Elevate your cooking game with Za’atar spice

Whether sprinkled generously on freshly baked bread, used as a seasoning for grilled meats or mixed into olive oil for a savoury dip, Za'atar infuses every dish it touches with a distinctive character that leaves an indelible mark on the palate.

Za'atar spice is loaded with bold flavours, textures and health benefits. (Image source: Freepik)

Za’atar, a culinary treasure from the Middle East, is an enchanting blend of flavours and aromas that captivates the senses with its rich history and irresistible taste. This aromatic blend of spices is composed of dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac and salt, and weaves a tapestry of flavours that transport you to ancient spice markets.

The aromatic symphony evokes a sense of warmth and earthiness, with the earthy thyme intertwining with the nutty sesame seeds, while the tangy sumac adds a burst of citrusy brightness.

Whether sprinkled generously on freshly baked bread, used as a seasoning for grilled meats or mixed into olive oil for a savoury dip, Za’atar infuses every dish it touches with a distinctive character that leaves an indelible mark on the palate. It’s a testament to the vibrant culinary heritage of the Middle East.

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How to make Za’atar spice at home

*Take a pan. Toss sesame seeds separately and coriander and cumin seeds together.
*Now, blend the coriander and cumin seeds in a mixer.
*Take a bowl and add the blend of coriander and cumin seeds, sesame seeds, thyme, sumac, salt and Aleppo chilli flakes.
*Give it a good mix.

Your Za’atar spice is ready to use!

If you are in the mood to cook some pasta salad with Za’atar spice, you’re at the right place. Through a post on Instagram, Prerna, a chef shared a simple recipe you can replicate easily.

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Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
*1/2 cup each chopped onion, tomatoes and green bell pepper
*1/2 cup diced cucumber
*1/2 cup sliced peppers
*1 cup raw pasta of choice, cook until al dente. (I like fusilli or elbow for this salad)
*1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
*1/4 cup feta cheese

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Dressing
*2 tbsp olive oil
*2 tbsp ACV or Lemon juice
*1.5 tbsp honey
*1.5 tsp Za’atar seasoning
*1/2 tsp salt
*1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions
*In a bowl combine all the chopped veggies, boiled pasta, peppers, cilantro and feta cheese.
*Combine the ingredients of the dressing in a mason jar and shake well until it comes together.
*Pour the dressing on the salad, gently stir to combine and ready to relish!

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Speaking with indianexpress.com, Abhishek Nandi, Junior Sous Chef, Radisson Blu Resort & Convention Centre, Karjat said, “Za’atar has a number of outstanding health benefits, such as boosting the immune system, improving skin health, building strong bones, improving circulation, clearing out the airways, easing inflammation, giving you more energy, improving your mood and memory, and treating chronic diseases,” adding that the best way to store Za’atar is in airtight containers in the fridge.

Additionally, Chef Nishant Choubey, co-founder of Street Storyss, Bengaluru said, “Sumac is the best replacement or one can make their own Za’atar at home since the ingredients are simple and can be assembled easily. One can bake bread, or even make rice with the spice.”

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