Want to wake up the flavor of your foods, or perhaps add a little bit of intrigue to your dishes? This substitute for zaatar is easy to put together with spices and herbs you most likely have in your pantry. Sprinkle it on low carb seed crackers or use it to make Za'atar chicken.
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Similar to Dukkah spice, and Bezar, Zaatar is used widely in the Middle East and the Mediterranean region to enhance the flavor of a variety of Middle Eastern dishes. In Syriac (Assyrian language) it's called satre (ܨܬܪܐ), and in Arabic za'atar (زعتر, or sa'tar, صعتر).
This substitute for zaatar can be mixed with olive oil and spread on flatbread to make manakish (Lebanese zaatar bread) You can also sprinkle it on Labneh and Harissa.
Although you can find it in most Middle Eastern markets and on Amazon, it's much easier to make your own substitute for zaatar.
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😍 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This substitute for zaatar is needed to make many Middle Eastern dishes but isn't always easy to find. Making your own blend is super easy!
- You most likely have all the ingredients needed at home to make this recipe!
- You can make a double batch of this substitute for zaatar and freeze one or share it with a friend who enjoys cooking!
🛒 What You Need For This Recipe
🔖 Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds come in different colors, you'll need white sesame seeds for this recipe.
- Sumac: Sumac powder lends a tangy flavor to this spice mix. If you can't find it locally, it's available on Amazon. Ziyad is my favorite brand. I put some in a spice jar and freeze the rest.
- Thyme: Dried thyme
- Marjoram: Dried marjoram
- Oregano: Dried oregano
- Salt: Sea salt
🫙 How To Make A Substitute For Zaatar
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.
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.
Step 3: Pour the substitute for zaatar spice mixture into a spice jar and store for up to three months. Using a funnel makes this task a little easier!
🤷🏻♀️ Recipe FAQs
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 used to make a za'atar seasoning blend. 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)
Coriander Powder (preferably freshly ground coriander seeds)
Hyssop
Dried mint
Chili Flakes
Lemon Zest
Kosher Salt
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 Lebanese Hummus? Just sprinkle some of this delicious Za'atar substitute on the Hummus just before serving it.
Consider using Za'atar as a seasoning for shish 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!
👩🏼🍳 Pro Tips
- Making this substitute for zaatar recipe 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.
If you enjoy making your own spice blends, you may be interested in learning how to make your own corned beef spices, biryani spice, pork rub, and shawarma spice blend!
🌶 Related Recipes
If you enjoy this substitute for zaatar recipe, check out these other spice blends!
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📖 Recipe
Would you like to save this recipe?
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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!
Nutrition
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
Jubie says
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.
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Jubie, that sounds very yummy, thanks for the review!
Jeanne says
Where would I find sumac?
Hilda Sterner says
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.
Maureen says
Hi Hilda,
What is the measurement T stands for: Tablespoon of Teaspoon
HildaSterner says
Hi Maureen, T. stands for tablespoon and tsp. for teaspoon. Have a great day!