Za'atar Manakeesh with Labneh
A beloved Palestinian breakfast and snack, Manakeesh are flatbreads topped with a fragrant mixture of za'atar, olive oil, and herbs, traditionally baked in a taboon oven. Served here with creamy labneh for a delightful contrast.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 2.25 tsp Instant yeast
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1.25 cups Warm water
- 1/4 cup Olive oil(plus more for brushing)
- 1/2 cup Za'atar blend
- 2 tbsp Sesame seeds(optional)
- 1 cup Labneh(for serving)
- 1/4 cup Fresh mint leaves(chopped, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water and 1/4 cup olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
💡 Tip: Ensure water is warm, not hot, to activate yeast. - 2
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
⏱️ 1.5 hours - 4
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
💡 Tip: Work with one ball at a time, keeping others covered. - 6
On a lightly floured surface, flatten each dough ball into a thin round, about 8-10 inches in diameter.
- 7
In a small bowl, mix the za'atar blend with 1/4 cup olive oil and optional sesame seeds. Adjust consistency with more oil if needed.
💡 Tip: The mixture should be a spreadable paste. - 8
Spread the za'atar mixture evenly over each flattened dough round, leaving a small border.
- 9
Carefully transfer the manakeesh to the preheated baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and puffed.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 10
Remove from oven, brush lightly with olive oil, and serve immediately with a dollop of labneh and fresh mint.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For authentic flavor, use a good quality za'atar blend that includes sumac, thyme, and sesame seeds.
- ✓If you don't have a pizza stone, a heavy baking sheet will work.
- ✓The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
🔄 Variations
- Add thinly sliced tomatoes or cucumbers on top of the za'atar before baking.
- For a richer flavor, add a sprinkle of feta cheese.