Za’atar is one of the great middle-eastern spice mixtures that I discovered when I was introduced to Barakah, my local Arabic foodie shop. So many things I found and still find there that I had not seen or tried before. Pomegranate Molasses, Halva, amazing Tahine sauces, all sorts of dried beans, mulberries, sour plums, lots of thick creamy yoghurt and feta’s. And then the spices, oh what a playground. Lemon Powder, Sumac, Baharat and of course Za’atar. All these exotic names ae spice blends. All with their own personality, perfect for their own type of dish.
Za’atar has got oregano, thyme, basil, sumac, salt and sesame seeds. Tonight I rolled the fresh local salmon fillets in it and added some lemon zest before grilling them. I served them on top of a salad with roasted tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, capsicum and Israeli Couscous. All topped with a creamy yoghurt sauce with dill and lemon juice.
The salmon fillets are amazing, and can easily be eaten just like that as they just melt. The za’atar does give it that extra middle eastern zing though!