Wild thyme is the predominant note; if it's not possible to locate the other ingredients, I would simply go with dried thyme, adding ground sesame seeds if you have them available.
Authentic za'atar is its own herb, but the za'atar blend that is available in the states is a combo of thyme, sesame seeds, salt, and sumac. The thyme is the top note. You could sub lemon juice or lemon zest for the sumac, but its flavor seems closer to sour dried cherry or unsweetened cranberry.
FWIW, I got my sumac at Marshall's or Home Goods.
We purchase it in a Middle Eastern Market. There are many kinds of za'atar and if you do a recipe search it will list the contents. That way you can decide which flavors you would like to incorporate as a substitute.
yes...in addition to the thyme & oregano I mentioned first, I've also seen (and made) recipes with dried hyssop, Mediterranean or summer savory.
The hyssop is as or more difficult to find than the sumac and (to my taste) added little flavor.
A bit of dried thyme or oregano, some sesame (seeds, tahini or oil)and a bit of something sour (lemon juice, vinegar, dried mango powder) will give you key (thought not exact) flavor notes of za'atari.
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FWIW, I got my sumac at Marshall's or Home Goods.
The hyssop is as or more difficult to find than the sumac and (to my taste) added little flavor.
Voted the Best Reply!
http://www.finecooking.com/article/how-to-make-a-homemade-substitute-for-zaatar
In any case, the article I linked to also provides a substitution for the sumac.