the beloved Palestinian flatbread known as "manakish" where a mixture of za'atar and olive oil is spread generously over the dough before baking, creating a delicious and aromatic treat.
Beyond bread, za'atar is also used to flavor salads, dips, and meats, adding depth and complexity to dishes. It's sometimes spread over labneh a creamy and tangy dip enjoyed as part of traditional Palestinian breakfast.
Moreover, za'atar is deeply intertwined with Palestinian cultural identity, evoking memories of home-cooked meals, family gatherings, and shared moments. Its presence in the pantry signifies not just a culinary ingredient but a connection to the land and its rich culinary heritage.
In Palestinian households, the making and sharing of za'atar recipes are often passed down through generations, preserving traditions and fostering a sense of community and belonging. Whether enjoyed as a humble breakfast or as part of a festive meal, za'atar continues to hold a cherished place in Palestinian hearts and kitchens, embodying the spirit of Palestinian cuisine and culture.
Inspired by this delicious and iconic Palestinian food I wrote a children's storybook titled When Za'atar Met Zeit.
Equipment
This post may contain affiliate links.
Grinder or a powerful blender: To grind dried za'atar leaves.
Bowl - For mixing all the ingredients.
Skillet - For toasting sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Dried Za'atar - Dried za'atar can be found at some specialty stores, be aware that some products include dried stems rather than just za'atar leaves. The other option is planting and drying your own. The Za'atar herb plant can be found at many stores that sell fresh herb plants.
Sumac Spice - Sumac is what gives za'atar a tangy flavor, it is a key ingredient in this recipe. Sumac is a spice derived from a berry fruit tree, it has a deep red color with a tangy flavor and is an essential ingredient in this recipe, it can be found at any of the Middle Eastern grocery stores. Sumac is used in many Palestinian recipes, one iconic dish is chicken musakhan.
Sesame Seeds - Toasting sesame seeds before mixing them with za'atar, makes a big difference in the taste, the nutty crunchy flavor from sesame seeds brings so much flavor to za'atar spice. It is a must with the recipe.
Sea Salt - I like to use sea salt. Keep in mind that sea salt is less salty than other table salt.
Instructions
Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1 | Place sesame seeds in a skillet and toast over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes.
Step 2 | Keep stirring until golden brown.
Step 3 | Place dried Za’atar leaves in a grinder or a magic bullet.
Step 4 | Grind until it's more like a powdered texture.
Step 5 | In a medium-sized bowl place all ingredients and mix well with a large spoon, until all ingredients are well integrated.
Ways to use za'atar spice
- The most common Palestinian breakfast is tearing a piece of Arabic flatbread, taboon bread, or ka'ak al-Quds and dipping, first in extra virgin olive oil then in za'atar. This is often enjoyed with slices of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and a cup of mint tea.
- It can also be spread over boiled or fried eggs, or over labneh drizzled with olive oil.
- The most popular is mixing it with olive oil and spread over flat dough and baking, which is called manakeesh. The mixture can also be spread over bread and toast in a toaster oven.
- It can be spread over chicken before baking.
Variation and Substitution
- With your hands you can rub ground za'atar with 1-2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, it gives it an extra flavor. In that case, make sure to store za'atar spice in the fridge.
- If you can't find real za'atar, oregano mixed with some marjoram gives you the closest approximation to the flavor of the native plant, but keep in mind that although it's often said that oregano is so similar there is a very distinct difference in the flavor.
Expert Tips
- If using a spice grinder, grind za'atar leaves in batches.
- For best results, use high-quality sumac, and good-quality of sesame seeds.
- When toasting sesame seeds keep stirring to prevent burning.
How to store Storage
- Za'atar blend can be stored in a glass jar or an airtight container in the pantry for up to 6 months. For best results store it in the refrigerator and it can last up to a year.
- Za'atar spice can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read the label carefully and look for ingredients that includes wild thyme and sumac. It should have a good texture and look more deep green and not brownish.
You should be able to see sumac which has a deep red color, and sesame in the mixture.
Yes you can but it might not give you the results needed, using a species grinder or a powerful blender such as a Magic Bullet can be best to grind the leaves into powder.
Click here to subscribe to my newsletter and receive free and new recipes right into your inbox!
If you made za'atar spice recipe I would love it if you could give me a 5-star rating and leave a comment below.
I also would like to hear about your experience making it, snap a picture and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
More Delicious Recipes
Za’atar Spice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 ounces 1x
- Category: Snack/breakfast
- Cuisine: Palestinian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Za'atar spice recipe is an important blend within the Palestinian pantry, it's known for its lively aroma and distinctive taste. Za’atar, as the name refers to both the plant and the blend is comprised of a mixture of dried za'atar leaves, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried za'atar leaves, makes ½ a cup grind.
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon sumac spice
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Place sesame seeds in a skillet and toast over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes.
- Keep stirring until golden brown.
- Place dried Za’atar leaves in a grinder or a magic bullet.
- Grind until it's more like a powdered texture.
- In a medium-sized bowl place all ingredients and mix well with a large spoon, until all ingredients are well integrated.
Notes
- If using a spice grinder, grind za'atar leaves in batches.
- For best results, use high-quality sumac, and good-quality of sesame seeds.
- When toasting sesame seeds keep stirring to prevent burning.
Hala says
I love this recipe, so simple. Thanks for sharing and free Palestine!
Wafa Shami says
Yes it is.Thank you!
Bonny says
I have a question, does sumac spice come in powder form or seeds? Does Sumac need to be ground?
Wafa Shami says
Hi Bonny, Yes sumac comes in a powder form.
LC says
Easy and delicious! Thank you for sharing your recipe! Free Palestine 🤍🇵🇸🤍
Wafa Shami says
Hi LC, glad to hear you liked it and thanks for the review. Free Palestine!