Za’atar

Makes: About ½ cup

Time: 10 minutes

F M V

A tangy, nutty seasoning used throughout the Middle East, this herb and seed blend is a good addition to Hummus (page 463) and can be sprinkled over olives, vegetables, rice, slices of feta cheese, or toasted pita bread drizzled with olive oil. For a fast dip, mix it with some plain yogurt and extra virgin olive oil (see The Simplest Yogurt Sauce, page 673).

Sesame seeds turn rancid quickly, so keep this in the fridge for longer storage.

• 2 tablespoons dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons ground sumac
• ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds (see page 299)
• Salt and pepper

1. Use your fingers to crumble the thyme into a small jar or bowl.
2. Stir in the sumac and sesame seeds. Season with a little salt and pepper. Store in a tightly covered opaque container in the refrigerator for up to a month.