Za’atar seasoning is a nutty, earthy blend of dried herbs, spices and sesame seeds. This savory mix is very popular in Middle Eastern cuisine as a versatile seasoning for hummus, labneh, fish, meats, cheeses and more. While there are ready-made versions available in many stores, it is a lot more fun to make one yourself. The basic version contains only four ingredients: dried thyme, white sesame seeds, sumac and salt.

Dried thyme: earthy and woody with a hint of lavender, it adds a savory, herby flavour to the seasoning.

Sesame seeds: raw seeds have very little aroma. Roasting releases a sweet, nutty taste with subtle notes of honey and vanilla.

Sumac: sumac is a flowering plant whose dried berries (or more precisely, drupes) are the base for the powdered spice. Centuries ago Romans imported sumac from Syria to use it as a souring agent. Sumac has a sharp, acidic taste and can act as a substitute for lemon or lemon zest.

Together with salt, these four ingredients create a herby, earthy and tart mix that is an instant flavour booster.

How to use za’atar seasoning?

You can easily enhance many of your everyday meals with this versatile blend. For example, sprinkle it over your Eggs and Avocado toast or use as a seasoning for roasted vegetables. Add za’atar and olive oil to fresh yoghurt and use as a dip for Crispy Chicken Wings. A combination of za’atar, lemon and honey with EVOO makes a great dressing for salads with or without protein. And make sure to try this delicious recipe of Pan-Fried Prawns with Za’atar in Orange & Balsamic Glaze! Remember, imagination goes further than knowledge – get creative and add more flavours to your cooking with this wonderful seasoning.

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