,,Za'atar" is the Arabic name for thyme, a plant that grows in the hills of the eastern Mediterranean but was acclimatized to us long ago.
It is also the name of a spice blend made from dried thyme, grated sumac berries, toasted sesame seeds and salt.
Za'atar - What kind of spice is it?
Za'atar is a widely used spice in oriental cuisine, sprinkled on bread, cheese, used in yoghurt and salads.
It is also added over hallumi cheese immediately after it has been cooked on the grill, over meatballs and grilled vegetables.
Za'atar - Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons grated sumac
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
How do you roast sesame seeds? It's very simple! Put a frying pan (clean,without oil) over medium heat, add the seeds in a single layer. Stirthe seedsat short intervals (10-15 seconds) by moving the pan. When the spice beginstogive off a slight, roasted smell, or the seeds beginto turna slightly amber color, take the pan off the heat and let the seeds cool in a dry bowl.
Average frying time is 2-4 minutes.
Add the spices to a bowl and knead them by hand to release the flavor from the spices. Place the mixture in a sterile glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Store the mixture in a cool place for up to 6 weeks.
