Sour, Fragrant and Bitter. Each Middle Eastern country may differ slightly in ingredients. I use just a touch of olive oil to help combine ingredients into a paste. I don’t like it too smooth, its nice to still have whole sesame seeds on whatever it is you use the mixture on.  Add to olive oil and mix when spreading on flat breads ready for the oven , or to use as a marinate for meat.

This is how I make mine.

2 tbsp Sesame Seeds

2 tbsp Thyme

2 tbsp Sumac

1 tbsp Oregano

1 tbsp Marjoram

1/2 tbsp Olive Oil

1 tsp Salt

Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan over a hot flame until golden brown.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whiz together using a hand blender.

Spice mix will keep in an airtight container.

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For more savoury recipes click here.. Or fancy something sweet? Here!