If you’re craving a taste of the Middle East, Zaatar Manakeesh is a must-try! Often described as the Middle Eastern version of pizza, this flavorful flatbread is both simple and packed with traditional spices. It’s a popular breakfast or snack dish across countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.
What is Zaatar Manakeesh?
Zaatar Manakeesh (or Manakish bi Zaatar) is a traditional Levantine flatbread topped with a blend of za’atar (a mix of dried thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds) mixed with olive oilThe dough is rolled out flat, then the zaatar mix is spread generously on top. After that, it’s baked in the oven until the bread turns golden and crispy on the edges, yet remains soft in the center.
It’s often enjoyed with labneh (a thick, tangy yogurt), fresh vegetables, olives, or even wrapped up as a sandwich. Its earthy, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor makes it a favorite for people of all ages.
What is manakeesh
Manakeesh (also spelled manakish, manaeesh, or manousheh in singular) is a Levantine flatbread that’s topped with a variety of ingredients and then baked—kind of like a Middle Eastern version of pizza.
It’s a staple food in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, especially popular for breakfast or lunch. The dough is usually soft and slightly chewy, and it can be topped with:
- Zaatar (thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and olive oil) – the most traditional and famous version
- Cheese – often a salty white cheese like akkawi or halloumi
- Minced meat – spiced ground beef or lamb (called “lahm bi ajeen”)
- Spinach or other veggies – sometimes combined with lemon and onions for a tangy filling
Manakeesh can be served flat like a pizza, or folded/wrapped up for easy eating on the go.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Start with 5 cups of all-purpose flour for a soft and chewy base.
- Then add 2 cups of warm water to activate the yeast and bring the dough together.
- Next, mix in ½ cup of vegetable oil to keep the dough moist and tender.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of instant yeast to help the dough rise quickly and evenly.
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to feed the yeast and balance the flavor.
- Finally, include 1 teaspoon of salt to round out the taste.
For the Zaatar Spread:
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of zaatar with ¼ cup of olive oil.
- Mix well until you get a spreadable paste—add more oil if needed for a smoother texture.
How to make zaatar manakeesh
1. Prepare the Dough
- First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it starts to foam—this means the yeast is active.
- Next, add the vegetable oil, salt, and flour. Mix until a dough forms.
- Then, knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Make the Zaatar Spread
- While the dough is rising, mix the zaatar and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. Add a little more oil if it’s too dry.
3. Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into equal balls (about 8–10, depending on your preferred size).
- Then, on a floured surface, roll each ball into a thin circle—about 6–8 inches wide.
4. Add the Topping
- Now, spread a spoonful of the zaatar mixture evenly over each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Bake
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the manakeesh on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the bottom is crisp.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Finally, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with labneh, fresh veggies, or enjoy on its own!
Tips To Make This Recipe
Use warm water to activate the yeast – It should be warm, not hot, to help the dough rise properly without killing the yeast.
Let the dough rise in a warm place – A cozy spot helps the dough double in size faster and become nice and fluffy.
Adjust the zaatar mix – If the spread is too thick, add a little more olive oil until it’s smooth and easy to spread.
Bake just until golden – Keep an eye on the oven! They cook fast—about 7–10 minutes is all you need for a crisp, golden finish.
How to serve Zaatar manakeesh?
Zaatar manakeesh is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with fresh veggies and a cup of tea for breakfast. It also pairs wonderfully with olives and labneh, making it a truly perfect morning meal.
You can enjoy it as-is or turn it into a wrap—just fill it with veggies, olives, and labneh if you like, then roll it up and enjoy it with your favorite drink. It’s a flavorful and satisfying option for breakfast, brunch, or even lunch.
How to Freeze Zaatar Manakeesh:
Bake Fully First – Bake the manakeesh as you normally would, letting them cool completely.
Wrap and Store – Once cooled, wrap each manakeesh tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
Freeze – You can freeze them for up to 1-2 months.
How to Reheat:
From Frozen:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frozen manakeesh on a baking sheet and heat for 10–15 minutes or until the edges are crisp and warmed through.
In a Toaster Oven:
- You can reheat them in a toaster oven for a few minutes until they’re warm and slightly crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it ou
If you don’t have zaatar, you can make a quick version with dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt. It’s an easy and tasty substitute.
Definitely! Bake them fully, let them cool, then wrap them up tightly and freeze. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven until warm and crisp.
For more mediterranean brunch recipes:
Zaatar Manakeesh
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 5 cups flour
- 2 cups warm water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp instant yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- For the Zaatar Spread:
- ½ cup zaatar
- ¼ cup olive oil add more if needed
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour with warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Stir well, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
- Once the mixture has doubled in size, add the vegetable oil and gradually add the remaining flour.
- Add the last ½ cup of flour slowly while kneading, until you get a soft and smooth dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 30–45 minutes, until it rises.
- Prepare the Zaatar Spread
- In a small bowl, mix zaatar and olive oil until well combined.
- If the mixture is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Shape the Manakeesh
- Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Cover and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Using a rolling pin, roll out each dough ball to your preferred thickness:
- For thinner manakeesh, bake for a shorter time.
- For thicker manakeesh, bake slightly longer.
- Assemble & Bake
- Place the rolled-out dough on a baking tray.
- Spread the zaatar mix evenly on top, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 500°F for 5 minutes, until golden.
- If you prefer a crispier top, turn on the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with fresh vegetables, olives, labneh, or a cup of tea.