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    You Are Here Home » Spice and Seasoning Recipes

    Published: May 12, 2017 Updated: Apr 2, 2022 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 6 Comments

    Za'atar Substitute Spice Blend

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    zaatar spice blend

    Want to wake up the flavor of your foods, or perhaps add a little bit of intrigue to your Middle Eastern Cuisine? Then say hello to my Za'atar Substitute Spice Blend! A sprinkle of Za'atar really wakens the flavor of food. Sprinkle on Low Carb Seed Crackers, make Zaatar chicken, or mix it in your Chickpea Salad.

    zaatar spice in a white bowl on a cutting board

    Why This Recipe Works

    Similar to Dukkah, Zaatar is used widely in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region to enhance the flavor of a variety of Middle Eastern dishes. Za'atar Spice Mix is commonly mixed with olive oil and spread on flatbread or pita bread, or sprinkled on Labneh and Harissa. 

    Although you can find it in most Middle Eastern markets and on Amazon, it's much better when you make your own Za'atar Substitute Seasoning Blend at home. In my opinion, homemade is always better than store-bought, don't you agree?

    How to Make Za'atar Seasoning Blend

    Step 1: To start, toast sesame seeds in a pan until fragrant and their color starts to change. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove the pan from heat and allow the sesame seeds to cool.

    sesame seeds roasting in a pan

    Step 2: Meanwhile, measure out the other recipe ingredients (sumac, thyme, marjoram, oregano, and sea salt). Once the sesame seeds have cooled off, mix all the ingredients  together.

    Za'atar Substitute in a cup

    Step 3: Pour the spice mixture into a spice jar and store for up to three months. Using a funnel makes this task a little easier!

    Za'atar being funneled into jar

    Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips

    What Is Za'atar Made Of?

    Zaatar is a delicious seasoning blend that includes a mixture of spices. Some of the spices are pretty common, while others might be a little harder to come by, like Sumac.

    Here is a list of common spices and herbs that are used to make Za'atar Seasoning Blends. If using whole spices, it's highly recommended to toast them before you grind them.

    Sesame Seeds
    Ground Sumac
    Dried Thyme leaves
    Marjoram
    Dried Oregano
    Cumin Powder (preferably freshly ground cumin seeds)
    Corriander Powder (preferably freshly ground coriander seeds)
    Hyssop
    Dried mint
    Chili Flakes
    Lemon Zest
    Kosher Salt

    Za'atar in a spoon on a cutting board

    How do you use Za'atar Substitute Seasoning?

    There are some common ways to use za'atar, and then there are some creative ways to use it. 

    Want to enhance the flavor of your Hummus dip? Just sprinkle some of this delicious Za'atar substitute on the Hummus just prior to serving it.

    Consider using Za'atar as a seasoning for Kabobs, fish, and Chicken. You can even sprinkle it on sliced cucumbers and tomatoes, or your favorite vegetables or salad. However, I think it would be better when mixed in with the salad dressing.

    You can also make a paste with the za'atar substitute and olive oil, and spread it on naan or flatbread. Then you can top it with feta cheese, and black kalamata olives. Toast until the bread is crispy, and the cheese is melted. sprinkle with additional za'atar and enjoy!

    za'atar substitute on mini pizza with feta and black olives

    • Making Zaatar in smaller quantities is better than making large batches. If you do make a larger batch, store the extra spice blend in ziplock bags in the freezer until needed.
    • Need more ways to use Za'atar? Check out my Roasted Pumpkin Seeds recipe.
    zaatar substitute jar with blue lid
    Homemade Za'atar Substitute

    If you enjoy making your own spice blends, you may be interested in learning how to make your own Corned Beef Spice Blend, Biryani Spice, Pork Rub, and DIY Shawarma Seasoning Blend.

    Related Recipes

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      Easy Biryani Spice Blend Recipe
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      Corned Beef Spice Packet Recipe
    • baharat seasoning in spoons
      Baharat Recipe (Middle Eastern Spice Mix)
    • Dukkah Spice Egyptian Recipe

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    zaatar spice in a white bowl on a cutting board

    Za'atar Substitute Spice Blend

    A staple in the Middle Eastern kitchen, zaatar is a spice mix used to flavor food.
    4.84 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizers, Snacks
    Cuisine: Assyrian, Middle Eastern
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 7 minutes
    Servings: 13 servings
    Calories: 26kcal

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup sesame seeds
    • ¼ cup sumac
    • 3 tablespoon ground thyme
    • 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    •  To start, toast sesame seeds in a pan until fragrant and their color starts to change. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove the pan from heat and allow the sesame seeds to cool.
    • Meanwhile, measure out the other recipe ingredients (sumac, thyme, marjoram, oregano, and sea salt). Once the sesame seeds have cooled off, mix all the ingredients together.
    • Pour the spice mixture into a spice jar and store for up to three months. Using a funnel makes this task a little easier!

    Notes

    • Making Zaatar in smaller quantities is better than making large batches. If you do make a larger batch, store the extra spice blend in ziplock bags in the freezer until needed.
    • Need more ways to use Za'atar? Check out my Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 253mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0g
    Tried this Recipe? Please leave A Star Rating!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

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    1. Jubie says

      January 06, 2023 at 3:12 pm

      5 stars
      Made it, loved it! Left out the salt since we're lowering our salt intake here. Tonight I fried some chicken thighs, gave them a generous sprinkle of this spice blend halfway through, and served them sliced on a salad with lettuce, tomatoes, pickled red onion, and garlic yoghurt sauce. Super yummy.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        January 06, 2023 at 5:05 pm

        Hi Jubie, that sounds very yummy, thanks for the review!

        Reply
    2. Jeanne says

      December 19, 2021 at 8:24 am

      Where would I find sumac?

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        December 19, 2021 at 8:27 am

        Hi Jeanne,
        You can find Sumac at any Middle Eastern market, some health food markets, and on Amazon. I included a link in the FAQ section.

        Reply
    3. Maureen says

      August 07, 2018 at 12:19 am

      Hi Hilda,
      What is the measurement T stands for: Tablespoon of Teaspoon

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        August 07, 2018 at 8:32 am

        Hi Maureen, T. stands for tablespoon and tsp. for teaspoon. Have a great day!

        Reply

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