Za’atar

Like many of you, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the kitchen lately. Pandemic life has me playing with my hobbies again and that’s not a bad thing. Hobbies are saving lives right now, which is great.

My friend Stephanie suggested I start a recipe blog, but I promised that if I did it, I’d make sure my recipes weren’t prefaced with pages upon pages of nonsense before you get the instructions. So, here’s my most-requested recipe: za’atar.

Where did this recipe come from? I travel to the Middle East a lot, where this mix is popular & traditional, so put I it on everything as a result.

Why is it good? It’s herby and slightly salty. You’ll like it. Promise.

When do I use this? Mix it with olive oil and dip or spread on bread. You can also use it as a meat rub, or in a dressing on salads. Do you!

Ingredients:

4 tbsp. dried thyme leaves
2 tsp. ground sumac
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 tbsp. sesame seeds

In a non-stick pan and without oil, toast your sesame seeds on a medium heat. You’ll want to babysit this or you’ll start a small kitchen fire.

While they’re toasting, mix everything else into a small mason jar. When your seeds are toasted, add them into the jar and stir it around. The warm seeds will help meld the flavours together. Let it cool, throw a lid on it, and you’re done.

Note: You can find ground sumac at places like Basha Foods and even Bulk Barn.