More Than Our Story

Herb and Aleppo Seafood Seasoning

Za'atar Spice Blend.

Total Time: <5 Minutes

Ideal for Dips, Breads, Veggies, Meats and More

Table of Contents

Inspiration

Za’atar is a flavorful Middle Eastern spice blend used widely throughout the Middle East with wide-ranging regional varieties, but one basic premise: savory dried herbs (such as oregano, marjoram or thyme), toasted earthy spices (such as like cumin or coriander) and especially, sesame seeds, salt, and sumac – the most prominent of the flavor profiles. This spice blend pairs with anything – from dips to breads, and roasted vegetables, and meats – especially chicken, fish or lamb.

ZA’ATAR FACTS:
This Middle Eastern spice blend is full of antioxidant and medicinal ingredients. It has been purported to reduce inflammation, strengthen your immune system, improve and boost brain health, metabolism and mood, and even help fight chronic illnesses including cancer.

Ingredients

  • Sumac (2 tbsp)
  • Dried coriander (2 tbsp)
  • Toasted and ground cumin seeds, or ground cumin powder (2 tbsp)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (2 tbsp)
  • Dried thyme (1 tbsp)
  • Dried oregano (1 tbsp)
  • Salt (½ tsp, to taste)
  • Black pepper (½ tsp, to taste)
  • Optional: Dried marjoram (1 tbsp)

FLAVOR COMPLIMENTS:
Try garnishing your creations made with this spice blend with vibrant, fresh herbs - such as parsley or dill, fresh or dried fruits - such as figs, pomegranates or apricots, fresh and dried nuts - including walnuts and pistachios, or citrus zest - from fruits such as lemons or limes.

Preparations

  1. Mix all ingredients and use immediately or store in an airtight container in cool, dark place.

Tips

  • For the best flavor, use whole seeds and toast until fragrant before grinding (cumin seeds, coriander seeds).
  • Za’atar can also be mixed with olive oil to make an incredible paste- perfect for spreading and roasting to a perfect and delicious crispy crust.
  • Use ¼ – ½ teaspoon of aleppo chili flakes or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
  • Stored properly this spice blend will retain most of its flavor for 2 years.

SOURCES

Picture of Daniel

Daniel

Daniel is an extremely curious person, a wealth of random knowledge and facts. Extremely passionate about a vast array of interests ranging from health to history, science to athletics, everything culinary and the list goes on. Trust us, you would want to be on his team for Trivial Pursuit. Daniel is also years into his battle with brain cancer. He experienced a seizure while on a Zoom call at work in late 2020 and quite literally, his life changed within minutes. After his operation he started to talk about his story but had always known it was more than just him. From then, More Than Our Story became a PROJECT that has evolved into the starting point it is today.

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