Lebanese za'atar spice mix recipe

This version of Lebanese version of Za'atar contains sumac.

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon ground sumac berries
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons roasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons dried marjoram
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Method

1. Combine everything except the sea salt and 1 tablespoon of roasted sesame seeds
2. Grind in a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder
3. Mix in the sea salt and the remaining sesame seeds
4. Store in an airtight container, out of the light, for up to 2 months. It begins to lose its flavour if it'd stored any longer.

Serving suggestions

It can be used as a seasoning for meats and vegetables.

Mixed with olive oil it makes a spread called za'atar-wu-zayt as a dip for the sesame bread rings known as ka'ak.

You can spread it on a dough base and bake it as bread, in which case it is called manaeesh bi zaatar.

It is often eaten as a breakfast snack, sprinkled on labneh (yogurt that has been drained until it becomes a tangy, creamy cheese).

Za'atar is often sprinkled on hummus or served with olive oil as a spread or dip.

See also

• Za'atar spice mix recipe

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