Ordering groceries online has it’s up- and downsides. One of the advantages is that sometimes I’m getting mysterious replacement giving me chance of discovering something I would not think of buying myself. That was the case with Zahter (blended thyme) that was sent as dried thyme substitute…

Za’atar also called Zaatar, Za’tar, Zatar, Zahter, Zatr, Zattr, Zahatar, Satar is generic name for family of herbs that include oregano, thyme and savory.

Zatar means as well spice blend containing thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, cumin, coriander, fennel and salt. It is popular in Middle Easter and Arabic cuisines, especially in Armenia, Iran, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey. It is often eaten with pita or other bread and olive oil. Likewise it can be mixed with olive oil and used to brush bread before baking.

Zatar (the blend) is very versatile and quite addictive spice. I can easily see myself adding it to yogurt or cream cheese based dips, mixing it into couscous dishes and spreading it with extra virgin olive oil on my bread at any occasion.

Looking for za’atr recipes?

Jeanne made some zatar grilled halloumi cheese.

Kalyn baked whole wheat bread with feta and zaatar.