I grew up with Zahtar being ever-present in my Grandmother’s spice cabinet. An acquired taste for a kid, due to its earthiness, my familiarity with Zahtar was when Grandma sprinkled it over yogurt cheese that was spread over freshly-baked rounds of flatbread. Sometimes, she’d drizzle honey over the top for a new element of sweet with savory. So when the folks from Pereg approached me, offering up this recipe for Zahtar Roasted Sweet Potatoes, I was definitely intrigued and couldn’t wait to share it with RealFoodTraveler.com readers. 

Here’s some information about Zahtar from Pereg, a leading purveyor of all-natural exotic spices:

What is ZAHTAR? This collection of herbs and spices (sometimes spelled Za’atar, Zatar, Zaa’tar, Zahatar, and Zatar) has been a staple of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. Base ingredients usually include hyssop, sesame seeds, oregano, marjoram, and salt. Like chicken soup or curry, there are countless variations. The way it’s made depends on where the maker’s roots are – some families keep their recipes “top secret.”

ZAHTAR is versatile. This blend of herbs and spices works beautifully as a dry rub for all kinds of meat, poultry, and fish. (ZAHTAR and lamb are a match made in culinary heaven.) A pinch of ZAHTAR adds an intriguing Middle Eastern note to your favorite stews, soups, marinades, breads, and more. Mix it with olive oil, sour cream, or yogurt for a sensational dip. Keep some on the table to sprinkle over veggies, hummus, eggs, avocado toast…no wonder The Guardian calls it “magic dust!”

ZAHTAR is good for you. It’s full of antioxidants and also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. ZAHTAR has also long been considered “brain food.” In fact, Maimonides is said to have prescribed it to his patients. (And we know how smart he was!)

ZAHTAR tastes like no other spice blend. It’s very aromatic and has an earthy, warm flavor. ZAHTAR is kind herbaceous, kind of zesty, kind of tangy, and totally unique.

ZAHTAR is a Thing. Chefs across the U.S. are introducing it on their menu items – from fried chicken and pizza to Asian-fusion – and restaurants are offering it as a table top condiment. Bakeries are celebrating it in breads and pastries. Food blogger Mollie Yeh even came up with a popsicle-style cocktail featuring ZAHTAR and cucumbers!

Zahtar Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Experience a whole new flavor profile with Zahtar Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Photo courtesy Pereg.

Recipe Courtesy Shoshie Steinhart, Koshermoms.com

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into wedges

3 Tbsp. avocado oil

3 tsp Pereg Zahtar, available on their website and on Amazon.com.

1 Tbsp. honey

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Place sweet potato wedges in a mixing bowl, place. Pour 2 Tbsp. oil and 2 tsp. Zahtar over and coat the potatoes well. (Reserve the rest of the oil and Zahtar for dressing).

Place potatoes on baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes. Meanwhile mix together the remaining oil and Zahtar and honey in a bowl. Drizzle over the potatoes before serving, when the potatoes are still warm from the oven.

Hungry for more? You might also like these recipes from the Istanbul Cult Cookbook.

RealFoodTraveler.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn a small amount of  advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com while providing convenience for the reader.