Manakeesh Recipe with Za’atar – A Middle Eastern Favorite

Once a month, my kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of this Manakeesh recipe—a Middle Eastern flatbread topped with za’atar that’s pure joy for bread lovers. I love making a big batch, freezing extras, and serving them for breakfast with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, creamy hummus, and a spoonful of labneh. It’s a simple, classic combo that never fails to make me smile.

Ingredient in the Manakeesh recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of Manakeesh provides a soft and chewy texture to the dough.
• Active Yeast: Adds a subtle fermentation flavor, contributing to the dough’s rise and creating a light, airy structure.
• Sugar: Balances the yeast’s bitterness, offering a hint of sweetness to the dough.
• Lukewarm Water: Activates the yeast and binds the ingredients, ensuring a smooth and cohesive dough.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, bringing out the natural tastes of the dough and toppings.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Infuses richness into the dough, contributing a distinctive Mediterranean taste.
• Za’atar: A quintessential Middle Eastern spice blend featuring thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, delivering an herbal, tangy, and nutty flavor.
• Olive Oil and Za’atar Mix: A drizzle that crowns the Manakeesh, blending the robustness of olive oil with the aromatic Za’atar, intensifying the overall taste experience.

What is Manakeesh?

Manakeesh, or manakish, is a popular Middle Eastern street food. It’s an open-faced flatbread made from a simple dough, baked until golden brown and slightly crispy. Sometimes, it’s rolled up for easy eating. You can find manakish in corner bakeries throughout the Middle East. This blog recipe will help you make delicious Manakeesh at home.

Mastering the Dough

Creating the ideal Za’atar Manakeesh begins with mastering the dough. Here are some valuable tips to ensure your dough for the Manakeesh recipe turns out just right:

•  Precise Measurements: Accurate measurements of flour, water, yeast, and other ingredients are critical. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure consistency.
•  Lukewarm Water: The water temperature for yeast activation should be around 110°F (43°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to gauge the temperature accurately. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, while water that’s too cold won’t activate it effectively.
• Gradual Mixing: When combining the flour, salt, and olive oil, mix slowly to prevent the flour from flying out of the bowl. Gradually increase the mixing speed as the dough comes together.
• Kneading Technique: During the kneading process, avoid overworking the dough. Knead until it forms a smooth, elastic ball. Over-kneading can make the dough tough.
• Proper Rising: Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free place. The first rise is crucial for developing flavor and structure. When doubling in size, the dough is ready.
• Punch Down Gently: After the first rise, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. This step ensures a more uniform texture in the final product.
• Resting Periods: Short resting periods between rises and before shaping the dough allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to work with and preventing shrinkage during baking.
• Uniform Portions: Aim for uniform sizes when dividing the dough into balls for individual Manakeesh. This ensures even cooking.
•  Dimpling Technique: While shaping the dough into rounds, use your fingertips to create small holes and dimples on the surface. This enhances the Manakeesh’s appearance and helps the Za’atar topping adhere.
•  Quality Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the dough and the Za’atar topping, preferably a high-quality variety. It contributes to the dough’s flavor and texture.
•  Preheating the Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature before placing the Manakeesh inside. A properly heated oven ensures even baking.

Variations of Manakeesh recipe

This manakeesh recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various forms, making it suitable for any time of day. This Middle Eastern flatbread offers a delightful canvas for a wide array of toppings, similar to pizza. Whether you’re preparing it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a gathering, here are some delicious variations and topping ideas to explore:

1. Za’atar Manakeesh: This classic version features a generous topping of Za’atar spice blend mixed with olive oil, creating a savory and aromatic treat.
2. Cheese Manakeesh: Top your flatbread with a blend of cheeses, such as Akkawi or Halloumi, for a creamy and indulgent experience.
3. Meat Lover’s Manakeesh: Sautéed ground meat with flavorful spices, onions, and tomatoes creates a hearty and satisfying option.
4. Vegetarian Delight: Load up your Manakish with a colorful assortment of fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, olives, and onions, for a healthy and vibrant twist.
5. Egg and Cheese Combo: Scrambled eggs and a layer of cheese make for a filling and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
6. Spicy Sujuk Manakeesh: Sujuk, a flavorful and slightly spicy sausage, pairs wonderfully with the flatbread for a zesty kick.
7. Sweet Manakish: Try drizzling honey over your Manakish or sprinkling it with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.