A Middle Eastern spice blend typically containing dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. The mixture has a tangy, herbal flavor and is often mixed with olive oil as a dip or used as a seasoning.
From Arabic 'za'tar' (زعتر), originally referring to wild thyme that grows throughout the Levant. The word has ancient Semitic roots and appears in biblical texts, though the modern spice blend incorporating sumac and sesame seeds developed over centuries of culinary tradition.
Za'atar is like the everything bagel seasoning of the Middle East, but with thousands of years of refinement behind it—the combination of herbs provides earthiness, sumac adds tartness, and sesame seeds contribute nuttiness and texture. Each family and region has its own proportions, and the blend is so beloved that it's often mixed with olive oil and eaten with bread as a simple breakfast, providing a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex flavors.
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