Flavors of the Mediterranean: Za’atar SpiceBox

Welcome to SpiceTopia’s Flavors of the Mediterranean Za’atar SpiceBox!

Also spelled Zatar, Zaatar, and Za’tar, Za’atar is a cherished spice blend across the Middle Eastern world. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the word “Za’atar.”This confusion may come from the use of the word Za’atar across many different cultures and languages.

In addition to a spice blend with many different recipes, Za’atar can also mean hyssop or refer to a wild herb sometimes called oregano and sometimes called wild thyme. See what we mean by confusing!

But have no fear, the Za’atar and recipes in your Flavors of the Mediterranean Za’atar SpiceBox make using this flavorful spice blend easy!

Read more about Za’atar in our Story of Za’atar!

All the recipes included in this spicebox are not only flavorful, but also healthy. With the exception of the Za’atar Rubbed Roasted Chicken recipe, these recipes are full of veggies and mostly plant-based. Like most Mediterranean foods, they rely on olive oil, spices, and herbs to add flavor and excitement to simple healthy ingredients.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Za'atar Rubbed Roasted Chicken

This easy but impressive recipe combines the flavors of za’atar, lemon, and fresh mint to bring a savory, and yet fresh flavor to butterflied (spatchcocked) chicken. First cooked on the stove top weighted down under a foil wrapped brick or heavy pot before being finished in the oven, this chicken comes out with crispy skin flavored with the herbs and spices of za’atar. A simple vinaigrette served on the side brightens up the finished dish. Serve with a bit of bread and a simple lettuce salad for a delightful dinner.

Fasulye Pilaki (Turkish White Bean Mezze)

This simple but delicious dish can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. We enjoy with pita chips as a delicious start to a meal, or over a bed of spinach as a lunchtime salad. As with many Mediterranean dishes, this is a naturally gluten-free and vegan recipe.

The recipe calls for a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil, you can also top with a dollop of yogurt, an egg, or even tuna.

Mediterranean Roasted Tomato & Tapenade Pasta

This simple pasta dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and calls for just a few ingredients, but tastes much more complex due to the addition of za’atar and tapenade. Once you make this the first time, you’ll find it easy to make adjustments using any other fresh vegetables you might have on hand. Add some zucchini or bell peppers to the roasting tomatoes. Switch out the pasta for a whole wheat or gluten-free version. Add quartered marinated artichoke hearts. Make this dish 100% plant based by leaving out the feta, or substitute your favorite vegan feta. In other words, make this your own.

Mediterranean Chickpea Stew Recipe

This is a delicious dish all on its own, but can be served many different ways. We’ve served it with spaghetti, over rice, with pita bread, and as a bed for grilled meats! Feel free to change up the vegetables to take advantage of what you have or what’s in your pantry! And when eating this stew on its own, we often top it with a dollop of yogurt and tapenade! This recipe, like so many Mediterranean recipes, is naturally vegan and gluten-free!

Additional Ways to Use Za'atar

In the Middle East, Za’atar is a versatile spice used both as a table seasoning sprinkled on foods after cooking, a marinade to flavor foods before cooking, and added during the cooking process.

Boast the flavors in your kitchen by adding Za’atar to:

Hummus or Dips – sprinkle on homemade or store-bought hummus or dips
Toasted Bread – mix with olive oil and spread on bread before toasting it–much like a Middle Eastern garlic bread
Marinades – used with olive oil and lemon juice to marinate grilled vegetables and chicken
Salad Dressings – either creamy or vinaigrette dressings.
Avocado toast with a poached egg
Coleslaw