Recipe: Za’atar

Za’atar is both a wild herb and a spice blend which varies regionally across the Middle East. Za’atar; the plant is in the oregano/thyme family. It grows wild across Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria and Jordan. It has been foraged and used in cooking for thousands of years.

The spice blend is a mix of dried za’atar, sumac, sesame seeds and salt. Some regions add cumin or other spices.

Ingredients

• sesame seeds - ½ cup

• sumac - ½ cup

• dried thyme leaf - ½ cup

• dried oregano leaf - ½ cup

• ground black pepper - ½ tsp

• salt - 1 Tbl

Directions

1. Place the sesame in n a sauté pan over low flame swirl and shake until they are golden. Avoid letting them sit over the flame as they can burn easily.

2. Place in a bowl to cool.

3. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

4. Separate half to grind a little, either in a spice grinder, blender or with a mortar and pestle. If you use a blender, just pulse a few times to break down but not pulverize.

5. Add back to the bowl, remix and store in a tight sealed jar.