Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that brings a welcome earthy, herby flavor to foods ranging from eggs and beans to roast chicken and other meats. It’s generally a combination of tart-and-floral sumac, sesame seeds, dried oregano, thyme, and sometimes marjoram, with several other spices, such as cumin, coriander, or Aleppo pepper, mixed in depending on the maker.
The growth of this spice blend is seen as American consumers experiment more with bold, global ingredients and become more comfortable with unique and dynamic flavor combinations. This particular blend is also equally at home on meat dishes, such as meatballs and kebabs, and vegetarian dishes including grilled zucchini, sautéed eggplant, or trending spreads such as hummus and babaganoush, making it a versatile and flavor-packed choice for all consumers.
Click through the gallery to learn more about this Flavor of the Week and see how one restaurant is using Za’atar on its menu.