Za’atar Middle Eastern Spice Mixture

When it comes to Middle Eastern cuisine, many dishes wouldn’t be complete without the spice mix called za’atar. Just like salt brings out the flavor of foods, so does za’atar, and there are very few savory dishes that could not be improved with a dash of this versatile mixture.

Variations of this herb and spice blend go back to medieval times, and it’s a common ingredient in all of the countries of the Middle East. Typically, za’atar is a blend of dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt, but as with any spice blend that is ancient, there are many variations—and plenty of opinions about which is the right proportion for each ingredient.

While you can purchase premade za’atar, you can also easily make your own at home. You may be amazed at how such a simple mixture is packed with big flavors: The sumac brings a citrus taste, oregano a slight bitterness, and marjoram a hint of sweetness; overall, za’atar has a tangy and toasty essence. The benefit of homemade is that you can experiment with different proportions until you find your perfect “house” blend. Once you have a batch, sprinkle it on bread, dips, meat, vegetables, rice, potatoes, pasta, soups, and dressings. You’ll be hard-pressed to meet a savory food that doesn’t benefit from some za’atar.

The Spruce Eats/ Alex Shytsman

What You'll Need to Make this Za'atar Recipe A Zippy Spice Grinder A Nice Mixing Bowl An Airtight Container

“Clear, simple, and fast to throw together, this za’atar seasoning blend is easy to make and use. It took only five minutes to gather the spices, use the mortar and pestle for the sesame seeds, and mix the remaining ingredients together. Bonus: Prep and keep in a jar for busy days to create a flavorful entree.” —Victoria Heydt

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon​ roasted sesame seeds

• 1/4 cup ground sumac

• 2 tablespoons dried thyme

• 2 tablespoons dried marjoram

• 2 tablespoons dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon coarse salt

Steps to Make It

1. Gather the ingredients.

   

   The Spruce Eats / Alex Shytsman

2. Grind the sesame seeds in a food processor, spice grinder, or with a mortar and pestle.

   

   The Spruce Eats / Alex Shytsman

3. Transfer to a bowl and add the remaining ingredients. Mix well.

   

   The Spruce Eats / Alex Shytsman

4. Use in your favorite Middle Eastern dish and enjoy.

   

   The Spruce Eats / Alex Shytsman

How to Store Za’atar

Store the za'atar in a cool, dark place in a plastic zip-top bag or in an airtight container. When stored properly, za'atar can last from three to six months.

Ways to Use Za’atar

Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooks use za’atar in a similar way that American cooks utilize salt—they simply sprinkle it on a variety of foods to enhance the flavor. This includes scrambled eggs, avocado toast, hummus, a tomato and cucumber salad, and french fries. The spice mix is also mixed with olive oil and made into a sort of paste that is spread on pita bread. It is a wonderful seasoning for vegetables, meat, and roasted chicken.