Zaatar a Middle Eastern herb and spice mixture used in many Mediterranean dishes.referred to in English as bible hyssop for syrian oregano It’s a unique blend of thyme, sesame seeds and sumac, among other spices
Zaatar is a spice blend with a lot of uses. It is an aromatic herb which is usually obtained from the Origanum syriacum plant. It is a mixture of herbs that include thyme and sesame seeds. The type of sesame seeds used to make this spice are the same ones used as a garnish on hummus and other dips.
It is commonly used in various dishes and recipes, especially those that are Middle Eastern, Lebanese, or Greek in nature. However, the popularity of zaatar has extended beyond these regions as people become more interested in different types of food.
Taste: If you have ever had zaatar before, you probably knew that it had a unique taste to it. It’s taste is described as having a pungent, lemony flavour with a hint of nuttiness. In Arabic, zaatar means “thyme,” and it is one of the most prominent ingredients in traditional Palestinian and Lebanese cuisines
This is because it combines many different spices that are not only tasty but also beneficial for the body. It has a mixture of oregano, thyme, sumac berries, sesame seeds and other spices that make its taste very distinct from other spice blends.
Size: The size of zaatar spice will depend on where you buy it from and the brand that you choose. Many brands have different sizes of zaatar spice which include 50 grams as well as 100 grams among others. You can find it in grains as well as in powder form which makes your work easier when using it depending on what you need to use it for.
Zataar is also known as the brain food for its medicinal properties and as an antioxidant
Link to the old Romans
The idea of flavoring food with herbs may seem odd to Westerners, but herbs (especially thyme) were actually more common in ancient Roman diet than they are today. The tradition has carried over into Middle Eastern cuisine, although how much depends on region.
The Arabs brought their love of herbs with them when they invaded Spain, where some modern Spanish dishes still use them in cooking, such as gazpacho.
Zaatar can be found in Mediterranean foods including salads, pizza and pasta dishes. It’s also a popular addition to Middle Eastern dips like hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel and tabbouleh.
5 uses of zataar spice
You can’t really go wrong using zaatar spice in recipes because it works well with all types
Zaatar spice is a Middle Eastern herb that can be used to make lamb or chicken taste better.
- Add zaatar to your chicken. Grilled chicken is easy to prepare and delicious. The zaatar will give it a nice flavor. You can bake the chicken in the oven or grill it on the barbecue.
- Use zaatar as a condiment for hummus dip and pita chips. Zaatar goes well with chickpeas and tahini, which are ingredients in hummus dip, and you can use it with pita chips as well. Add the zaatar just before serving so that it doesn’t lose its flavor before your guests have time to enjoy it.
- Add zaatar spice directly onto your food instead of adding salt or pepper as you’re cooking it or afterward as a garnish for the meal.
- Make a drink out of zaatar spice by adding hot water to a teaspoon of the spice, blending until smooth, and adding honey if desired for sweetness or milk for richness if desired for creaminess.*
- It can be sprinkled on pita bread, along with olive oil and salt. It can also be made into a drink that tastes similar to coffee.
Where can you get it?
If you’re not familiar with zaatar spice, you may find it hard to find in stores. You can order it online or buy it at Middle Eastern food stores. To find a store near you, use the store locator at Zaytoun products.
Zataar in your cooking
Zaatar Chicken
In this dish, chicken is marinated in yogurt and then rolled in the zaatar mixture before baking. The chicken is then served over pita bread with tomatoes, cucumbers and tahini sauce. The zaatar adds an exciting flavor to the chicken that pairs well with the tomatoes and tahini sauce.
Zaatar and sandwich
Zaatar is commonly mixed with olive oil or butter and spread onto grilled pita bread to make a delicious sandwich. It can also be added to hummus or baba ghanoush (eggplant dip) for an extra-special treat!
Zataar with scrambled eggs
You can also add zaatar to scrambled eggs or omelets for an herbaceous flavor twist. You can even sprinkle it on popcorn for movie night! The options are endless when it comes to using zaatar in your cooking.
In Omelets & Eggs – Add za’atar while cooking eggs or omelets to give them a fragrant, earthy taste without altering their fluffy texture. You can also add this herb
Taste of the Middle East offers this recipe for herbed goat cheese:
- 1/2 cup soft goat cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Za’atar Spice Blend (recipe below)
Place the goat cheese in a small bowl and mash with a fork until smooth. Add the olive oil, lemon juice and za’atar. Mix well. Serve with raw vegetables or pita bread.