INTERNATIONAL: HERBS ANDD SPICES 5: MIDDLE EASTERN: ZA'ATAR

1. Za'atar is generally prepared using ground dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, or some combination thereof, mixed with toasted sesame seeds, and salt, though other spices such as sumac might also be added.
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3. How to make za'atar dip at home: LINK to Homemade Za'atar Recipe
4. The majority of recipes use sumac which you can order some from Amazon, however, when I tried it I didn't have any even though I have over 250 spices and herbs so I substituted something else.
5. Here is web link for suggested substitutes:
6. LINK to Sumac Substitutes
7. ANOTHER COMMENT ON SUBSTITUTES
8. LINK to Another Comment of Substitutes for Sumac

ZA'ATAR IS GREAT ON NAAN BREAD OR PITA.  Serve 

with a Greek Salad!!

HERE IS AN EASY LINK:  

LINK to Za'atar Flatbread   

MY RECIPE WITH THE LEMON PEEL SUBSTITUTE FOR 

SUMAC:  To make about 1/2 cup of za’atar, put 

• 3 Tbs. dried thyme
• 1 Tbs. lightly toasted sesame seeds
• 1 Tbs. ground sumac (NOTE - SEE SUBSTITUTE BELOW)
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano (I used oregano) or marjoram
• and 1/4 tsp. kosher salt in a spice grinder. 
• Pulse a few times to mix and break up some of the seeds—there should still be many whole seeds visible. Store in a cool, dark place for up to six months.

If sumac is unavailable, substitute 2 Tbs. dried lemon peel.

SPICE: MIDDLE EAST: Za'atar Spice Recipes and Recipe Ideas

WIKI ON ZA'ATAR   (pronounced : ZAH-tahr)

  

  

  

Short description from http://www.spicesforless.com/new/zaatar-bulk.html   LINK FROM AMAZON. I like Amazon because it ships fast. 

Zahtar, or Za'atar, is a spice blend from the Middle East. The thyme adds warmth and depth, while the sesame seeds give the blend an earthiness. This blend can be found in recipes from Lebanon and Syria and from Turkey to Iran. Uniquely earthy, savory, and extremely aromatic, Zahtar is often responsible for much of the pervasive, iconic flavor typically associated Mediterranean foods.

After testing and reading recipes and information on Za'atar, I noticed that there are many variations on the recipe. WIKI says "Some varieties may add savory, cumin, coriander or fennel seed.  My preferred and the simplest recipe includes thyme, sumac, toasted caraway seeds, kosher salt and oregano."

Haven't tried it with the marjoram yet. (The basics of all the recipes are:  fresh or ground thyme, **ground sumac, fine or coarse sea salt and toasted sesame seeds.) If you read the link above WIKI explains the many variations of ZA'ATAR. 

** If you can't find powdered or ground sumac in a store near you, you can order it from Amazon.com. 

NOTE:  If you don't want to make it from scratch (to me that's the fun part) you can order it also from Amazon.com.

Za'atar recipe from 101cookbooks.com

Za'atar recipe Foodnetwork's Alton Brown

Za'tar recipe from Epicurious

Za'atar recipe from FreshBitesDaily 

Za'atar recipe from Foodnetwork's Tyler Florence 

Za'atar recipes from the Kitchn.com

Za'atar recipe ideas from Huffington Post

Za'atar recipe from BonAppetit with green tahini sauce