Zataar

Let the French have their herbes de Provence; the Chinese, their five-spice powder. I raise my plate for zataar. This intensely aromatic mixture of dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac looms large on Israel’s culinary landscape; indeed, it’s enjoyed throughout the Middle and Near East. The herbs in zataar can include oregano, thyme, summer savory, and one or more of a half dozen local herbs that have no equivalents in the West. You can buy zataar ready-made at Israeli and Middle East market