Za'ater/Zahter Spice Blend

Zahter/ Za'ater is an aromatic spice blend  which belongs to the Middle Eastern Cuisine. The basic recipe is composed of thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, sumac, cumin, marjoram, red pepper flakes and salt. Crushed cooked chicpeas, nigella seeds, crushed walnuts, crushed hazelnuts, crushed pistachio, fennel, ground nutmeg can also be added to the recipe.

Itis eaten at breakfast with bread or pita dipped in olive oil first then in zahter. It is one of those blends which varies from country to country. Each family has his own blend. The use of zahter is very important in Turkish cooking as well as the other Middle Eastern  countries. It is used as a seasoning for meat and vegetables, for dips and  with hummus. The plant itself as the spice blend is called zahter. It resembles thyme, savory, or oregano. The flowers are a beautiful purple colour but itis the green leaves that are used either fresh or dried.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons dried zahter
• 2 tablespoons fresh or dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons marjoram
• 2 tablespoons savory
• 2 tablespoons ground sumac
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• red pepper flakes
• sea salt

How To:

Toast the sesame seeds in a skillet until golden. Grind the savory, marjoram, sumac, salt, cumin, add the sesame seeds and zahter.

Put them into a small bowl and mix well. Transfer into a sealed jar. Keeps well in a sealed jar for 1-2 months in the refrigerator.

Bon Apetite!

 

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