What Can I Use Instead of Zaatar For The Chicken With Fattoush?

Our answer

Nigella's Za'atar Chicken With Fattoush (from NIGELLA SUMMER) marinates chicken thighs in olive oil and za'atar and then roasts the thighs and serves them with a tomato and cucumber salad. Za'atar is a popular Middle Eastern spice blend that is often mixed with olive oil and used as a dip for bread, but is also good sprinkled on hummus and dips and used as a seasoning or garnish.

Many supermarkets now sell za'atar or you can buy it on line. In the Middle East many restaurants, stores and homes will have their own preferred spice blend. But if you can't find za'atar to buy then you can make a basic version at home. Mix together equal quantities of dried thyme, oregano, ground cumin, ground sumac and toasted sesame seeds with a half quantity of salt. The spice mixture will keep in an airtight container in a cool place for about a month.