Zatar - Add Traditional Middle Eastern
Flavours to Your Home Cooking

Zatar, also called zahtar and zaatar, is a traditional Middle Eastern blend of nuts, herbs and spices. It's super easy to make and is most often combined with olive oil and used as a dip or spread on bread. It's also excellent for seasoning vegetables and various meats. (See the bottom of the page for other recipes)

What You'll Need: (makes about 9-10 tablespoons)

6 tbsp white or black sesame seeds (or a mix of the two)
3 tbsp ground sumac
2 tbsp coriander seeds
2 tbsp dried oregano
2 tbsp dried savory
3-4 tsp dried thyme
3 tsp sea salt

tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon

Directions:

  • Dry toast the sesame seeds for a few minutes over a medium heat. When they start to darken and you can really smell the nutty aromas, take them off the heat
  • Allow them to cool for a few minutes
  • Once cool, add them to your grinder with the coriander, thyme and salt and coarsely grind
  • Add to a bowl and stir in the sumac
  • Crumble in the dried savory and oregano and combine thoroughly

Store out of direct sunlight in a sealed jar. Use within 2 months.


 I use whole coriander seeds in this Middle Eastern mix. If you don't have whole, just use pre-ground powders and reduce the amounts in the recipe by about half. So instead of 2 tablespoons of whole coriander you use 1 tablespoon of coriander powder and stir in with the other powders.

Tips on Storing and Grinding Ingredients:

ZatarZatar

Note: If dry toasting ingredients before grinding them is something you've never attempted, well, it's really easy to do and really brings out the most fabulous flavours and mouthwatering aromas!  

Click here for photos and tips on toasting and grinding. (Link opens in new window)

It also has a step-by-step video on the page that demonstrates how easy it is to do. 

After Making Your Homemade Zatar You May Like to Try...

Hamburger Spice Mix
For Fab Homemade
Burgers and Sausages

Creole Seasoning -
Capturing the Taste
of Creole Cuisine
at its Best!

A Collection of
Cajun Blends For
the True Taste of
Louisiana Cooking


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