Za'tar Spice Mix Recipe

Feel free to suggest more variations in the comment section, as with most spice mixes Za'tar does vary according to region and personal family tastes. Take the following as only a guidepost and by all means.

Background

Za'atar (Arabic: زَعْتَر‎ za‘tar, also romanized zaatar, za'tar, zatar, zatr, zattr, zahatar, zaktar, satar or zather) is a generic name for a family of related Middle Eastern herbs from the genera Origanum (oregano), Calamintha (basil thyme), Thymus (typically Thymus vulgaris, i.e., thyme), and Satureja (savory). The name za'atar alone most properly applies to Origanum syriacum. It is also the name for a condiment made from the dried herb(s), mixed with sesame seeds, dried sumac, and often salt, as well as other spices. Used in Arab cuisine, both the herb and spice mixture are popular throughout the Middle East.

Ingredients:

• sumac 60 grams (1/4 cup)
• thyme 10 grams (2 tablespoons)
• roasted sesame seeds 5 grams (1 tablespoon)
• marjoram 10 grams (2 tablespoons)
  
• oregano 10 grams (2 tablespoons)
• coarse salt 5 grams (1 teaspoon)

Grind the leaves, seeds and salt into a fine powder in a mortar. Grinding the roasted sesame seeds are optional, some enjoy them whole for texture.