Explore our authentic Zaatar collection, featuring a blend of aromatic herbs, spices, and sesame seeds that captures the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. Perfect for sprinkling on bread, mixing into dips, or enhancing your favorite dishes, our Zaatar brings a burst of flavor to every bite.
Why Our Zaatar Stands Out
Our Zaatar is crafted using a traditional recipe passed down through generations, ensuring an authentic taste that’s rich in history and culture. Made with high-quality ingredients like wild thyme, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds, our Zaatar is a versatile seasoning that elevates any meal.
Health Benefits of Zaatar
In addition to its irresistible flavor, Zaatar is packed with health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Zaatar supports digestive health, boosts immunity, and provides a natural source of energy. Incorporate our Zaatar into your diet to enjoy its delicious taste and healthful properties.
The Many Culinary Uses of Zaatar in the Kitchen
Zaatar, a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend, has captivated taste buds for centuries with its unique combination of earthy, tangy, and aromatic flavors. Typically made from a blend of dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and other herbs, this versatile seasoning has made its way from regional kitchens to global tables. Whether you're new to zaatar or a seasoned fan, this spice mix offers countless ways to elevate your dishes. Here's how you can use zaatar in your kitchen for an explosion of flavor.
1. Zaatar on Bread and Pastries
One of the most iconic uses of zaatar is in manakish, a traditional Middle Eastern flatbread. Spread olive oil over dough, sprinkle a generous amount of zaatar, and bake until golden. The combination of crispy bread and the herbaceous, nutty topping creates a simple yet incredibly flavorful treat. If you're into baking, you can also incorporate zaatar into savory scones, biscuits, or even as a topping for breadsticks and focaccia for an unexpected twist.
2. Flavorful Marinades for Proteins
Zaatar shines as a marinade for various proteins, imparting a burst of zesty and herbaceous notes. Create a quick and easy marinade for chicken, beef, lamb, or fish by mixing zaatar with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Let your proteins soak up the flavors before grilling, roasting, or pan-frying them to perfection. The sumac in the zaatar brings a subtle tartness, balancing the richness of the meat or fish.
3. Zaatar as a Salad Enhancer
For a bright, herbaceous twist to your salads, sprinkle zaatar directly on top or mix it into a homemade vinaigrette. Add it to a classic Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese, or even to a grain-based salad like quinoa or couscous. The spices add depth and complexity, while the sesame seeds give a delightful crunch. It’s a quick way to elevate even the simplest salads.
4. Seasoning for Roasted Vegetables
Tired of the usual salt and pepper for your roasted veggies? Try tossing your vegetables—like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrots, or zucchini—in olive oil and zaatar before roasting them in the oven. The heat intensifies the flavors of the herbs and spices, creating a deliciously aromatic, crispy exterior. Zaatar-roasted vegetables make for a perfect side dish or can be added to grain bowls and wraps for extra flavor.
5. Zaatar-Crusted Cheese or Tofu
For a flavorful appetizer, try coating soft cheeses like labneh, feta, or goat cheese with zaatar. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese and serve with pita bread or crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack. Alternatively, zaatar-crusted tofu is a great plant-based option for a savory, herb-packed meal. Simply press the tofu to remove excess water, coat it in a zaatar and olive oil mixture, then bake or pan-fry it until crispy.
6. Sprinkle on Dips and Sauces
Take your favorite dips to the next level by adding zaatar. A simple hummus or baba ganoush becomes more complex with a dash of this spice blend. You can also stir zaatar into Greek yogurt for a quick and easy dip to pair with veggies or bread. For a more robust flavor, mix zaatar with olive oil to create a dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with warm pita or flatbread.
7. Elevating Rice, Couscous, and Pasta Dishes
Add a Mediterranean flair to your grains by mixing zaatar into rice, couscous, or even pasta dishes. Stir it into a light olive oil and lemon dressing for a zesty topping on your grains, or mix it directly into the cooking water for rice and couscous. The zaatar will infuse your dishes with a unique savory aroma and a burst of flavor in every bite.
8. Perfect for Popcorn and Snacks
If you're a fan of snacking, zaatar can transform your popcorn or roasted nuts into a gourmet treat. Simply toss freshly popped popcorn with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle zaatar over the top. The spices add an exotic twist, making for a perfect snack to enjoy during a movie night. The same applies to roasted nuts or seeds—coat them with olive oil, sprinkle on some zaatar, and roast until fragrant for an irresistible munchie.
9. Seasoning for Eggs
Zaatar can quickly become your go-to spice for breakfast. Whether you're making scrambled eggs, omelets, or poached eggs, a dash of zaatar adds complexity and a touch of Middle Eastern flair. You can also sprinkle zaatar on avocado toast or drizzle it over shakshuka (eggs poached in tomato sauce) for an extra layer of flavor.
10. Infusing Olive Oil for Dipping or Drizzling
One of the simplest ways to enjoy zaatar is by infusing it into olive oil. Mix zaatar with high-quality olive oil and use it as a dipping sauce for bread or drizzle it over grilled meats, vegetables, or salads. This infused oil also makes an excellent marinade or finishing touch for soups and stews.
Final Thoughts
The possibilities for using zaatar in your kitchen are nearly endless. Whether you're cooking up a full Middle Eastern feast or simply looking to add a new layer of flavor to your favorite dish, zaatar brings an unmatched depth and complexity. Its perfect balance of tangy, nutty, and herbaceous flavors makes it a must-have in any kitchen. Explore the diverse ways you can use this spice blend, and let your culinary creativity take flight!
