24 ways to bring a bit of herby, zesty fun to your everyday life with Za'atar
What is Za’atar?
Za’atar spice blend is an essential ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, used by home cooks for centuries. New York Shuk’s herbaceous blend is a combination of za’atar leaves, ground sumac from Turkey, sesame seeds, extra-virgin olive oil, and salt. That’s it. It’s a versatile blend that can elevate even the simplest of dishes. Want to learn more about Za’atar, and the the difference between the Za’atar herb & Za’atar blend? Learn all about it in our journal.
24 ways to use Za’atar
1.CHIPS / CRACKERS / CROUTONS
Tired of plain ol’ pita chips? Mix some za’atar w/ olive oil and brush on pita triangles before baking for tasty, aromatic Za’atar Chips. So good, no dips required.
Za’atar pairs well with crackers too! Kendra Vaculin’s Fire Crackers recipe transforms bland saltines into an exciting little snack.
2. CROUTONS
Speaking of crunchy things, don’t throw out that stale bread and, instead, make Za’atar croutons to zhoozh up your salads or soups. Simply tear up the loaf, toss the pieces with Olive Oil & Za’atar, and bake in the oven.
3. POTATOES
Za’atar and potatoes go together like PB&J, you can never go wrong with this combination. Slice the taters thinly to make our crispy Za’atar chips, roughly chop wedge-style, you can even smash ‘em if you like!
Well, if potatoes and za’atar are a match. Then, don’t forget about Za’atar and SWEET potatoes. Try making roasted Za’atar sweet potato fries for a healthier alternative to traditional fries!
4. POPCORN
Upgrade plain popcorn with a dash (or 5) of Za’atar. It’s so good, you’ll start sneaking a jar into the movies with you.
5. SALADS
A simple salad dressing with Olive Oil, Za’atar, and some Preserved Lemon Paste easily brightens even the dullest pile of veg & greens.
You can also sprinkle a hefty amount of Za’atar on top of your greens if you don’t feel like mixing up a dressing. Here to excite any salad hater. Try our super simple Corn & Lettuce Dressing or our Signature Salad.
6. EGGS
An eggcelent vehicle for Za’atar’s herby sass is an egg! Scrambled, poached, boiled, sunny-side…whatever type of egg floats your boat. Here are some of our favorite Za’atar & Egg combos:
🥚Fried: Za’atar Eggs Matbucha,
🥚Omelette Molly Yeh’s Feta and Za’atar Omelette Roll-up,
🥚Easy Eggs w/ Za’atar and Lemon (dare we recommend a drizzle of PLP for some a light umami touch?)
🥚Add some Za’atar to an egg salad for a Middle-Eastern twist.
🥚Shakshuka is delicious as is, but Za’atar adds an extra depth of flavor to one of our favorite egg dishes.
7. BAGELS
Whether you’re team plain cream cheese or go all out with lox&stuff, add a bit of Za’atar to your brekkie sandwich. Thank us later :)
8. CHICKEN
Simple, humble roasted chicken is suddenly the star of the show with a touch of Za’atar magic. You can either roast the whole bird, make wings, or, honestly, season any part of the chicken you prefer.
9. CAULIFLOWER
A quick and easy Sheet-Pan Roasted Za’atar Cauliflower is a great compliment to serve along almost any main dish or even enjoy as a snack!
Whole Roasted Cauliflower Head is an stunning, and exciting vegetarian main. Tender in the middle and golden brown on the outside with an irresistible, fragrant Za’atar crust.
10. CHICKPEAS
Chickpeas pair well with pretty much any spice blend, but as Sheela Prakash says “there’s just something about za’atar that is extra special”. For all your snacking needs, make these super simple Crispy Za’atar Chickpea.
Quinoa Carrot Salad with Za’atar Chickpeas is a delicious & healthy lunch or dinner idea!
11. HUMMUS
If Za’atar and chickpeas are an ideal match, then don’t shy away from sprinkling Za’atar on top of your hummus and get dipping
12. LABANE
Labane, a tart, tangy, yogurt-based dip is even brighter with a hefty dusting of Za’atar on top! (great for your crispy potatoes or pita chips)
13. RICE
Zest up plain rice with Za’atar, and serve it with your favorite protein. It’s a fun & simple way to switch up your weeknight dinner.
We love risotto, it’s an indulgent, creamy, and super comforting dish, but sometimes it needs some vibrancy. So, Za’atar to the rescue! Try Molly Yeh’s Schug & Za’atar risotto recipe, it’s perfect for spring
14. LAMB
Za’atar Crusted Rack of Lamb will surely be an impressive centerpiece at your dinner table, stunning in both mouth-watering presentation and flavor.
Pan-Fried Lamb Loin Chops with peas is a great spring-forward recipe.
If you’re looking for a lighter lamb dish, try out this Grilled Za’atar Lamb Panzanella Salad, a delectable combimation of seasonal produce, rich meat, and herbaceous spices.
15. PESTO
Switch up the traditional recipe and add a bit of a Middle Eastern flare to the sauce. Add Za’atar pesto to Vegan Meatballs, Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern Mac & Cheese
16. ROASTED VEGGIES
Finish off any type of roasted veg with a few shakes of Za’atar, or mix the spice blend with olive oil prior to roasting.
Make this simple sheet-pan roasted Za’atar Butternut Squash side dish, it’s vibrant in color and flavor.
Roasted Carrots pair beautifully with almost any spice blend, and Za’atar is no excpection.
For the ones who just can’t get enough of veggies, this colorful Za’atar Veg & Hummus Spring Bowl is the perfect dish!
17. PASTA
If you don’t like pasta, stop lying to us! For a veggie-packed variation, try Nasim’s Za’atar Broccoli Pasta and if you’re in the mood for an indulgent dish, then Za’atar Cacio e Pepe is here to delight you.
18. CHEESE
Mozarella Dipping Sauce! Yes, melted, gooey mozzarella meets strong & independent Za’atar in one recipe! Molly Yeh’s recipe is quite generous, as Za’atar’s personality is balanced out by the softer, less dominant flavors of mozzarella. Molly suggests serving the sauce with soft pretzels and we’re here for it
The hot salty halloumi cheese and herby flavors of Za’atar is a combo not to be slept on
19. MARINADES OR RUBS
Zhoozh up your plain ol’ chicken with a zippy, nutty, and, oh so tasty, Za’atar Marinade. Weeknight dinner rescued!
This Middle-Eastern inspired Lamb Marinade results in a perfectly flavorful, delicate meat . The recipe suggest serving the protein with Harissa-spiced hasselback courgutess and tahini dip. Wow!
20. BREAD
Za’atar Pita Bread, a traditional Lebanese snack is a must-try.
Garlic Knots anyone? Buttery, garlicky, and herbaceous.
A simple combination of Za’atar and Olive Oil is all you need for a delicious and easy foccacia recipe
21. STEAK
Use Za’atar as a beautiful, savory crust for a good cut of steak.
22. FISH
Chris Morocco’s Za’atar fish & chips recipe is a healthier, elevated riff on a British classic.
Make a Za’atar spiced salsa verde for this bright and refreshing Broiled Red Snapper dish.
Try this Za’atar Crusted Salmon in Tahini sauce by Ottolenghi, it’s herbaceous, tangy, and a bit nutty .
23. SOUP
From creamy Sweet Potato Soup to lentil soup, chicken noodle soup, tomato soup, Za’atar is a great addition to any bowl of soup.
24. TOFU
In the mood for a fun & tasty mash-up? Try Seung Hee Lee’s tofu steaks brushed with sesame oil & rice syrup and Za’atar
Photo by Laura Murray for Cava
Za’atar Eggs with Matbucha & Skyr
Labane
Halloumi
Crispy Potatoes