Homemade Zahtar

Elevate your culinary creations with this easy Homemade Zahtar recipe, a fragrant and versatile Middle Eastern spice blend bursting with bold, earthy flavors. Made with just five simple ingredients—dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, oregano, and sea salt—this zahtar combines the tangy brightness of sumac, the nutty toastiness of sesame, and the herbaceous depth of Mediterranean herbs. In just 15 minutes, you can craft a fresh, aromatic mixture in your own kitchen, perfect for seasoning everything from warm pita bread and creamy hummus to roasted vegetables and grilled meats. Toasting the sesame seeds ensures maximum flavor, while grinding the spices to just the right texture provides the signature crunch that makes zahtar so addictive. Store this easy-to-make blend for up to three months and enjoy a sprinkle of authentic Middle Eastern magic in every dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons Sumac
• 2 tablespoons Sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt

Directions

Step 1

1. Begin by toasting the sesame seeds. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the sesame seeds.

Step 2

2. Stir constantly for about 3–5 minutes, or until the seeds become golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 3

3. Transfer the toasted sesame seeds to a plate or bowl to cool completely.

Step 4

4. In a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, combine the dried thyme, sumac, oregano, sea salt, and cooled sesame seeds.

Step 5

5. Grind the mixture coarsely, leaving some texture to the sesame seeds for added crunch.

Step 6

6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or sumac for a brighter flavor.

Step 7

7. Store the zahtar in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.

Step 8

8. Use your zahtar to season pita bread, hummus, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats for a burst of Middle Eastern flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	41.5 grams (41.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	131

Total Fat 11.00g	14%
Saturated Fat 1.50g	8%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2338mg	102%
Total Carbohydrate 10.10g	4%
Dietary Fiber 4.80g	17%
Total Sugars 0.10g
Protein 4.50g	9%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 95mg	7%
Iron 5mg	25%
Potassium 216mg	5%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.9%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 25.7%