Description
Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade Manakeesh, a Middle Eastern flatbread topped with za’atar and olive oil. Perfect for any meal or snack, these customizable flatbreads are easy to make and can be enhanced with cheese and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup za’atar spice mix (or to taste)
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or Akkawi) – optional
- Fresh vegetables (like tomatoes, olives, or bell peppers) – optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the frothy yeast mixture along with the olive oil.
- Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients until they start to come together into a shaggy dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- While the dough is rising, mix the za’atar spice with the olive oil in a small bowl until it forms a paste. Adjust the amount of za’atar to your taste.
- If using cheese, shred it now and set aside. Prepare any fresh vegetables by slicing them thinly.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and transfer it back to a floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Flatten each dough ball into a circle about ¼ inch thick, transferring them onto parchment paper for easy handling.
- Spread a generous amount of the za’atar mixture over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edges.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the za’atar topping. Add fresh vegetables if desired.
- Carefully transfer the flatbreads (with parchment paper) onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet.
- Bake the flatbreads for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences.
- Manakeesh can be served warm or at room temperature and pairs well with yogurt or fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes