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.

Use this recipe in: Za’atar Chicken and Hummus Bowls, Roasted Baby Turnips with Garlic and Za’atar, Chicken Shawarma with Garlic White Sauce, or Salmon and Rice Salad with Garbanzo Beans, Feta and Mint.

A small white dish with a tall pile of spices.

Za’atar spice has become a fixture of my culinary repertoire. It’s flavorful and endlessly versatile. Sprinkled over roasted vegetables, fish and chicken – it feels so quintessentially California to me though it is not at all…

Za’atar comes from the Middle East. Traditionally made with ground za’atar (a wild culinary herb that grows throughout the region) sesame seeds, dried sumac, and salt. However, there are many variations of za’atar, and the specific ingredients can vary depending on the region. Some common variations include the substitution of dried marjoram, oregano or thyme in lieu wild za’atar which can be difficult to find.

One of my favorite ways to use Za’atar is to make Za’atar Oil by steeping olive oil with garlic, lemon zest and a few generous heaps of the spice blend. Inspired by a version sold at one of my favorite Los Angeles restaurants Gjelina – this oil blend is absolutely delicious drizzled over salads, hummus, creamy labneh dip, warm flatbreads, pizza and so much more.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To make Za’atar spice you will need: sesame seeds, sumac, dried oregano or marjoram, dried thyme, cumin and a bit of salt.

Scroll to the bottom of the recipe card for ingredient notes and substitutions.

Spices and seasonings individually portioned in small bowls on a marble tabletop.

Note: 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.

Recipe Step by Step:

Step 1. Toast the Sesame Seeds

In a skillet (or in a 350F oven) toast the sesame seeds until fragrant and golden – about 3-5 minutes.

A bowl with individual sections of different spices.

Step 2. Mix

In a small bowl mix together the toasted sesame seeds, sumac, thyme, oregano, cumin and salt. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

A rustic ceramic bowl filled with a blend of spices and a silver spoon.

FAQs and Expert Tips

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 mixes will stay fresh for about a year if they are stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

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

A jar filled with Za'atar oil and a silver spoon.

Check Out More Delicious Recipes:

I love to hear from readers and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment and/or give it a rating! Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

A small white dish with a tall pile of spices.

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.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
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
Did you make this recipe?Share a picture on Instagram and tag me: @Craving_California and use the hashtag: #CravingCalifornia!

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