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Imagine the aromatic blend of simple yet strong spices and herbs mixed to create a symphony of magic with their earthy notes. I think it’s enough to make your tastebuds go nuts when you savor a bite of such a mixture. Here, I am talking about the tangy and zesty spice blend, i.e., zaatar and its recipes. If you have read about it for the first time, let me explain to you that this spice is Middle Eastern or Mediterranean and features a concoction of sesame seeds, tangy sumac, and flavorful herbs. Just like cayenne pepper sauce, this spice lends a zesty kick to your tastebuds. Let’s talk about it in detail.
What is Zaatar? Grab the Concept
Za’atar is a beloved Middle Eastern spice blend made with toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and herbs like thyme, oregano, or marjoram. Its earthy, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor enhances a variety of dishes, from meats to dips. Beyond its taste, za’atar is packed with potential health benefits thanks to its antioxidant-rich ingredients.
- Commonly used in meats, vegetables, salads, bread, and dips.
- Mixed with olive oil to create a spread or dip for bread.
- Offers antibacterial and antioxidant properties from its natural ingredients.
How to Make Zaatar at Home?
For working on recipes using zaatar, you should have this spice blend at home. It can be store-bought, but homemade is flavorful and preferable. Below are the easy ingredients that are usually available at home to make this ultimate spice blend:
Ingredients
Let’s talk about ingredients in detail.
- Two teaspoons of dried oregano
- Four tablespoons of dried thyme
- Two teaspoons of marjoram, dried
- Two teaspoons of toasted sesame seeds
- Two tablespoons of ground sumac
- One teaspoon of optional salt
- One teaspoon (optional) of pepper
Instructions
It’s time to cook magic.
1. Toast your sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown, if they haven’t already been roasted. Take care not to roast them too much. After they are roasted, remove them and let them cool to room temperature.
2. Combine the ground sumac, marjoram, oregano, and dry thyme in a bowl.
3. Toss the herb mixture with the toasted sesame seeds.
4. For a little bit more flavor, you can optionally add salt and pepper to taste. Certain classic recipes totally remove salt, so you can easily adjust to your taste.
5. Fully mix all of the ingredients by stirring them well.
6. You can add a tiny bit of warm water to get a paste consistency.
7. Keep your homemade zaatar out of direct sunlight and in a cold, dry place in an airtight container. It is supposed to be kept for several months.
Savor your own zaatar as a spice for salads, dips, meats, and vegetables. You can also use it to spread toast with olive oil! Look into several ways to use this adaptable blend in your cuisine for more zaatar recipe ideas. To suit your tastes, change the quantity of every ingredient.
Zaatar Recipes – Bring Taste to Table
My food connoisseurs, I have good news for you all. The zaatar spice can be used in a variety of dishes to entirely change their flavor profile. From using it as the main finest ingredient to blending it with several others, you can craft magic and fill your dining table with its earthy, tangy aroma.
Moreover, it has a lot of versatility, from chicken recipes with zaatar to vegetarian zaatar recipes; get ready to bake wonders.
Zaatar Flatbread Recipes
The first recipe using Lebanese zaatar is simple flatbread.
Ingredients
- Two cups of all-purpose flour
- One tablespoon each of olive oil and zaatar
- One cup of warm water
- One teaspoon of salt
Instructions
1. Combine the salt, olive oil, za’atar spice, and all-purpose flour in a large mixing bowl. But remember to set aside a small bowl for later use when mixing the zaatar paste.
2. Stir the mixture until a dough forms; gradually add the warm water.
3. Until the dough is smooth and elastic, knead it for five to seven minutes on a floured surface.
4. Using a golf ball-sized cookie cutter, divide the dough into small balls.
5. Using a rolling pin, flatten each ball into a thin disc.
6. Turn up the heat to medium in a skillet or nonstick pan.
7. Cook for two to three minutes on each side or until cooked through and golden brown.
8. After cooked, take out of the pan and cover with a fresh kitchen towel to keep warm.
9. Work with the remaining dough balls in the same manner.
10. Serve the warm zaatar flatbreads with your preferred dips as an appetizer or side dish. This zaatar bread recipe will transform your boring meal into a zesty one.
Zaatar Roasted Vegetables
The second recipe featuring zaatar spice is the goodness of roasted veggies.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Zaatar
- Assorted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
- To taste, add salt and pepper.
Instructions
1: Adjust the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
2. Clean the veggies and cut them into small pieces.
3. Combine the vegetables, zaatar spice, salt, and pepper in a big bowl and toss to coat them evenly.
4. Arrange the seasoned veggies on the ready baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast, stirring halfway through, in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the veggies are soft and beginning to caramelize.
6. After they’re roasted, take them out of the oven and serve right away as a flavorful side dish, or toss them into bowls, salads, or wraps.
Zaatar Hummus
Let’s have a look at the easiest yet yummy recipe for hummus:
Ingredients
- One can (15 ounces) of rinsed and drained chickpeas
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- Half a cup of lemon juice
- Two tsp olive oil
- Zaatar one tablespoon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Place the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, zaatar, minced garlic, and a dash of salt in a food processor.
2. Blend the ingredients until they are creamy and smooth, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
3. You can thin out the hummus by adding a small amount of water, one tablespoon at a time, until you get the right consistency.
4. Check the seasoning by tasting the hummus and adding extra zaatar or salt as needed.
5. Pour the zaatar hummus into a bowl for serving and cover with olive oil.
6. As a garnish, sprinkle a little more za’atar on top.
7. You can mix the hummus with crackers, pita bread, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Salmon Recipes with Zaatar Crusting
The last of recipes with zaatar goodness is almost never-ending. Next is the crusted salmon with zaatar, which brings the main taste.
Ingredients
- Two teaspoons of zaatar
- Four salmon fillets
- Two tsp olive oil
- To taste, add salt and pepper.
Instructions
1. Adjust the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and place parchment paper on a baking sheet.
2. Using paper towels, pat dry the salmon fillets and transfer them to the baking sheet that has been ready.
3. To make a paste, combine the zaatar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small dish.
4. Evenly cover the top of each salmon fillet with zaatar paste.
5. Bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and flakes readily with a fork, in a preheated oven.
6. After the salmon is done, take it out of the oven and give it some time to rest.
7. Present the salmon with a zaatar crust hot alongside your preferred side dishes, including roasted veggies, couscous, or a crisp salad.
Dressing for Zaatar Salad
Ingredients
- Two tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Zaatar one tablespoon
- One teaspoon (optional) of honey or maple syrup
- To taste, add salt and pepper.
Instructions
1. Mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, za’atar, honey, or maple syrup (if desired), and a dash of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
2. After tasting the dressing, adjust the seasoning by adding additional honey, zaatar, or lemon juice as needed.
3. The dressing is ready to use once it’s properly blended and seasoned to your taste.
4. Lightly toss the preferred salad greens in the zaatar salad dressing after drizzling it over them.
5. Present the salad right away as a tasty and refreshing starter or side dish. Have fun!
Zaatar Chicken
Let’s have a look at the chicken recipe with zaatar.
Ingredients
- Four chicken breast fillets, skinless and without bones
- Two teaspoons each of olive oil and zaatar
- Two minced garlic cloves
- One tablespoon of juiced lemon
- Season with salt and pepper
- Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line parchment paper on a baking sheet.
2. To make a marinade, combine the olive oil, zaatar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Transfer the chicken breast fillets to a shallow dish or a large zip-lock bag. Cover the chicken with the zaatar marinade, being sure to coat every piece completely. To allow the flavors to merge, cover the dish or seal the bag, then place it in the refrigerator for at least half an hour.
4. Take the chicken out of the marinade and put the fillets on the baking sheet that has been ready.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), in a preheated oven. The chicken should be lightly crispy around the edges and golden brown.
6. After the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and give it some time to rest before serving.
7. If wanted, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
You can also check out 12 different ways to cook zaatar for variations in dishes in Anjali’s article.
Conclusion
Summing up, the article covered the top 6 recipes using Zaatar. You can literally turn your boring, ordinary recipes into a heavenly delight by using one simple, tangy ingredient, i.e., Zaatar. So, my fellows, grab your apron and try out these amazing recipes now.
Zaatar Goodness in Every Bite!
