Tomatoes with Thyme

The sharp taste of za’atar (Arabic for thyme) and the strong aroma of white cheese from sheep’s milk add a particular flavour to this salad, which stirs a primeval longing for the simple life, lived close to the land. If this fresh wild thyme is available, this salad is served at every meal. If you can’t get this Middle Eastern variety of thyme, the best substitute is fresh oregano. Unlike cheese in the West, traditional white cheese is produced in spring when pastures are available after t