Cookbook:Za'atar

| Spices and herbs

Za'atar, also zaatar, zahatar, is a mix of herbs and spices popular in the Middle East. It was traditionally made from Syrian hyssop (also Syrian oregano, white oregano), but due to overharvesting, it is usually made from more common ingredients today.

Green za'atar is made from wild oregano, sesame seeds and salt, and may also have savory, hyssop, thyme, cumin or fennel seed. Adding a little sumac makes this red za'atar.

Example mix:


 * 3 Tbs roasted sesame seeds, ground in a mortar and pestle
 * 2 Tbs dried oregano
 * 1 Tbs dried thyme
 * 1 tsp salt
 * ½ – 1 Tbs sumac, for red za'atar