JERUSALEM ZAATAR MIX BY JULIAN'S VALLEYS
Zaatar: A Flavorful Middle Eastern Spice Mix Recipe
Zaatar is an Arabic word for wild thyme which grows naturally on mountains across various regions in Middle East ranging from Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, to Palestine. Over hundreds of years, this herb was combined with various local earthy herbs that grow in the same regions creating what is known today as Zaatar. This amazing mix of herbs is not only delicious when eaten with a warm bread of choice dipped in olive oil, but also a powerhouse of health benefits. On top of many health benefits, it is well known to soothe inflammation and boost and enhance memory when incorporated with diet. Zaatar is a mixture of dried herbs like oregano, thyme and earthly spices like cumin and coriander including sesame seeds and most importantly sumac. Many Middle Eastern dishes are considered incomplete without zaatar spice mix. It just brings out a unique flavor in dishes just like the salt does.
Uses of Zaatar:
Zaatar makes a great appetizer when served with a side dish of olive oil and a warm bread of choice, it is not only very delicious; it brings people together.
Make Zaatar Pizza (Manoushe) – This is very popular in Middle East, it’s assembled by mixing zaatar with olive oil then spreading the mix on top of a flat bread dough and baking it just like pizza. The Result is called Zaatar Manoushe, it’s quite delicious.
Zaatar is also very tasteful with grilled vegetables and kebabs.
Salad Dressing – In a jar, combine olive oil with ½ lemon juiced and 1 tooth of garlic smashed and couple spoons of zaatar. Close and shake the jar and drizzle over your choice of salad.
Zaatar can be used with:
Tomatoes Eggplant Potatoes Quinoa and rice Olive oil and olives Pita bread Lemon or lime Pistachios Fresh leafy herbs (parsley, mint, and cilantro) Fennel Cucumber Dairy: Feta, goat cheese, labneh and yogurt Cauliflower
