Condiments

Authentic Zaatar Spice Recipe

By Samira Kazan

updated March 12, 2024

A simple, authentic Lebanese za’atar ( zaatar spice ) – an earthy, herby, savory Middle Eastern spice blend for a variety of dishes.

Za'atar spice in a small bowl. - 1

This post will guide you through making a simple, authentic Lebanese Za’atar spice blend – a staple in my kitchen that I use 3-4 times a week. This is the Lebanese version, my favorite, which perfectly complements various dishes. Mix it into olive oil and spread it on saj bread as a popular breakfast choice, or sprinkle it liberally over your salads for an added flavor boost.

  • What is Za’atar
  • Watch the easy video tutorial
  • Ingredients
  • How to make za’atar
  • How to use Zaatar spice
  • More homemade spice blends
  • Authentic Zaatar Spice Recipe Recipe

What is Za’atar

Za’atar is a rich and aromatic Middle Eastern spice blend known for its earthy, citrusy flavors complemented by the subtle nuttiness of sesame seeds. It adds a lemony brightness to any dish. This simple yet appetizing mix typically includes oregano powder, sumac, sesame seeds, and just a touch of salt, making it incredibly versatile. Great for a variety of recipes, you can sprinkle Za’atar on veggies, mix it into sauces, or season meats with it, giving a unique and lively flavor boost to your meals. Plus, making it at home is cheaper than buying it at the store and tastes even better!

Zaatar spice on manakish breakfast - 2

Watch the easy video tutorial

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for the Za’atar recipe. Refer to the recipe card for specific amounts.

Ingredients for zaatar spice - 3

How to make za’atar

Prepare the Ground Oregano: Proceed to the next step if you already have dried ground oregano . Otherwise, place fresh oregano leaves on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 165ºF/75ºC with the oven door slightly open for airflow. Check at 30-45 minutes – if dry and crumbly, they’re ready; if not, continue checking every 5-10 minutes. Once dry, grind the leaves into oregano powder. For additional drying tips, refer to a guide on three methods to dry oregano .

Toast the Sesame Seeds : Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning, for about 4-5 minutes. Let them cool before incorporating them into the spice blend.

Mix the Za’atar : To make Zaatar, mix 1/2 cup of sumac and 1/2 cup of toasted sesame seeds with every 1 cup of ground oregano. Add salt to taste. Stir everything well in a bowl or jar until evenly combined.

Mixing oregano powder, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt in a big bow. - 4

Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dry place, or refrigerate. Za’atar spice mix remains fresh for 6 months or longer.

How to use Zaatar spice

Here are various ways to use Zaatar spice:

  1. Make Manakish Za’atar : Combine Zaatar with olive oil, then evenly spread the mixture over flatbread dough. Bake until crispy to enjoy a classic and flavorful Middle Eastern snack.
  2. Use as Croissant Filling: Fill your homemade croissants with Za’atar for a flavorful twist on a classic pastry.
  3. Enjoy a Lebanese Breakfast Delight : Blend Zaatar spice with olive oil for a delightful Lebanese breakfast. Enjoy it as a sandwich with this thin Middle Eastern flatbread or spread it over toast. Pair with labneh for an authentic Lebanese taste. Don’t forget to make some tea for a perfect complement to the meal.
  4. Sprinkle over Pizza: Add the spice as a topping before baking the pizza for an exotic flavor profile.
  5. Enhance Various Dishes: Sprinkle over salads, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats to add depth and complexity to your meals.
A bowl of za'atar spice and olive oil. - 5

More homemade spice blends

A small jar with shawarma seasoning and a small wooden spoon dipped into it. - 6 A small jar with shawarma seasoning and a small wooden spoon dipped into it. - 7 A jar with homemade everything bagel seasoning - 8 A jar with homemade everything bagel seasoning - 9 A small jar and a spoonful of homemade lemon pepper seasoning - 10 A small jar and a spoonful of homemade lemon pepper seasoning - 11 A spoonful of taco seasoning in a bowl - 12 A spoonful of taco seasoning in a bowl - 13 A hand holding a small bowl with Italian seasoning - 14 A hand holding a small bowl with Italian seasoning - 15 A small jar with Mexican spice blend - 16 A small jar with Mexican spice blend - 17

Equipment

  • Magnetic Spice Tins

IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1 cup dried oregano ground
  • ▢ 1/2 cup sumac
  • ▢ 1/2 cup sesame seeds toasted
  • ▢ 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  • In a dry pan over medium heat, toast sesame seeds, stirring constantly for about 4-5 minutes.
  • Let them cool before incorporating into the spice blend.
  • Combine 1/2 cup of sumac and 1/2 cup of toasted sesame seeds with every 1 cup of ground oregano.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Stir everything well in a bowl or a jar until evenly combined.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Square Zaatar - 18

Authentic Zaatar Spice Recipe

Equipment

  • Magnetic Spice Tins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried oregano ground
  • 1/2 cup sumac
  • 1/2 cup sesame seeds toasted
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  • In a dry pan over medium heat, toast sesame seeds, stirring constantly for about 4-5 minutes.
  • Let them cool before incorporating into the spice blend.
  • Combine 1/2 cup of sumac and 1/2 cup of toasted sesame seeds with every 1 cup of ground oregano.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • Stir everything well in a bowl or a jar until evenly combined.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Recipe on Alphafoodie: https://www.alphafoodie.com/traditional-lebanese-zaatar-blend-zaatar/