Dry roast sesame seeds and cumin seeds and powder them coarsely and mix it along with dried oregano, thyme, marjoram, sumac, chilli powder and salt.
To make Lentil soup
Cook brown lentil with water along with bay leaf and carrot using an Instant pot.
Use bean mode and cook for 30 minutes over high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally once its done.
When done the lentil will still hold its shape but will cook perfectly. You may choose to eat that way or blend it to a smooth consistency using a hand blender.
Saute chopped onion, garlic with cumin and chilli powder in olive oil until translucent.
Add this to the simmering lentil along with sumac, black pepper powder and salt.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
To make the Zatar Cheese Bread
Brush a pita bread with garlic sauce, top it with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with zatar spice mix, red chilli powder and parsley. Microwave for 45 seconds!
Notes
SubstitutesSumac spice - available in most middle eastern stores / amazon , is more of a lemony flavor spice... hence substitute with lemon zest or lemon salt. Dried herbs - available in middle eastern stores / amazon. thyme and oregano are main herbs to include. Use more of oregano if you can't find marjoram.CookingTraditional Pressure cooker method - Give it about 5 whistles.Instant Pot - 30 minutes High pressure + NPRStove Top - Cook Covered for 45 minutes medium flame.Garlic Sauce - Made a quick version of garlic sauce - Blend 5 cloves garlic with 1/4 cup olive oil and gently fold in 2 tablespoon mayo in it.