The Ultimate Guide to Making Homemade Za'atar
The versatile Middle Eastern blend you need in your kitchen.
A fragrant mix of hyssop thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, za'atar adds earthy, tangy, and nutty flavors to a wide variety of dishes. This all-purpose seasoning is perfect for sprinkling over roasted vegetables, mixing with olive oil for a quick dip, or giving a punch of flavor to homemade flatbreads. Making your own za'atar lets you customize the blend to your taste and guarantees freshness—plus, it’s a great way to explore Middle Eastern cuisine from your own kitchen.
What is Hyssop Thyme?
Hyssop thyme, sometimes simply referred to as "za'atar herb," is a wild herb that belongs to the oregano and thyme family. It has a strong, earthy aroma with a slightly bitter, savory taste, often described as a combination of thyme, oregano, and marjoram, with a subtle minty note. It’s traditionally used in Middle Eastern za'atar blends for its robust, herbal flavor that perfectly complements the tanginess of sumac and the nuttiness of sesame seeds. It's what we use in our house-blended Levantine Za'atar. If you don’t have access to hyssop thyme, you can recreate a similar flavor by mixing oregano, marjoram, and thyme. This combination mimics the earthy, savory profile of hyssop thyme and makes an excellent substitute in homemade za'atar.
Homemade Za'atar Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 T oregano
- 1 T marjoram
- 1 T thyme
- 2 T sumac
- 1 T toasted sesame seeds
- 1 t kosher sea salt
DIRECTIONS:
Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Let them cool, then mix in the remaining spices. Store in an airtight container and use within 6 months.
PERSONALIZE IT:
- Prefer it sour? Add more sumac.
- Like a crunchy texture? Toast sesame seeds for longer.
- Enjoy aromatics? Add garlic and cumin.
- Want heat? Add a pinch of Aleppo pepper flakes.
USE IT:
✨ Sprinkle on hummus, Greek yogurt, or roasted potatoes.
✨ Use as a rub for chicken, lamb, or fish.
✨ Mix with olive oil and drizzle over flatbreads or pizza for a Mediterranean twist.
✨ Stir into scrambled eggs for an herby upgrade.
✨ Toss with roasted vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or eggplant.
✨ Fold into olive oil and use as a dip for warm bread or pita.
