Tuesday 30 April 2013

A-Z Challenge -- "Z" is for Za'atar Seasoning Blend



Well, Hello there!!! I am so pleased that you stopped by  to visit!
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    For the past many years I have had an interest...no, make that a fascination with herbs, spices and seasonings. - About how they were used by our ancestors centuries ago for a variety of ailments, and how they are used today to enhance your favorite recipe.

With this in mind I am attempting to present a different herb, spice or seasoning  for each day of the  A-Z Challenge. Please drop by often and perhaps we both will learn something new.

Learn more about these terms

"Z" is for Za'atar Seasoning Blend
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Here we are!!!! We did it!!! Yeah!  I want to thank all those who took the time to visit my blog, and to the super  bloggers that I have "met" since starting the A-Z Challenge. Special thanks to  Arlee Bird and "the team" for the great work they have done, and to YOU who made it so much fun.!

Now, you will have to excuse me as I have taken some poetic licence.... or is that blogetic licence... as the only "Z" word that had anything to do with herbs or spice was a combination of spices,called

ZA'ATAR


Za’atar (sometimes spelled zahtar), is a spice blend that is very popular in Arab cuisine. It is commonly mixed with olive oil and spread on pita or flat bread  and can be used to season meat and vegetables. Za’atar gets most of its flavour from thyme, toasted sesame seeds, and ground sumac berries, which grow in the Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East and have a tart, fruity flavour. It also includes other herbs like oregano, marjoram, and savory. Try za’atar on pita wedges or sprinkled on a Mediterranean pizza. We often add a tablespoon to a batch of hummus for an added dimension of flavour.

If you want to make your own Za'atar, I found the following recipe .Za'atar is very popular in Middle Eastern cooking. Za'atar is a spice blend that is so versatile! It can be used on meats, veggies, rice, and breads. 

Prep Time: 5 minutes  Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup sumac
  • 2 tablespoons thyme
  • 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons marjoram
  • 2 tablespoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt

Preparation:

Grind the sesame seeds in food processor or with mortar and pestle. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Store za'atar in a cool, dark place in a plastic zip bag or in an airtight container. When stored properly, za'atar can be used from 3-6 months.
Medicinal uses: 

Because za'atar is a combination of  spices, any benefits obtained from the individual spice would also be present in the combination.




Sources:
http://www.silkroadspices.ca
About.com


Disclaimer

The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. I encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your condition with your health practitioner.    *The medicinal usages are for informational and educational purposes only*





















19 comments:

  1. Wow, that sounds like a yummy recipe and the fact that it can be stored is a bonus. Great lead in to next year's challenge. Congratulations on getting through the whole alphabet.Thanks for your kind comments and encouragement through the challenge.
    Kathy at Oak Lawn Images

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    1. Thanks, Kathy, for being such a loyal follower for my posts.. it means a lot. Cheers to you for completing the Challenge!

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  2. Thanks Patricia for an informative and interesting April. Like the recipe for Za'atar I wonder if one can find sumac.

    JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

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    1. Thank you, Jo, for you continuous support and encouragement. It has meant a lot. Congrats on getting through the Challenge!

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  3. Glad I found your blog. You have lots of ingredients I've never even heard of. Will be back to read up on more.

    Congrats on finishing A to Z!

    Barbara
    Z is for Zzz-z-z... and an SOS
    The Daille-y News

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    1. Thanks so much for dropping in to visit. Hope to see you again very soon. On my way to visit you.

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  4. Congrats on finishing the challenge!! We did it :)

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  5. Sounds good. My husband's a chef, so he's always making his own sauces, rubs, and flavourings. I wouldn't have a clue, but he seems to have a talent for it!
    coffintreehill.tumblr.com

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    1. How fortunate for you.... It must be so nice to have a hubby who is a chef.... I would so love that! Tks for stopping by. Hope to see you again, soon.

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  6. I have to try that!

    Congrats on completing the A to Z challenge! I am glad you made it!

    --
    Tim Brannan
    The Other Side and

    The Witch

    Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword
    The Freedom of Nonbelief

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    1. Hi Timothy, thanks for dropping by and for your kind words. Boy, you have FOUR blogs..... how do you do it?? Kudos to you.

      Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  7. I have often heard of Za’atar but must admit to having never actually made or used it. I have been exploring many different spices lately and this is another one I hope to use very soon!

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    1. I enjoy trying new spices and recipes as well... that's one that is on my "must try" list.
      Thanks for being so attentive to the posts on this Challenge. I appreciate it.

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  8. An interesting spice combination. I have not seen this before. Fun reading your posts in the A-Z!!

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    1. Thank you so much,Sharon. I appreciate you dropping by. Hope to see you again... I will be dropping by your site as well. Congrats on completing the Challenge!

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  9. Congratulation, Patricia for reaching the finishing line of the A-Z challenge. Incredible feat for your chosen subject - herb, not easy. And now I know what is Za'atar is. Thank you too for your support throughout this challenge. I feel so honored. I wish you the best in your work and next project. Yes, we shall continue to see each other around the blog eh ;)

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  10. Having no idea what sumac berries taste like, I can't imagine what this blend tastes like. It's on my quest list to know. Congrats from going A to Z in one month!

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  11. Stopping by from your comment on the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge Z post on Facebook!
    @JLenniDorner

    Oh, very intriguing. Looks like it would be an interesting taste.

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