Za'atar Spice Blend

Super King has giant one-pound bags of za'atar, a popular Levantine spice mix.  They contain a small bit of oil, meaning they will go rancid in 6-10 months after you open them.  I can't use a pound of any seasoning in that amount of time.  Also, all the commercial blends I found had thyme as the main ingredient instead of hyssop.  I'm not that fond of thyme.  It has its place.  Greek oregano is a common substitute for hyssop (Syrian oregano), and I have an abundance of that.  Can't seem to kill it.  Bunches are  hanging over my sink drying as decoration.

I happened to have all the ingredients for the blend on Urban Farm and Kitchen.  It claims this is a traditional Levantine version.  Having never tried it in a restaurant that I know of, I'm taking his word.  Sumac is not something everyone keeps around.  I recommend experimenting with it.  A decent substitute is ground dried orange zest, using half the amount.  Marjoram can also be difficult to find, and I wish it wasn't.  He suggests the herb savory as an alternative, which is also hard to find.  Basil or thyme could work.  I know, I just said don't put thyme in it.  Some days, you just have to make do.

As for uses, there are numerous applications.  I first tried the traditional dip a pita in oil, then the spice, and eat.  Later, I tossed vegetables in it for roasting.  It can go well on meats or fish, and be stirred into yogurt to make a dip.  I want to try it in a yeast bread or biscuit.  Think of anything you would use an herb blend for, and see if this is something that would be a good swap.

As for the taste, well, the oregano and sumac together taste a lot like thyme.  So, I get it.  It is very flavorful, and not overly salty.  An excellent homemade substitute for something like Mrs. Dash.

*2 Tb dried oregano
2 Tb dried marjoram
2 Tb ground sumac
2 Tb toasted sesame seeds
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp cumin or red pepper flakes (optional)

1.  If you have raw sesame seeds, toast them first.  Place in a dry pan over low heat.  Stir and shake frequently until a light brown.  Don't walk away.  The sequence is not done, not done, burnt.  If you can smell them toasting, get them off the heat fast.  Set aside to cool.

2.  Combine all seasonings in a bowl.  I did not use the optional "spicy" seasonings, keeping it more on the herby side.  Transfer to a container with a good lid and use within 6-ish months.  The natural oil in the sesame is where the expiration date is.

Makes about 1/2 C

Difficulty rating  π