I do like to try dishes from around the world and have read a lot about the middle eastern spice blend, Za’atar. I have been meaning to make it for some time but one of the key ingredients is sumac. This is not a readily available spice in a small city in the Canadian Rockies.
I was in our local bulk food store and noted they had sumac! The time had arrived.
I did some experimenting and found the following to be the blend that suited my tastes while maintaining the main ingredients.
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) dried thyme
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) cumin
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) ground coriander
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) sesame seeds
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) ground sumac
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) dried oregano
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground pepper
- 4 ml (3/4 teaspoon) kosher salt
I mixed them all together and stored them in a jar.
The Verdict
This is a truly distinct spice blend. There are the great Mediterranean flavours of coriander, cumin, thyme and oregano but the sumac gives a strong, almost floral taste. The sesame seeds brown when cooked and a touch of nutty flavour. This is very tasty but I suspect you haven’t had tastes like this before if you are new to middle eastern cooking. Among my friends it seems to be they love it or hate it.
I love it.
It is great on grilled meat, fish or chicken but remember it is strongly flavoured and use it accordingly.
The Old Fat Guy
Ingredients
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) dried thyme
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) cumin
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) ground coriander
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) sesame seeds
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) ground sumac
- 7.5 ml (1/2 tablespoon) dried oregano
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground pepper
- 4 ml (3/4 teaspoon) kosher salt
Instructions
- Mix together and store in a sealed container.
