California Za’atar

Name: California Za’atar
Yield: Makes 1¼ cups [250 g]
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¼ cup [30 g] sesame seeds; 1 cup [240 ml] extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest; 2 tsp ground sumac (optional); ¼ cup [10 g] dried oregano; 1 garlic clove; Kosher salt; ¼ cup [10 g] dried thyme

Preparation info

Makes
1¼ cups

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Gjelina

By Travis Lett

Published 2015

About

This blend of herbs submerged in olive oil makes a condiment that can be used to dip flatbread in, or to serve with grilled chicken, lamb, or roasted vegetables. Za’atar gives a sandwich a decidedly Middle Eastern vibe. The sumac is optional, but it adds a distinct tangy flavor.

Ingredients

¼ cup [30 g] sesame seeds
1 garlic clove
¼

Method

In a small, dry frying pan over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds just until fragrant and beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Set aside and let cool.

Using a Microplane grater, grate the garlic into a small bowl and add the thyme, oregano, toasted sesame seeds, lemon zest, sumac (if using), and olive oil. Stir to combine and season with salt.

Store in an airtight container in