If you haven't tried Za'atar spice blend yet, now's the time! It's soooo easy and if you like sesame seeds, I'm sure you'll be obsessed with it as much as I am. I sprinkle it on anything and everything (within reason haha). It's especially great sprinkled on avocado toast or on sunny side up eggs. It also goes really well with roasted root vegetables.
Za'atar Spice Blend originates in the Middle East and it's made with toasted sesame seeds, sumac, a mix of dried herbs, and other spices.
The herbs that are usually added to the blend are oregano, marjoram, and thyme. Savory too but I don't have that one in the house and I like the taste of just the other three.
The sesame seeds are always toasted and crushed with a mortar and pestle. You could probably also pulse the toasted sesame seeds in a food processor if you don't have a mortar and pestle.
What is Sumac?
Sumac or Sumach is actually a bush that grows small red berries that are dried and ground into a coarse powder like the one in the picture below. I've tried various brands of sumac before and I always like the ones ground into finer powder more. Sumac always looks a bit wet as it's dried ground berries. If you have a lot of it, it's best kept in the fridge to prolong the shelf life.
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Sumac has a unique flavor. It's kind of salty but also tart and tangy but not too much. If you haven't tried it yet, definitely give it a try in this Za'atar spice blend. It really ties all the flavors together when mixed with the toasted sesame seeds and the dried herbs.
Recipes to sprinkle this Za'atar Spice blend on:
- SWEET POTATO ROUNDS WITH HUMMUS, PESTO, AND GOAT CHEESE
- THE BEST VEGAN POPCORN
- HUMMUS
- CHICKPEA CREPES WITH ROASTED VEGETABLES AND TZATZIKI
- FRENCH LENTIL BROCCOLI SALAD
- TANDOORI MASALA SWEET POTATO WEDGES
📖 Recipe
Za'atar Spice Blend
This blend is great to have on hand for sprinkling on lots of different meals to add flavor. I add it to avocado toast, eggs, ror oasted vegetables. I honestly put this on everything, such a great spice!
- Total Time10 minutes
- Yield⅔ cup 1x
- DietVegan
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp raw sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp dried marjoram
- 4 tbsp sumac
- 1 tbsp sea salt
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, dry roast the sesame seeds on high heat for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Toss frequently to avoid buring them.
- Using a mortar and pestle, crush the sesame seeds to release their flavor. I recomment leaving some intact for texture.
- In a small jar place the crushed sesame seeds and the rest of the ingredients, close with a lid and shake.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a week.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Spice Blends
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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Asia says
Oh wow this is so cool to know!! Thanks for sharing it!
jenna says
I'm gonna have to try this ASAP!! I love making homemade spice blends, so Za’atar is next on my list. I already have everything but sumac. I've been wanting to grab that anyway ever since having some great sumac fries :)
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
you definitely should! It's sooo good
Paula @ I'm Busy Being Awesome says
Such an interesting mix, I'll have to try it
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
It's so easy to make too! Let me know if you liked it :)
Shayla Marie says
This looks sooooo good!!! I'm going to make some! I bet it would be good on everything!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Thank you! It really is!
Genevieve says
This spice blend sounds amazing! I need to make it this weekend!
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
It's so good! Enjoy! :)
Kileen says
This looks and sounds so yummy! I need to try this!
Kileen
cute & little
Veronika | thehealthfulideas says
Hope you like it! :)