Zahtar or Za Atar Pita

Transform your kitchen into a Middle Eastern bakery with this aromatic Zahtar or Za’atar Pita recipe, perfect for fans of homemade bread and bold, earthy flavors. These soft, pillowy pita breads are topped with a vibrant za’atar spice blend mixed with olive oil, creating a savory paste that infuses every bite with a tangy, nutty essence. With a simple dough made from pantry staples and a quick rise time, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and flavor. Baked to golden perfection in just 10 minutes, these za’atar pitas are ideal for serving with hummus, baba ganoush, or even as a stand-alone snack. Whether for a dinner party or a cozy homemade meal, this recipe is your gateway to Middle Eastern culinary bliss!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:100 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2.25 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dough)
• 3 tablespoons za'atar spice blend
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2

Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Step 3

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking stone or heavy baking sheet in the oven to heat.

Step 6

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten and roll out into a circle about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the za'atar spice blend with the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil to form a paste.

Step 8

Transfer each rolled-out dough circle onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of the za'atar paste on top of each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.

Step 9

Carefully transfer the pitas (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are slightly puffed.

Step 10

Serve warm or at room temperature. Za'atar pitas are great on their own or enjoyed with your favorite Middle Eastern dips like hummus or baba ganoush.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	707.6 grams (707.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2001

Total Fat 74.70g	96%
Saturated Fat 10.40g	52%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2392mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 290.60g	106%
Dietary Fiber 15.70g	56%
Total Sugars 5.00g
Protein 44.40g	89%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 141mg	11%
Iron 22mg	119%
Potassium 664mg	14%

*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: 33.4%

Protein: 8.8%

Carbs: 57.8%