Lebanese Zaatar

Zaatar is famous across the Middle East and has many culinary uses. With this recipe from my mother, you'll learn how to make Lebanese zaatar, a deliciously fragrant blend of dried herbs and toasted sesame seeds.

What is Zaatar?

Zaatar is the Arabic word for wild thyme (hyssop) but it is most commonly used to refer to a blend of herbs, as in this recipe.

Zaatar blends differ across the Middle East, with some even including spices. I've been fortunate to try many variations, all lovely in their own right, but I always come back to the blend I grew up with, which is Lebanese zaatar.

It is by far the most gorgeous herb blend, I just had to share my family’s recipe with you. Knowing how to make zaatar from scratch is a game-changer! Especially if you want to make homemade zaatar manakeesh using this dough.

I know, without a doubt, that when I come to use my homemade blend in this zaatar puff pastry pinwheels or these roasted zaatar potatoes, the flavor is perfect and they are a sure guarantee that everyone will gobble them up.

Zaatar in English

In English, zaatar is pronounced as “zaa·tahrr,” with the "r" being rolled. The term can refer to either the herb hyssop or the blend of herbs.

Ingredients Highlight

Most people who find this recipe, like my mother who immigrated from Lebanon to Sydney, won't have access to fresh wild hyssop.

So, she made do with dried oregano. When I asked why she uses oregano instead of hyssop, she explained that aside from the availability, some folks in Lebanon actually prefer oregano. Hyssop can be a tougher herb, while oregano leaves are softer. Plus, fresh oregano grows abundantly in her garden. The taste difference is negligible.

Both herbs work well, so feel free to use either. In the video and the recipe card below, I use dried oregano, which is combined with toasted sesame seeds and ground sumac, a red spice prevalent in Middle Eastern cooking and loved for its sour flavor. If my pantry isn't stocked with sumac, it's just not right.

You can find this spice at your local Middle Eastern grocer, most large supermarkets also sell it, but to make it easy for you, you can find sumac here.

FAQ

Serving Suggestions

Lebanese zaatar can be enjoyed in many ways, such as:

• In baking: I love using zaatar in baking, especially for the famous manoush, a Lebanese herb pizza.
• As a aarinade or rub: It adds a wonderful flavor to meats and vegetables.
• Sprinkled in salads: I love it with a simple garden salad
• On popcorn: Try sprinkling it on popcorn for a savory treat.
• With simple dishes: It's great for mono-foods like roasted potatoes, where an extra burst of flavor is needed.