Za’atar – Traditional Middle Eastern Spice Blend | Mama Ram

Za'atar is a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend with a long history. A balanced combination of herbs and spices, it has an important place in the region's culinary culture. The word "za'atar" refers to both the blend and one of its main ingredients, wild thyme .

This authentic blend brings together the earthy freshness of wild thyme, the sour and refreshing touch of sumac, the roasted crunch of sesame and the warmth of spices to deliver a rich flavor experience.

It has a wide range of uses in Middle Eastern cuisine , from breads to meat dishes, from salads to sauces . It reveals its flavor in the best way, especially when mixed with olive oil and spread on bread or added as a spice to baked dishes .

Flavor Profile

- Cumin: Adds slightly earthy and warm spicy notes.
- Sesame: It adds a slightly sweet and nutty touch to the mixture with its roasted aroma.
- Thyme: Adds an intense and aromatic touch of herb, forming the base flavor of the mixture.
- Sumac: Balances the flavor by providing a sour and refreshing taste.
- Sea Salt: Highlights flavors with a touch of natural salt.
- Black pepper: Adds a slight bitterness and spicy heat.

Areas of Use

- Flatbreads & Lavashes – Mixed with olive oil, spread on bread and baked in the oven.
- Salads – Adds a spicy flavor to salads when blended with fresh vegetables.
- Meats and Poultry – Used for marinating meats such as chicken, lamb or fish.
- Sauces and Fillings – It pairs perfectly with olive oil and yogurt based dips.
- Rice and Grain Dishes – It is added flavor by mixing it into grains such as rice and bulgur.
- Cheese Plate – Served with white cheese or labneh sprinkled on top.
- Roasted Vegetables – Added as a spice to vegetables such as potatoes, zucchini or carrots.

Za'atar is a versatile and aromatic spice blend that brings the unique flavor of the Middle East to your kitchen!