Zaatar Mix

Ingredients

1 cup sumac
2 cups roasted, ground sesame seeds
1/2 cup dried ground thyme
2 tablespoons dried leaf oregano
2 tablespoons dried leaf marjoram
2 tablespoons dried leaf savory
1 tablespoon salt, or to taste (optional)

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients together except the salt (some sumac is salty; also, you may not want the salt for some zaatar uses). Taste carefully and add the salt if desired. Keep the zaatar mix in a tightly closed jar (the sesame seeds will last 6 months maximum); it will stay fresher in the refrigerator or freezer than at room temperature. Makes about 4 cups. Sprinkle on bread dough that's been brushed with olive oil and then bake. Rub on chicken or fish before grilling. Toss with sauteed vegetables and boiled potatoes; Dredge oil-coated chunks of feta in it. Add a little to a vinaigrette, made of 3 parts olive oil and 1 part lemon juice, along with crushed garlic, lots of chopped parsley, and salt and pepper.