Za’atar

Recipe from Lior Lev Sercarz

Adapted by Melissa Clark

Published Feb. 24, 2021

Za’atar
David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
10 minutes
Rating
4(285)
Comments
Read comments

Za’atar is the name for both a traditional Middle Eastern seasoning blend and the pungent green herb that gives the blend its intense, earthy character. The hardy herb, which grows wild, tastes like a combination of oregano, marjoram, summer savory and thyme — all of which can be used as substitutes if dried za’atar isn’t available. As with all spice blends, recipes vary widely depending on the region and the cook, but this one, adapted from Lior Lev Sercarz of La Boîte in New York, includes ground sumac berries for acidity, toasted sesame seeds for their rich, earthy notes, and a little salt as well. Za’atar can be used in marinades for grilled or roasted poultry or meats, mixed into dips, salads and egg dishes, or set on the table to be sprinkled on dishes as a bright and herby condiment. —Melissa Clark

Featured in: For Maximum Flavor, Make These Spice Blends at Home

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: Give recipes to anyone

    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.

    Subscribe

  • Share this recipe

  • Print this recipe

Advertisement

Ingredients

Yield:⅓ cup
  • 1tablespoon/9 grams sesame seeds, preferably unhulled
  • 3tablespoons/5 grams dried za’atar (see Note)
  • 1tablespoon/10 grams crushed or ground sumac
  • ¼teaspoon fine sea salt
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

44 calories; 3 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 1 gram monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 4 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 1 gram protein; 28 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds to the skillet and toast, stirring, until fragrant, 2 to 4 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and set aside to cool.

  2. Step 2

    Using a spice grinder, clean coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle, ground the za’atar leaves with the sumac and salt. Add to the bowl with toasted sesame and mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Tip
  • If you don’t have dried za’atar, use a combination of 2 tablespoons/3 grams dried marjoram, 1 tablespoons/2 grams dried thyme and 2 tablespoons/6 grams dried oregano.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Ratings

4 out of 5
285 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Comments

Aylish

Nobody has commented that this recipe for za'atar calls for za'atar as one of its ingredients. Where to begin?

CJM

I have yet to taste a full flavored za’atar that is not from Lebanon - which may or may not use Jordanian thyme. The true test is to make manaheesh: za’atar plus olive oil in a runny consistency spread over a soft pizza-like dough. Feel free to play with other herbs and flavors, but it won’t really be za’atar. I prefer the Lebanese staple - the best breakfast on the planet.

Mary Lou Soffa

Love za’atar! My blend is thyme, sumac, lemon zest and sesame seed. Wonderful on almost everything.

Leilah

Zaatar is the Arabic name of the plant referred to in English as hyssop. It looks very similar to oregano. The spice mix zaatar is simply called after the name of the plant. You the plant to make the spice mix...

Kara’s Kooky Kitchen

Totally made my own version, will never buy again, wow so flavorful and fresh tasting! Tripled recipe as I wanted more around, but only 2 T thyme as I didn’t want too strong. Added everything as well as some garlic granules to the food processor, except sesame seeds, to get texture right. Will pan roast sesame seeds forever more!

Melissa Fernandez

Za'atar vs. za'atar: the first sentence of this recipe should prove useful,

Private comments are only visible to you.

Credits

Adapted from Lior Lev Sercarz, La Boîte, New York

Recipe Tags

or to save this recipe.