Fresh Thyme Salad (Green Za'atar)
This is fresh green za'atar preserved with lemon, olive oil, salt, and water. Wash the za'atar thoroughly, cut the lemon, then dissolve 4 heaped tablespoons of salt per liter of water. Combine the ingredients in a clean jar, adding lemon juice and olive oil, then leave for 2 days before eating.
Fresh thyme leaves dressed with lemon, olive oil, and salt, making a sharp herb salad or relish that is served in small amounts.
Like a bright herb salad or lemony relish.
Here, green za'atar means fresh thyme, not the dried spice blend. The flavor is intense, so a little goes a long way.
Ingredients
- fresh green za'atar
- lemon
- lemon juice
- olive oil
- salt
- water
- Use if available instead of regular salt coarse salt
Instructions
- Wash the fresh green za'atar leaves very thoroughly in a large bowl of water, changing the water several times until it is clear of soil.
- After washing the top and bottom ends of the lemon, cut it as desired into medium pieces.
- Place the fresh green za'atar in the preparation bowl.
- Dissolve the salt in the water at a rate of 4 heaped tablespoons for every 1 liter of water.
- Add the chopped lemon to the bowl of fresh green za'atar, then mix the ingredients together.
- Transfer the fresh green za'atar and lemon to a clean, sterilized jar and press them down.
- Add lemon juice over the mixture if desired, then add the salted water until it covers the ingredients.
- Add the olive oil to the jar, then close it and leave it to ferment and become ready to eat.
- Leave the jar for 2 days before eating; according to the chef, it can be eaten after 2 to 3 hours.