Prepare your zaatar

Zaatar is a traditional blend of dried herbs originating from the Middle East. It is usually made with thyme, sumac, sesame, and salt. How to make your own homemade zaatar? To make your own homemade zaatar, you can follow these simple steps. Ingredients needed: - 2 tablespoons dried thyme - 1 tablespoon sumac* - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - 1/2 teaspoon salt *Condiment made from dried, brick-red berries growing on a shrub (Rhus Coriaria) in the same family as the pistachio tree. First, start by lightly toasting the sesame seeds in a pan over medium heat until they turn golden brown. Once toasted, let the sesame seeds cool. In a bowl, combine the dried thyme, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they form a smooth mixture. Once you have a smooth mixture, transfer your homemade za'atar to an airtight container. Make sure to store it in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh for several months. Za'atar can be used in a variety of simple ways to add flavor to your dishes. For example, mixing it with a little olive oil and spreading it on fresh bread will make a tasty snack. You can also use it as a seasoning to enhance the flavor of meat, fish, grilled vegetables, as well as rice and quinoa dishes. Mixing za'atar with natural yogurt will create a delicious sauce, perfect for serving with vegetables or chips as an appetizer. You can also incorporate za'atar into marinades to add a touch of aroma to meat and poultry before cooking. For unique flavors, consider infusing olive oil with za'atar, creating a fragrant oil to use in your recipes. If you're looking for a crunchy snack, toss cooked chickpeas with za'atar and roast them in the oven. When cooking eggs, sprinkle a little za'atar over your omelets or scrambled eggs before baking. Finally, to add an extra note of aroma and texture to your salads, simply sprinkle za'atar on top.