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+ servings
A small white dish with a tall pile of spices.
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5 from 3 votes

Za'atar Spice (+ Za’atar Oil for Dipping and Drizzling)

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend with a complex flavor that is savory, herbaceous and tangy thanks to a delicious blend of dried spices and herbs.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Course: condiment
Cuisine: Israeli, Middle Eastern
Servings: 12
Calories: 94kcal

Ingredients

Za'atar Spice

  • 3 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 3 tbsp dried thyme
  • 3 tbsp dried marjoram or oregano
  • 1 tbsp ground sumac
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp fine sea salt

Za'atar Oil

  • 1/4 cup za'atar spice recipe above
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 large clove garlic
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

Za'atar Spice

  • Place a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds to the skillet and toast, stirring, until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well with a small whisk. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Za'atar Oil

  • Combine all ingredients in a small jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Notes

 
Yield: This recipe makes about 3/4 cup of spice mix—feel free to double or triple the recipe so you have extra on hand for future recipes. Store it in an airtight container for up to a year. While it will not go bad or spoil, it will lose its potency over time.
 
How long do spice-blends stay fresh?
  • The shelf life of homemade spice blends depends on a few factors, including the type of spices used, the way they are stored, and the overall quality of the ingredients. In general, homemade spice blends will stay fresh for about a year if  stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Some signs that a spice mix is stale include:
  • The color has faded.
  • The smell is weak or off
  • The taste is bland or stale

Nutrition

Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 389mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.03g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 2mg