Za'atar
A blend of dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac and salt, this Middle Eastern spice is gaining popularity here as the influence of Lebanese and Turkish cuisine spreads. The word za'atar is used to describe both the herb thyme and the blend of spices. It is usually sprinkled over food as a seasoning or garnish and adds herbal nutty and zingy flavours, which works particularly well with roast or fried chicken. It also has an affinity with bread, either sprinkled over the top before baking, or mixed with olive oil and dipped into afterwards.
A blend of dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac and salt, this Middle Eastern spice is gaining popularity here as the influence of Lebanese and Turkish cuisine spreads. The word za'atar is used to describe both the herb thyme and the blend of spices. It is usually sprinkled over food as a seasoning or garnish and adds herbal nutty and zingy flavours, which works particularly well with roast or fried chicken. It also has an affinity with bread, either sprinkled over the top before baking, or mixed with olive oil and dipped into afterwards.