Side Dishes BY: PUBLISHED: 03/16/2020  UPDATED: 01/28/2024

Za’atar Seasoning

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Homemade za’atar seasoning is so easy to make and so tasty!

Za'atar seasoning is a classic spice blend used a lot in the Middle East. So easy to make from scratch in less than 5 minutes. Try it!

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A spice blend made with dried herbs and earthy spices. Done in a matter of minutes. You can mix it up to fit your taste palette. So, are you ready to learn how to make za’atar seasoning? Let’s get started!

What You Need For This Recipe

So, what is Za’atar made of? To make this recipe you only need several herbs. Have the following ready when you start:

  • Dried oregano
  • Sumac
  • Sesame seeds
  • Dried marjoram
  • Dried thyme
  • Ground cumin
  • Sea salt

Note that the full ingredients list, including measurements, can be found in the recipe card below.

Za'atar seasoning ingredients

How To Make Za’atar Seasoning

  1. If you do not have toasted sesame seeds take a small pan or skillet and heat to medium-hot. Add your sesame seeds to the pan and move them around continuously.
  2. Sesame seeds can burn very fast so move the pan.
  3. As soon as the seeds are golden brown remove them from the pan. This is done in no more than a couple of minutes. So, to make this za’atar spice mix you need a medium-sized bowl.
  4. Take your measurement scoops and add the oregano to the bowl. Then add the sesame seeds.
  5. Measure the other ingredients as described in the recipe. Take a spoon and mix the herbs thoroughly for at least 1 minute so all of the ingredients are properly combined.
  6. You can also put all of the ingredients in a glass jar. Put a lid on and shake to combine. Scoop the seasoning into a glass jar.

A great classic Middle Eastern spice blend. Za'atar seasoning is super easy to make from scratch.

Classic Middle Eastern Spice Mix

If you are a regular visitor of the Tortilla Channel you may know you can find a lot of seasoning and spice mix recipes. We are adding a new one today.

Za’atar is a classic seasoning recipe used a lot in the Middle East. It is also the name of an herb family for oregano which is one of the ingredients in this recipe.

You can sprinkle the spice mix on your bread, make Manaeesh Lebanese flatbread, or make a dip by adding olive oil, and dip it with pita or naan bread. The options are endless really.

So, if you haven’t made this seasoning it is time to mix up a batch.

A great classic Middle Eastern spice blend. Za'atar seasoning is super easy to make from scratch.

What Does Za’atar Taste Like?

Za’atar has a tangy, herbal, fresh, earthy, and nutty flavor. This is caused on the one hand by the sumac that has a lemony taste.

The nutty flavor is mainly due to the toasted sesame seeds. Za’atar has a lot of different variations but all contain either oregano, marjoram (a close family member of oregano), or both.

A great classic Middle Eastern spice blend. Za'atar seasoning is super easy to make from scratch.

See How To Make A Zaatar Seasoning

Want to see how this zaatar seasoning is made? Just watch the recipe video on the recipe card with step-by-step instructions so you can make this recipe yourself and follow along.

It shows how easy it is to make this recipe from scratch.

How To Store Zaatar Spice Mix?

When you have prepared the za’atar mix you can either put it in a glass jar or an air-tight container. You can keep it for more than 6 months up to a year.

You can store it in a dark, dry place or refrigerator.

A great classic Middle Eastern spice blend. Za'atar seasoning is super easy to make from scratch.

More Seasoning Recipes

If you like to make your own seasoning or spice blends take a look at these recipes:

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Za’atar seasoning

Za'atar Seasoning

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 3 minutes Cooking Time: 2 minutes

Za'atar seasoning is a classic spice blend used a lot in the Middle East. So easy to make from scratch in less than 5 minutes. Try it!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon sumac
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • ½ tablespoon dried marjoram or additional oregano
  • ½ tablespoon dried thyme
  • ½ tablespoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. If you do not have toasted sesame seeds take a small pan or skillet and heat to medium-hot
  2. Add your sesame seeds to the pan and move them around continuously until they are golden brown
  3. Take a medium-sized bowl
  4. Take your measurement scoops and add the oregano to the bowl. Then add the sesame seeds
  5. Measure the other ingredient as described in the recipe. Take a spoon and mix the herbs thoroughly for at least 1 minute so all of the ingredients are properly combined

Notes

You can also put all of the ingredients in a glass jar. Put a lid on and shake to combine

Click To Play Recipe Video

Nutrition facts

Calories: 24; Fat: 2g; Carbs: 3g; Protein: 1g;

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2 Comments

  • Reply

    Germaine

    03/16/2020 at 3:19 pm

    I just discovered you channel this morning while searching for an empanada dough recipe. I have a couple questions to ask.
    1) For Za’atar can ground oregano be used in place of dried oregano?
    2) For the empanada dough, can the butter (is it unsalted or salted butter you use?) be left pebble consistency to get a more flakiness pastry?
    Thank you, I look forward to browsing your channel for great recipes to tryout ??

    • Reply

      Mireille

      03/16/2020 at 3:28 pm

      Hi Germaine,

      Glad you like the Tortilla Channel! Lots of recipes you can find here.
      Regarding your questions:
      1) Yes, you can. Ground oregano is oregano herbs that is ground into powder. Dried oregano leaves (which I use) are not ground as finely. The more finely ground the stronger the flavor. So 1/4 tsp ground oregano = 1 tsp dried oregano leaves = 2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
      2) I use unsalted butter for the dough. If you mix the dough by hand you will get a more pebble-like consistency and usually, this will result in a more flaky dough. When the dough is warmed, water in the butter will evaporate and that is responsible for the flakiness.
      Hope this helps. Have fun with the browsing and trying out recipes!

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