Za’atar is a traditional collection of spices culinarily used in Middle Eastern countries. This versatile seasoning can be used in dips and as a seasoning for meat and breads. It has an aromatic smell and a fresh, slightly bitter flavor.

How to Cook with Za’atar

Za’atar is most commonly eaten with fresh pita bread via a process of dipping the bread in olive oil and then dry za’atar. The spice mixture can also be baked directly onto flatbreads or crackers to serve as a flavorful vehicle for dips and spreads. Za’atar is used to season flanks of meat such as lamb or beef and can also be sprinkled atop homemade or store-bought hummus. Zaatar can be incorporated into a simple salad dressing with olive oil, lemon juice and some sea salt.

Also known as zatar, zahatar, satar, or zatr.