Za’atar is a staple in every home in Eastern Mediterranean countries. I confess, I am a za’atar junkie.

Za’atar, for me, is a poetry of mixed flavors. I truly believe it was created by a divine hand and is by far the most favorite taste of the Middle East. Traditionally, it is made with wild thyme that grows throughout Eastern Mediterranean regions. It’s picked, dried, and then added with roasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. This incredible mixture is heavily used in my cooking and also as a snack when mixed with good quality olive oil.

You can make your own blend of za’atar, but I have a source of good za’atar in a Greek Mediterranean store. In this snack, I also add crushed peanuts.

Ingredients:

• Good quality olive oil
• Za’atar mix
• Crushed peanuts (optional)

Serve with warm pita bread.