What is it?

Za’atar is both a Middle Eastern herb and a spice blend. The herb za’atar is so treasured for its savory-thyme-oregano flavor that it’s called the “king of herbs.” Za’atar, the spice blend, is a combination of dried za’atar, sesame seeds, ground sumac, and other herbs and spices. The blends vary from region to region, but, generally, the flavor is herbal and nutty.

How to choose:

The za’atar herb is rarely exported, so it’s safe to assume that recipes calling for za’atar refer to the spice blend.

How to prep:

To get to know za’atar, we suggest you order a few different varieties and try them. One teaspoon of za’atar is a good starting point.

Read a post from our Test Kitchen for ideas forincorporating za’atarinto recipes.

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Recipes

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  Homemade Labneh

  Stirred into soups and sauces, this extra-thick yogurt adds tangy creaminess, and it’s rich enough to use in place of sour cream as a topping, as a dip for pita…

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  Freekeh, Eggplant, and Chickpea Salad with Labneh and Mint

  This Middle Eastern-inspired salad makes a great lunch, or serve it as a side with grilled lamb chops. If freekeh is unavailable, substitute coarse bulgur and prepare according to package…

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  Spring Pea Soup with Spiced Cream

  The sweet soup tastes of spring, but the cayenne-spiked cream swirl makes this a dramatic bowl, both in flavor and in looks.

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  Chickpea-Zucchini Pancakes with Yogurt, Za’atar, and Sea Salt

  These warmly spiced pancakes are studded with zucchini and brightened by scallions and a hit of lemon.

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  Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Thighs

  A drizzle of pomegranate molasses adds tangy-sweet flavor to garlicky pan-fried chicken.

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  Fava-Za'atar Hummus

  This fluffy dip has a creamy, nutty flavor unlike anything you’ll find in a grocery store. Serve with pita, cucumbers, peppers, or carrots.

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  Lebanese Grilled Eggplant Dip

  Serve this rich, smoky dip with pita chips, crackers, or crudités. If you don’t have any za’atar (a Middle Eastern spice blend), you can substitute 1/4 tsp. dried thyme.

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  Mana’eesh

  This daily bread of the Eastern Mediterranean is an olive oil-rich flatbread, most often topped with za’atar, a mixture of dried thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac. Fermenting the dough overnight…

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  Tomato, Chickpea, and Feta Salad

  Za’atar—a Middle Eastern spice blend treasured for its savory thyme-oregano flavor—adds a lovely herbal quality to this easy side salad.

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  Roasted Chicken with Za’atar Stuffing

  A good roast chicken is one of my favorite things to cook and eat. Every cook should know how to roast a chicken properly. The stuffing in this recipe contains…