Za’atar

Za’atar (زعتر) is a type of wild oregano that grows in the Eastern Mediterranean. Both fresh za’atar and the dried herb have a pungent, distinctive taste, which is much stronger than regular oregano. Za’atar is also the name of a spice mixture that contains a mixture of the dried herb with salt, toasted sesame seeds and other spices that vary from region to region. 

In Lebanon, Israel and Palestine, za’atar is commonly known as a spice mixture that makes the mind and body strong. Children are often encouraged to eat the dried spice mixture for breakfast in order to keep them alert. Nutritionists consider the spice mixture to be high in anti-oxidants. 

Za’atar spice mixes are sold in specialty stores in the United States. I found some in the Arabic grocery stores of Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. However, even though the store-bought za’atar was green and bright (possibly containing artificial colorings), the commercially packed spice mixes cannot compare to the homemade spice that my family makes. 

Za’atar is commonly mixed with olive oil and baked on top of a small, flat round loaf of bread, as seen in the picture below, which was taken at the Abuelafia & Sons Bakery in Tel-Aviv Yaffa. In this form, the bread is called manakish. 

A simple and delicious recipe for using dried za’atar at home: 

1. Add equal parts of za’atar with olive oil. Mix them to form a paste. 

2. Spread the mixture over a slice of rustic bread or on the inside of an opened pita. 

3. Toast and enjoy while still hot. 

When my mother-in-law refers to za’atar she does not mean the dried herb mixture (which is called “duka”) but rather a very thin flat bread that she stuffs with fresh za’atar leaves and green onions and bakes in a wood-burning oven. The za’atar bread is delicious warm. 

This picture is of my mother-in-law making the flat bread that is stuffed with fresh za’atar leaves. When I see this image, I feel as if I am actually there smelling the smoke from her outdoor oven. I adore this picture because it shows her in the midst of doing something that she loves, and it reflects in her expression. 

Tags: featured, wild oregano, za'atar, zatar