Stop Boring Meals with Za'atar!

By Jeannette Ordas of Everybody likes Sandwiches

A couple weeks ago I was telling a friend that I was getting bored of my meals. She mentioned that she was eating a lot of salads and that they weren't getting boring in the least. Her trick: za'atar.


 

So I looked into it (plus she passed along some general instructions and ingredients). And oooooh boy, was she right. Traditionally, this spice-seed blend, tops a Middle Eastern fattoush salad. Tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs, a garlic dressing and then the za'atar. 

ZA'TAR, because this stuff needs all caps. 

And it's great on fattoush, but it's also great on just about anything. Salads, roasted chicken… probably even pizza! Here, I've topped it onto the simplest salad: sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, green onions, parsley and a basic vinaigrette. Sprinkle on the za'atar. 

It's easy to make too! I toast up some raw sesame seeds in a small skillet and when they start to "pop" and get lightly golden, they're ready to be removed from the heat. Sumac is the next big ingredient which you can find at any Middle Eastern market or good spice merchant. Sumac is a tart bright berry that gives food a good lemony bite. Oregano and thyme are more traditional accompaniments, but I like using herbs du provence because it's so pretty.

Look lavender buds!!

I make enough to last me a couple weeks, but usually I use it up much sooner than that. It's a daily use kind of thing. So get sprinkling and stop making boring meals!

Za'atar

2 tablespoons lightly toasted sesame seeds

2 tablespoons sumac

1 tablespoon herbes du provence

pinch of kosher salt

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and then carefully spoon into a lidded jar for storage. Keep in a cool dark place and use often!