2025 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-23 10:18
Zaatar is a word used to describe a mixed spice that tastes like thyme and oregano. It is sometimes also called wild thyme and grows on the slopes of the Syrian-Lebanese mountains, and the eponymous spice is actually a mixture of several other aromatic plants and toasted sesame seeds, which are enhanced by the taste of salt.
Also known Arabic colored salt, Zaatar celebrates its holiday on September 23, when it is the day of the spice Zaatar.
The other Middle Eastern pearl in cooking - sumac, is also present in the recipe for making Zaatar. This spice initially looks like a tempting berry with its strong red fruits, which are sold dried and coarsely ground.
Its taste is sour and reminiscent of cranberry. Instead of using sumac, Middle Eastern chefs sometimes prepare the spice with citric acid or ground dried lemon zest. In order to avoid the sour accent, citrus thyme, more popularly known as lemon thyme, can also be used.
It would not be inappropriate to say that Zaatar is the Middle Eastern salt. For breakfast, for example, the Israelis sprinkle it on a loaf of bread with a little olive oil, on pieces of cheese or add it to strained yogurt. You can find it to complement the taste of Jewish spinach pies or pizzas.
Zaatar can be added to aromatic dishes in the lunch and evening menu. The aromatic mixture can be rubbed into fish or chicken or added to grilled marinades, red meats or roasted vegetables.
If you want to make a great thick sauce to accompany the potato chips with the spirit of the famous spice, you can start with a little strained yogurt, feta cheese, fresh garlic, olive oil and finish with Zaatar to taste. The whole mixture is poured into a food processor and pureed.
You can to Find Zaatar | in most Middle Eastern grocery or organic products stores.
And here's how you can, and it's very easy, to prepare Zaatar at home.
Necessary products:
4 tablespoons sesame seeds
4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano
4 tablespoons dried marjoram
4 tsp sumac
1 teaspoon sea salt
4 tsp cumin
Method of preparation:
In a dry pan, roast the sesame seeds on high heat for one to two minutes. Pour all the ingredients into a blender and grind until they are finely blended. Store the mixture in a jar in the refrigerator for a week. If you want the spice to have a longer shelf life, just replace the fresh oregano with dry in the recipe.
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