Zaatar Recipe: A Delicious Middle Eastern Spice Blend

Dwy hesti

December 17, 2022

Introduction

Zaatar is a popular spice blend that originates from the Middle East. It is used in many dishes, from meat and vegetable dishes to dips and bread. This spice blend is a perfect addition to any meal, and it's easy to make at home. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed recipe for making zaatar.

Ingredients

To make zaatar, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup dried thyme
1 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup sumac
1 tablespoon salt

Dried Thyme

Dried thyme is an essential ingredient in zaatar. You can use either fresh or dried thyme, but most recipes call for dried thyme. Thyme is a herb that is commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, and it has a strong, earthy flavor.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are another important ingredient in zaatar. They provide a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the spice blend. You can use either white or black sesame seeds, but white sesame seeds are more common.

Sumac

Sumac is a spice that is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a tangy, lemony flavor that adds a unique taste to zaatar. You can find sumac in most Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.

Salt

Salt is the final ingredient in zaatar. It enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and provides a savory taste to the spice blend.

Instructions

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let's start making zaatar.

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Spread the dried thyme on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until it is slightly browned and fragrant. Make sure to keep an eye on the thyme to prevent it from burning.
Remove the thyme from the oven and let it cool completely.
In a small pan, toast the sesame seeds over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until they are golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent them from burning.
Remove the sesame seeds from the pan and let them cool completely.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled thyme, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.
Using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder, grind the mixture until it becomes a fine powder.
Your zaatar is now ready to use!

Nutrition

Zaatar is a healthy spice blend that is low in calories and high in nutrients. Here are the nutritional values for a 1 tablespoon serving of zaatar:

Calories: 15
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Fat: 1g
Sodium: 290mg
Potassium: 66mg
Calcium: 64mg
Iron: 1mg

Conclusion

Zaatar is a delicious spice blend that can add flavor to any dish. With this easy recipe, you can make your own zaatar at home and enjoy its unique taste. Try using it in meat and vegetable dishes, dips, and bread. We hope you enjoy making and using zaatar in your cooking!