Manakish Za'atar (Levantine Flatbread)
Manakish, also known as manaqish, manaeesh or manakeesh is a popular Levantine food consisiting of dough topped with Za'atar Spice ( a mix of dried thyme, oregano, or a combination and mixed with toasted sesame seeds, salt and sumac), cheese, or ground meat. The bread is similar to pizza and can be served for breakfast or lunch. Manaqish means to sculpt or to carve out, meaning that after the dough has been rolled flat, it is pressed by the fingertips to create little dips for the topping to lie in. Traditionally women would bake dough in a communal oven in the morning to provide their family with their daily bread needs. Manakish is popular in most Levant Countries, especially Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan. (Source Internet)
As mentioned earlier the bread is topped with Za'atar. I love this bread when I saw on google, the beautiful pictures were just wow, but I was not getting Za'atar spice, so I decided to make this on my own. The key ingredient here was Sumac in the spice which was again a bit difficult but I managed to get it.
Sumac is deep red in colour and is one of about 35 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus and related genera. The dried and powdered fruits of Rhus coriaria are used as a spice in Middle Eastern and South Asian Cuisine. (Source Internet)
The Za'atar spice added a distinct taste and texture to the bread. Due to the addition of black pepper the bread turned a bit spicy as well as tangy. We paired this with Homemade baked falafel (Recipe coming soon) and Roasted Red Pepper Harrisa sauce (Recipe coming soon) and in all we had a complete meal and were craving for more. This bread can be eaten without any accompaniment in breakfast or just as a side.
I know I have added too many pictures in this post, but just wanted to share.
Recipes in this series of A-Z International FlatBreads
B- Boxty - Irish Potato FlatBread
F-Farinata Genovese : Ligurian Chickpea Flatbread
Gözleme (Turkish Flatbread with Potato, Spinach, Mint and Feta Cheese)
H- Harcha (Moroccan FlatBread)
I - Injera (Ethiopian FlatBread)
K-Knäckebröd - Swedish Multi-Seed Crispbread
L- Lachuch (Yemenite FlatBread)
Manakish Za'atar (Lebanese Flatbread)
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Ingredients
For the Bread
- 2 cup All Purpose Flour/Plain Flour/ Maida
- 3 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- ½-1 Cup Lukewarm Water (Do not add extra hot water, it will kill the yeast)
- ¼ Cup Za'atar Spice
For the Za'atar Spice (Makes about ¼ cup)
- ½ tablespoon Dried Oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped Oregano)
- 1 tablespoon Sumac
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin (Jeera Powder)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ¾-1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
To make the dough
- Add Lukewarm water in a bowl. Add sugar and yeast in it and let it bloom for 10 minutes.
- Your yeast should bloom, if not please discard and start again, or else your dough will not puff up.
- In a large bowl, add the flour, salt,2 tablespoon of olive oil and bloomed yeast mixture.
- Using a stand mixer or your hand knead the dough well until it forms a soft round ball and is springy to touch.
- Coat the dough with some oil and place it in the bowl.
- Cover and let it rest in a warm surface until double in size. About 1 hour +
Za'atar Spice
- Mix all the ingredients mentioned for Za'atar spice and store it in an air tight container, if making in advance.
Assemble and Bake the Bread
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the Za'atar Spice and mix everything well.
- Divide the dough into equal portions. (I was able to make 5 equal size breads from this)
- Roll each into ¼ inch thickness disc.
- Gently spread the Olive oil mixed Za'atar spice on top of each disc. It should stick to the dough.
- Let them rest for 15-20 minutes so that they puff up. Just look how beautifully have they puffed up.
- In the meanwhile preheat the oven to 180 C.
- Once preheated bake them for 8-10 minutes. I baked at 180 C for 8 minutes and then increased the heat to 200 and baked for another 2 minutes, until lightly brown.
- Ideally breads like this are best baked at 200 C, but my oven gets hot very quickly, so I tend to increase the heat only later. You are a better judge of your oven so please check.
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Day 13- International Flat Breads - Letter M
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The zaatar looks just perfect...you have nailed it! Such a flavorful and inviting bread! Yum!
Manakish Zaatar is one of my fav flatbread since i have baked them at home. Earlier i dont even want to make anything with Zaatar as they were super aromatic for me, now i just love this spice mix. Well done Renu.
Awesome ! How beautiful ! Manakeesh or for that all Lebanese breads are awesome . I am fond of zaatar and Love it’s flavour .
Your breads have turned out super , soft and spongy with a great texture , not to miss the topping!
That is a fabulous spread Renu. And kudos to you for making zaatar yourself. I love the flavours of zaatar and this bread must taste so good.
What a delicious sounding recipe. I have recently tried making flatbreads and have had a wonderful time. I love them and how versatile they are. I love the history behind how central these breads were to the families baking them. Pinned!
The bread looks so appetizing with the spice rubbed on it. Would love to have some for a snack now 🙂
I haven't tried these. They look good. Thanks for linking up #cookblogshare
Zaatar manakish sounds so interesting and delicious, sometimes I top these with cheese and grill, so tasty 🙂 You've made so nicely.
I heard this zaatar breads many times but this masala I have not yet tried it. Looks great will try it out before this year ends.
Great job making Zaatar yourself. Love the middle eastern spread. Everything looks so delicious. Great detailed recipe
Zaatar spiced bread sounds great Renu. Love your detailed recipe and pictures. Awesome share. Will try it after reaching home.
I used to eat a lot of these when I lived in Brazil. There were so many Lebanese restaurants there. I make it at home too. Love the texture of your Manakish and also the presentation.
The first time I visited Dubai and had a zaatar sandwich, I fell in love with the spice mixture. I bought some and have used it from soups to salads and more. Manakish had been on my list and I made them recently. Love how you've served it with baked falafel and red pepper Harissa sauce. Waiting for both the recipes and hats off for making zaatar at home.
I love the zaatar flavour over this bread and the texture has turned out great!..
Bread look so awesme and perfect.. addition of zaatar spices makes more flavorful.
I made the Za'atar flatbread for Z and loved the spice mix. My boys did not like it as much, but I guess it is an acquired taste and will take a few try to get used to it. That will be a marvelous brunch.
I love Zaatar and I can imagine how delicious this brad would taste.The whole platter looks very inviting.
I have read so much about Manakish and zatar spice that want to make it at the earliest, but the problem lies with zaatar spice. Though you have given the recipe of zaatar spice, still no idea of sumac. I'll have to look for some alternatives to enjoy this flavorful bread