Za'atar
Also called zaatar, Middle Eastern thyme blend
A Middle Eastern blend of dried wild thyme or similar herbs, tart sumac, toasted sesame seeds and salt. It tastes herbal, tangy and nutty.
Flavor profile
Aroma: herbal, tangy, toasty sesame
Good to know
Origin: Levant
Forms: dried blend
Storage: Keep in an airtight jar away from light and heat. Use within about six months for the best aroma.
How to use za'atar
Mix With Olive Oil
Stir it into olive oil to make a spread and brush it on flatbread before baking, as in Lebanese manakish.
Sprinkle Last
Dust it over eggs, labneh, roasted vegetables or yogurt. The aroma is strongest when it has not cooked long.
What goes with za'atar
- Olive oil. Olive oil carries za'atar's herbs and spreads it on flatbread.
- Bread. Za'atar and olive oil on flatbread make Lebanese manakish.
- Yogurt. Yogurt's cool tang sets off za'atar's herbal, nutty flavor.
- Feta. Salty feta and za'atar's tangy herbs suit salads and baked dishes.
- Tomato. Tomato's juicy sweetness is a classic partner to za'atar's herbal tang.
- Cucumber. Cool cucumber and za'atar's tang make a fresh salad.
- Egg. Za'atar sprinkled over eggs adds herbs, tang and nutty crunch.
- Chicken thigh. Za'atar rubs flavor chicken thighs and crisp the skin.
- Lamb Shoulder. Za'atar's herbal tang suits lamb's rich flavor.
- Lemon. Lemon juice adds acid to za'atar rubs and dressings.
Mistakes to avoid
- Salting before tasting. Most blends already contain salt.
- Cooking it for a long time, which dulls its bright, tangy edge.
Ideas for tonight
- Za'atar flatbread with olive oil
- Roast chicken rubbed with za'atar and lemon
- Yogurt dip topped with za'atar and olive oil
Za'atar: questions
What does za'atar taste like?
A Middle Eastern blend of dried wild thyme or similar herbs, tart sumac, toasted sesame seeds and salt. It tastes herbal, tangy and nutty. Its strongest notes are earthy, with an aroma that is herbal, tangy, toasty sesame.
What goes well with za'atar?
Za'atar pairs best with olive oil, bread, yogurt, feta, tomato. Olive oil carries za'atar's herbs and spreads it on flatbread.
How do you use za'atar in cooking?
Mix With Olive Oil: stir it into olive oil to make a spread and brush it on flatbread before baking, as in Lebanese manakish.
How should you store za'atar?
Keep in an airtight jar away from light and heat. Use within about six months for the best aroma.
What is the most common mistake with za'atar?
Salting before tasting. Most blends already contain salt.
