Zaatar, like curry, is a delicious spice mixture that can be used
in a variety of foods and varies depending on where you are in the Middle East.
Buy Zaatar
Online, a Middle Eastern spice blend, is an essential
component of numerous dishes. Similar to how salt enhances the flavor of foods,
this adaptable mixture can be added to virtually any savory recipe.
This mixture of herbs and spices has existed in various
forms since the Middle Ages and is a common dish in all Middle Eastern
countries. Dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and
salt are typically the components of za’atar. However, there are a number of
variations and points of view regarding the ideal ratio for each ingredient,
just like there are with any ancient spice mixture.
Buy Zaatar
Onlineready-made, but making your own is
just as simple. How a simple blend can have such potent flavors might surprise
you. The flavor of za’atar is toasty and acidic; the sumac gives it a citrus
taste; the oregano gives it a slight bitter taste; and the sweetness of the
marjoram is added. The advantage of cooking at home is that you can experiment
with the quantities until you find the ideal “house” blend. After making a
batch, sprinkle it on bread, dips, meat, vegetables, grains, potatoes, pasta,
soups, and sauces. It would be hard to find a savory dish that wouldn’t benefit
from za’atar.
“Mixing this za’atar seasoning is easy,
straightforward, and quick. Gathering the spices, grinding the sesame seeds in
a mortar and pestle, and combining the other ingredients only took five
minutes. Bonus: On busy days, prepare and store in a jar to make a tasty meal.”
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean chefs simply sprinkle za’atar over a variety of foods to enhance the flavor, much like American cooks use salt. Tomato and cucumber salad, hummus, avocado toast, scrambled eggs, and French fries make up this meal. Olive oil is also added to the spice mixture to make a paste that can be spread on pita bread. It is an excellent seasoning for vegetables, poultry, and meat.
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