ZAATAR DUQQA

Zaatar Duqqa image

Yield Makes about 2 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds
1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
1 cup sesame seeds
1 cup small dried chickpeas (see Tips, below)
2 tablespoons dried thyme
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 cup nigella seeds

Steps:

In medium bowl, combine chickpeas and enough hot water to cover. Soak 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
In heavy, dry skillet over moderate heat, combine cumin, coriander, and 1/2 cup sesame seeds. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and a shade or two darker, 3 to 4 minutes.
In large bowl, combine toasted spices, chickpeas, thyme, and salt. In spice grinder or clean coffee grinder, finely grind mixture (in batches if necessary). Return to bowl and set aside.
In a heavy, dry skillet over moderate heat, combine remaining 1/2 cup sesame seeds and nigella. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and a shade or two darker, 3 to 4 minutes. Add to other spices in bowl and toss to combine.
To serve, dust over cooked eggs (hard-boiled or soft-boiled, scrambled or fried), mix into soft cheese or yogurt, or drizzle olive oil on pita bread and sprinkle with mixture.
Stored in the refrigerator in clean, tightly sealed jar, mixture will keep up to 6 months.