MAKE YOUR OWN ZA’ATAR

The Levantine spice mix is easy to prepare and oh-so versatile

recipe MIRIAM NICE photograph WILL HEAP

Za’atar

Za’atar is a staple of Levantine and Middle Eastern cooking. The simplest way to enjoy it is to dip pieces of warm flatbread in olive oil, then dunk them in the spice mix so it sticks.

But don’t stop there: za’atar also makes a great seasoning. Try it sprinkled over salads, poached eggs and hummus, or scatter over a whole chicken before roasting.

SERVES around 9 tbsp PREP 5 mins COOK 2 mins EASY V

2 tbsp cumin 2 tbsp sesame seeds 2 tbsp dried oregano 2 tbsp sumac 1 Lightly toast the cumin seeds in a dry pan until they just start to release their aroma, then grind them to a fine powder using a pestle and mortar. Stir in all the other ingredients, plus 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp ground black pepper. Will keep in a clean jar or airtight container for a month.

GOOD TO KNOW vegan • gluten free PER SERVING 26 kcals • fat 2g • saturates none • carbs none •sugars none •fibre 1g •protein 1g • salt 1.2g