Zaatar Manakeesh
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Resting Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 22 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
353 kcal
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Course
Breakfast
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Zaatar Manakeesh
Description
Zaatar Manakeesh involves preparing a yeast-leavened dough that is mixed, kneaded, and allowed to rise to develop a delicate crumb and soft texture. Once divided and shaped into thin rounds, each piece is topped with a mixture of zaatar spice blend and olive oil, which imbues the bread with a distinctive earthy and herbal flavor that is characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine. Baking at a high temperature crisps the edges of the dough while keeping the interior tender.
The zaatar spread is a straightforward combination of the spice mixture and olive oil, ensuring it is spreadable without being runny. This flatbread works well served fresh and warm, complementing breakfast spreads, cheeses, or fresh vegetables. It can also be served alongside dips or eaten plain as a flavorful bread variant.
Leftover manakeesh can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week or frozen after baking. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm in a toaster or oven. When baking from frozen, heating at 350°F (177°C) for 5 to 10 minutes refreshes the bread without drying it out. Zaatar is commonly available at Middle Eastern markets but may also be found in some supermarkets, often in the ethnic foods aisle.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 cup water warm
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for shaping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for coating bowl
Zaatar Spread
- 1/3 cup zaatar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, activate the yeast in warm water; allow 10 minutes for it to proof.
- Add the salt, sugar and olive oil to bowl and use a wooden spoon to mix until combined. Wait a few minutes, then add the flour into the wet ingredients and mix with a spoon until the dough becomes shaggy and you’re no longer able to mix.
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead the dough by hand to form a tight ball.
- Place the dough back into the same oil-coated bowl. Cover with a plastic wrap or towel and set aside at room temperature to rise for 45-60 minutes.
Make the Zaatar Spread
- Mix the zaatar with olive oil in small bowl until it forms a consistent and spreadable mixture.
Assemble and Bake
- Preheat the oven to 450° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the dough into 6-8 equal parts, depending on how large you’d like them. Use your fingers to spread each piece into a round flat disc, about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of zaatar spread on each dough and use the back of the spoon to spread evenly. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the dough becomes light golden in color and puffs slightly.
- Enjoy warm with cheese and vegetables, if desired.
Notes
- Store leftover manakeesh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 to 10 days.
- Freeze baked manakeesh for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat frozen manakeesh at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Zaatar spice is typically found in Middle Eastern markets or some large supermarkets with international ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 353 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 353kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 389mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 73mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.