What Is Zaatar And How Is It Useful

Za'atar is a classic Middle Eastern mixture of herbs and spices , the appetizing aroma of which is combined with almost all products. The ingredients included in the seasoning are useful for health, and when combined, they become even more effective. Let's learn more about what za'atar is , how it is made, what it is eaten with, and what are its benefits.

What is zaatar?

Zaatar is a mixture of aromatic spices , most often sesame, dried thyme, marjoram and sumac. It is used as a seasoning for meat and vegetables, sprinkled on top of baked goods and hummus, and even made into herbal tea.

Za'atar is widely used in Israeli cooking, is equally popular throughout the Middle East, and has recently become more popular in other parts of the world.

Translated from Arabic, the name "za'atar" means "thyme", although the composition of the seasoning includes other spices . Zaatar is versatile and suitable for a variety of dishes: from vegetables to meat, seafood, bread, sauces, soups, etc.

The seasoning is most often eaten with bread (pita): simply dip the pastry in olive oil, and then in za'atar .

What is included in the composition of zaatar

The composition of zaatar may vary slightly in different countries. As with any spice blend , there are many variations and opinions about what proportions are correct for each ingredient.

• Thyme - most often, the spice is first dried (or sometimes used fresh), then ground.

• Sesame seeds - they are pre-fried to make the taste brighter.

• Sumach is a delicious, spicy, lemon-red spice .

• Salt.

Also, other herbs and spices are added to za'atar , for example, some cumin and marjoram, as well as various types of salt and pepper. These ingredients are auxiliary, because you can choose from what you have on hand and taste personally.

The aroma and taste of za'atar

Surprisingly, this seasoning combines the citrus flavor of sumac, the light bitterness of oregano and the sweetness of marjoram. Zaatar has a pronounced herbal aroma, spicy citrus notes in the aroma and a noticeable nutty aftertaste.

How to make za'atar at home

Although ready -made za'atar is often sold in brick-and-mortar stores and online, it's not difficult to make the seasoning yourself. The advantage of this cooking method is that you can change the proportions and additional ingredients according to your own preferences and as a result create your own exclusive blend of spices .

• 1 tbsp. ground cumin

• 1 tbsp. chopped dried thyme.

• 1 tbsp. sumach

• 1 tbsp. roasted sesame seeds.

• 2 tsp dried marjoram (optional).

• 1 tsp fine sea salt.

• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper.

Grind all the ingredients into a powder using a mortar and pestle. Mix in a small bowl until smooth.

How to store zaatar

Like any other mixture of spices , za'atar will quickly lose its flavor if storage conditions are not followed. You will need an airtight container, preferably made of light and air-tight material. If the container is transparent, put it in a dark cabinet. When properly stored, zaatar has a shelf life of 3 to 6 months.

Use in cooking

Many popular Middle Eastern dishes, including chickpeas, chicken, and seafood, are prepared with the addition of za'atar . Also, seasoning can often be found on the table when serving, like our salt and pepper. It is customary to mix za'atar with olive oil and spread this mixture on bread.

Using za'atar can take your dishes to the next level. If you haven't done it yet, here are some ideas where you can add the spice mix .

Za'atar is a delicious addition to scrambled eggs or an omelet.

Sprinkle seasoning over chicken, beef, or seafood before cooking. It will give an unsurpassed taste and many more nuances than just lemon juice.

Za'atar goes well with baked, grilled or stewed vegetables - for example, corn, potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, etc.

The spice mix can be added to sour cream to make a sauce similar to tzatziki.

Seasoning gives hummus more flavor. To enhance the taste of dishes, you can simply sprinkle it with za'atar before serving.

Roasted cauliflower will be tastier if you cook it with za'atar , regular salt, pepper and olive oil.

Sprinkle seasoning on pasta or rice dishes. Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the za'atar , precooked chickpeas and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are toasted.

A mixture of spices will make a salad more interesting if you add it to the dressing. To do this, mix a little lemon juice, olive oil and za'atar .

Adding 1-2 dashes of seasoning to any vegetable soup will make its unsurpassed natural aroma more expressive.

Before roasting carrots or beets, add some za'atar - it will add a spicy taste to the vegetables.

Chemical composition of the seasoning

Thyme and oregano, found in most varieties of za'atar , contain the phenols thymol and carvacrol. They have antimicrobial properties that suppress the growth of fungi and bacteria, and effectively fight strains of salmonella and staphylococcus aureus. Phenols weaken them, making them more susceptible to antibiotics.

Quercetin and gallic acid are powerful antioxidants that help fight cancer and also have antifungal and antimicrobial properties.

Sesame seeds in za'atar are a source of oleic acid, which lowers the level of low-density lipoproteins (the so-called bad cholesterol). 1 tbsp. sesame contains 9% of the recommended daily allowance of calcium, 7% of iron, 5% of thiamin, 8% of magnesium, 11% of manganese and 18% of copper. Also, sesame is rich in fiber and high-quality protein. The seeds contain omega-6 fatty acids and flavonoid phenolic antioxidants.

Dried marjoram leaves are rich in vitamin B: 100 g contains more than 200% of the daily requirement.