Zaatar Manakeesh
Zaatar Manakeesh is a traditional Levantine flatbread topped with a flavorful mix of zaatar (a blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and olive oil) and baked until crispy. The dough is soft and chewy, creating the perfect base for the aromatic zaatar topping. This dish is commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, and it’s a delicious, easy-to-make treat that can be customized with extras like cheese or vegetables.
Servings 6 people
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.
Notes
Dough Texture: Be sure to use warm (not hot) water to activate the yeast. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour; if it's too dry, add a little more water.
Zaatar Spread: If your zaatar mix is too thick, simply add a bit more olive oil to reach a spreadable consistency. Feel free to adjust the amount of zaatar depending on your taste preference.
Baking Tips: Keep an eye on the oven as manakeesh bake quickly—about 7-10 minutes at 450°F (230°C) is usually perfect. The edges should be golden and crispy, and the bottom should be slightly browned.
Freezing: Manakeesh freezes well. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for the best results.
Serving Ideas: Enjoy as-is or serve with sides like labneh, olives, fresh veggies, or a drizzle of extra olive oil.