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A Middle Eastern flatbread topped with aromatic Za’atar spices, this easy homemade Manakeesh recipe is perfect for any meal. Enjoy the flavors of the Middle East in your own kitchen!
Type of Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 15 minutes ( Wait Time (for dough to rise): About 1.5 hours.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
How Many Servings?
6-8 servings
Ingredients:
1X
2X
3X
Adjust Servings
| 2 cups All-Purpose Flour | |
| 1 tablespoon active yeast | |
| 1 tablespoon Sugar | |
| 1 cup Lukewarm Water | |
| 1 teaspoon salt | |
| ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil | |
| ½ cup Za’atar | |
| ¼ cup olive oil |
Preparation
1
Test the Yeast
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast and sugar with warm water to activate it. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy—this confirms the yeast is alive and ready. It’s a simple step that helps guarantee your Manakeesh comes out light and fluffy.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the yeast and sugar with warm water to activate it. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy—this confirms the yeast is alive and ready. It’s a simple step that helps guarantee your Manakeesh comes out light and fluffy.
2
Make the Dough
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with salt and olive oil, using your fingertips to blend the oil evenly. Add this mixture to the activated yeast. Using a stand mixer, mix on low speed for 2 minutes, then on medium for 5 minutes, until a semi-soft, smooth dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky or overly wet.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with salt and olive oil, using your fingertips to blend the oil evenly. Add this mixture to the activated yeast. Using a stand mixer, mix on low speed for 2 minutes, then on medium for 5 minutes, until a semi-soft, smooth dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky or overly wet.
3
Let the Dough Rise
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and lightly coat the top with olive oil. Cover with a cloth or oiled plastic wrap and set in a warm spot for about 1½ hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and lightly coat the top with olive oil. Cover with a cloth or oiled plastic wrap and set in a warm spot for about 1½ hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
4
Punch Down and Rest
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Knead for about 2 minutes to smooth it out. Cover with a towel and let it rest for another 15 minutes before shaping.
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Knead for about 2 minutes to smooth it out. Cover with a towel and let it rest for another 15 minutes before shaping.
5
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s ready for baking once your Manakeesh is shaped and topped.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s ready for baking once your Manakeesh is shaped and topped.
6
Shape, Rest, and Add Za’atar
Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, depending on how big you want each Manakeesh. Let them rest for 10 minutes, covered, to relax the dough. Then, take one ball at a time and flatten it into a circle. Use your fingertips to create small dimples on the surface. Drizzle with olive oil and generously sprinkle za’atar evenly over the top.
Divide the dough into equal-sized balls, depending on how big you want each Manakeesh. Let them rest for 10 minutes, covered, to relax the dough. Then, take one ball at a time and flatten it into a circle. Use your fingertips to create small dimples on the surface. Drizzle with olive oil and generously sprinkle za’atar evenly over the top.
7
Arrange for Baking
Place the prepared Manakeesh on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet.
Place the prepared Manakeesh on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet.
8
Bake and Enjoy
Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the bottoms and edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Serve warm—and enjoy!
Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the bottoms and edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Serve warm—and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Storage:
After baking your Manakeesh, allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. You can keep them at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing:
1-Allow the Manakeesh to cool completely after baking.
2-Wrap each Manakeesh individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
3-Place the wrapped Manakeesh in a resealable freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
4-Label the bag with the date for reference.
5-Place the bag in the freezer.
Manakeesh can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply remove from the freezer, unwrap, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy your freshly reheated Manakeesh!