HOW TO MAKE ZA'ATAR

Za'atar is a fragrant combination of herbs and spices widely used all across the Middle East.  Traditionally sprinkled over pizza or pita bread, it is also used in many meats and even vegetable dishes.

There is a great amount of recipes of how to make Za’atar on the Internet, however, to my great surprise, none of them are the same.  Each author has his own interpretation of this condiment; hence here is my version of preparing Za'atar:

You need:

1 tbsp of almonds

1 tbsp of pistachio nuts

½ of coriander seeds

1/3 tsp of fennel seeds

1/3 tsp of black peppercorns

½ tsp of smoked paprika

½ tsp of sesame seeds

½ tsp of salt

Method:
Heat almonds and pistachio nuts to release their flavour and then cooled down, crush finely with a mortar and pestle into a fine dust.  Don't worry if you are left with some chunks, they are good for texture and some crunch.  Transfer it to a small airtight container.  If you don't have a mortar and pestle at home or find it is a hard work, just use the blender or an old coffee grinder.

Heat all the seeds together with peppercorns, grind them in the mortar and pestle and add to the jar.  Sprinkle with salt, add paprika and give it a good shake.  

Use this aromatic concoction by sprinkling it over the the salad, on your avo sandwich or as a snack.  Just fill one small dish with olive oil, another - with balsamic vinegar and a spoon of Za'atar in the the third.  Place them in a middle of a table together with a basket of good crusty bread and let your guests help themselves by dipping the bread into oild and vinegar first and then some of Za'atar.

Enjoy!!!