Za'atar
Za'atar is a fragrant Middle Eastern spice blend made from dried thyme, oregano, savoury, sumac, sea salt and toasted sesame seeds. The Thermomix TM7 grinds the herbs to a uniform powder in seconds, delivering a fresher, more aromatic mix than anything from a shop jar. Ideal as a seasoning for bread, meat, vegetables and dips.
About this recipe
Za'atar Thermomix TM7 recipes bring the soul of Levantine kitchens straight into your home, and this all-in-one kitchen machine makes the process remarkably simple. Za'atar is a treasured Middle Eastern spice blend built on dried thyme, oregano and savoury, brightened by lemony sumac and finished with sea salt and toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. While shop-bought jars often taste flat and dusty, grinding your own herbs in the TM7 releases their essential oils within seconds, producing a blend with vivid aroma and even texture. Sprinkle it over warm flatbread with olive oil, rub it onto chicken before roasting, stir it through yogurt for a quick dip, or dust it over roasted vegetables for a quick weeknight dinner upgrade. Because the batch keeps for weeks in an airtight jar, it is also a smart meal prep staple. Once you taste freshly ground za'atar, you will never return to the supermarket version.
Preparation tips
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden before adding them, as this deepens the nutty flavour of your za'atar considerably. Let them cool completely before grinding so the blend stays dry and free-flowing rather than clumping together.
- Store the finished za'atar in a small airtight jar away from light and heat; it keeps its lemony sumac tang and herb aroma for several weeks. Shake the jar before each use, as the heavier sesame seeds naturally settle at the bottom.
- For a coarser, more rustic blend, grind the dried thyme, oregano and savoury first, then stir the sesame seeds in afterwards by hand. This keeps the seeds whole, giving a lovely texture when sprinkled over flatbread or labneh.
Recipe variations
- For a spicier Levantine version, add a pinch of dried chilli flakes or ground cumin to the thyme, oregano and sumac base. This warmer blend works beautifully rubbed onto lamb or sprinkled over roasted chickpeas.
- A kid-friendly milder variation reduces the sumac slightly and adds extra toasted sesame seeds, making the blend nuttier and less tangy. Serve it mixed with olive oil as a simple dip with warm pita bread and crunchy vegetable sticks.
Why this recipe works
Crafting the perfect Za'atar blend requires precision to balance nutty sesame, tangy sumac, and aromatic herbs. With the Thermomix TM7, you eliminate guesswork and achieve a flawlessly consistent texture every time. Its precise blade control allows you to toast and grind spices to your exact fineness preference, removing the risk of uneven lumps. Ensure your homemade seasoning is of the highest quality, delivering the authentic, vibrant flavour needed for faultless dishes. Experience the satisfaction of perfectly blended spices that elevate your cooking to professional standards effortlessly.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Using the grinding function, the Thermomix turns dried thyme and oregano into a fine, aromatic powder in mere seconds. [Multi-Function]
- The built-in scale weighs the sumac and sea salt directly in the bowl, ensuring a balanced blend without extra measuring cups. [Built-in Scale]
- With kneading-free convenience, the TM7 blends the sesame seeds evenly through the mix, giving consistent flavour in every spoonful. [Multi-Function]
- The mixing function of the TM7 combines savoury and salt into a uniform blend, far faster than stirring by hand. [Time Savings]
- Heating the sesame seeds gently in the Thermomix releases their nutty oils before they join the za'atar blend. [Multi-Function]
Ingredients
- dried thyme
- dried oregano
- dried savory
- sumac
- fine sea salt
- toasted sesame seeds