Za'atar Seasoning

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend. While there’s no one universal recipe, typically it’s made of a combination of dried herbs and spices, sesame seeds, and sumac. Although you can buy za’atar seasoning, it tastes better when made at home. By toasting your own spices, they release their maximum flavour and elevate the dishes you use this blend in.

Yield: Makes 1 cup

Za'atar Seasoning

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 2 tbsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme, crumbled
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp sumac
  • 1 tsp Aleppo chili flakes or red pepper flakes
  • 2 tsp kosher salt

Directions

  1. Toast sesame seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds in a medium frying pan over medium heat until fragrant and sesame seeds are light brown, about 5 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Grind to a medium coarse texture.
  3. Add thyme, oregano, sumac, and chili flakes and mix to combine.
  4. Store mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Nutritional analysis per 1 tbsp serving:

 

9 calories, 0.5 g fat, 0.4 g protein, 1.1 g carbohydrates, 0.6 g fibre, 243 mg sodium

Tip: Do not leave spices toasting unattended. They burn quickly and will become bitter. If you don’t have a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, place spices on a rimmed baking sheet and crush by pressing down with the bottom of a saucepan.