Manakish Zaatar

🧂 Ingredients

• 500 g Bread dough(Use your favorite homemade or store-bought pizza or bread dough. Ensure it has had at least one rise.)
• 100 g Zaatar(Lebanese zaatar blend is preferred for its authentic flavor. Adjust to taste.)
• 100 ml Extra virgin olive oil(Good quality olive oil will enhance the flavor.)
• 2 tbsp All-purpose flour(For dusting the work surface and rolling pin.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the dough: If using homemade dough, ensure it has completed its first rise according to your recipe. If using store-bought, bring it to room temperature. Lightly flour a clean work surface and your hands.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Divide and shape the dough: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a ball. On the floured surface, roll out each ball into a thin, round or oval-shaped flatbread, about 6-8 inches in diameter and approximately 1/4 inch thick. You can also stretch the dough by hand if preferred.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
3. 3

   Prepare the zaatar topping: In a small bowl, combine the zaatar and olive oil. Stir until you achieve a thick, spreadable paste. Add a little more olive oil if it seems too dry, or a touch more zaatar if too oily.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Assemble the manakish: Place the rolled-out dough rounds onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Spread a generous layer of the zaatar-olive oil mixture evenly over each dough round, leaving a small border around the edges. Ensure the topping is well distributed.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Bake the manakish: Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally 230-250°C (450-475°F). If you have a pizza stone or baking steel, preheat it in the oven. Carefully transfer the manakish (on parchment paper or directly onto the hot stone/steel) into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are puffed up, golden brown, and slightly crispy, and the zaatar topping is fragrant and lightly toasted.

   ⏱️ 12-15 minutes
6. 6

   Serve immediately: Remove the manakish from the oven. For the best experience, serve hot, straight from the oven. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of yogurt or fresh vegetables.

   ⏱️ N/A

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Manakish Zaatar is an essential part of a traditional Lebanese breakfast spread.
• ✓The ideal texture is thin and crispy, with a slightly chewy crust.
• ✓Eat them hot off the oven for the most satisfying flavor and texture.
• ✓Don't overcrowd the oven; bake in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

🔄 Variations

• Manakish bi Jibneh: Add a sprinkle of Akkawi or Mozzarella cheese over the zaatar mixture before baking.
• Manakish bi Lahme: Top with a thin layer of spiced ground meat (lamb or beef) mixed with onions and tomatoes before baking.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving