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ZAATAR
Sprinkled over crusty bread (or pita) that has been dipped in olive oil, this simple herb blend from the Middle East makes healthy alternative to butter. The name “zaatar” (also spelt zahtar) refers to both the herb thyme and this blend.
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon sumac (see Ingredient Note)
1. Heat a small skillet (not nonstick) over medium-low-heat. Add sesame seeds and toast, stirring almost constantly, until they are light golden and aromatic, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.
2. Transfer sesame seeds to a spice grinder (such as a clean coffee grinder) or mortar and pestle. Add thyme and salt; pulse (or pound with mortar) until mixture is well blended and coarsely ground. Transfer to a small bowl. Stir in sumac. Store zaatar in a tightly covered jar for several months.
Yield: ¼ cup.
Per ½-teaspoon serving: Calories: 5. Total fat: 0 grams. Saturated fat: 0 grams. Cholesterol: 0 milligrams. Sodium: 20 milligrams. Carbohydrate: 0 grams: Fiber: 0 grams. Protein: 0 grams.
PREPARATION
INGREDIENTS
Ingredient Note: Sumac is made from ground dried berries of the sumac shrub, which grows throughout the Middle East. It has an interesting tart taste; a sprinkling of sumac enhances salads, grilled meats and fish. You can find sumac at Middle Eastern Markets, specialty spice stores and online sources, such as penzeys.com.
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