spice

[donastraya]

When Mom would go to Brooklyn, she would stop at the Syrian groceries and pick up some staple items. One of which was a spice called Zahta. I use this to give an extra taste to all sorts of foods. This morning I noticed I was low on it

Comments

[msmemory]

Is there any chance she paid with a credit card & you still have her old statements, so can find the shop name?

I also did some Googling, and it sounds like it's a spice blend (spelling variants include Zahtar, za'atar, etc). See in particular: http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2007/02/zaatar_pita_chips.php

[donastraya]

funny thing is, Mom never spelled it out, so I never knew it was spelled with an "R" - she never pronounced it that way either :-)

for the statements, I can't remember when she had gone, it has to be at least 3 years, so it would be kinda difficult to search.

[sarahbyrdd]

I remember going to Syrian restaurants on Atlantic Avenue when I was tiny! Loved me some babganoush even as a toddler.

Have you tried looking at http://www.kalustyans.com? Their store in Manhattan carries a wide variety of spices from all over. If you ever get the chance to go see, do. The place is amazing.

Also, if this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Za'atar is the seasoning you're referring to, I've gotten it at the uptown Fairway in New York. I realize neither of these places are exactly close ... but maybe no further than Brooklyn?

[donastraya]

Atlantic Avenue, that sounds familiar! thanks for the links, I'll take a look see.

[mrgrumpybear]

I'm sorry you're having a painful day. :(

Unfortunately, it appears that the spice you're looking for, za'atar (also here), is like curry - there are different variations. What you find may not taste exactly like you remember. :(

[donastraya]

I think what I might do, when I do find a store is to bring what I have and see if it's the same thing.

One of my co-workers is Egyptian and he's going to ask his wife if the place she shops in has a spice section.

[amykb]

Have Ellesbeth check Elias Market in Bethlehem...if you can show her the packet, that would help too.

[donastraya]

Unfortunatley, there is no packet. It came in a plain brown bag, whos contents are now in a glass jar. The place would sell it by the pound. I wish it did come in a packet, I could have gotten the name of the manufacture

[skyefyr]

Perhaps this might help:

Zahtar Spice

(Middle Eastern spice blend)

2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons basil
2 tablespoons ground thyme
1 teaspoon whole thyme
2 teaspoons savory
2 teaspoons ground marjoram
1/2 teaspoons whole dry marjoram
1 tablespoon sumac (if available - see Middle Eastern store)
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
zest of two lemons, very finely minced

Apparently there's a spice shop in Brooklyn called Sultan's Blend. Perhaps that could be where she got it?

[donastraya]

Thanks for the recipe!