Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East with this delightful recipe for Manakish Zaatar! Manakish, often dubbed the ‘Middle Eastern Pizza,’ is a versatile and incredibly flavorful flatbread that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light snack. This particular version stars Zaatar, a fragrant and earthy blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac, creating a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exotic. Imagine warm, pillowy bread topped with a savory, aromatic mixture that awakens your senses with every bite. It’s easier to make than you think, and this detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create a truly authentic and delicious Manakish Zaatar at home. From mixing the dough to perfecting the zaatar topping, you’ll learn all the secrets to achieving bakery-quality results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic Middle Eastern treat. This recipe provides the home cook everything they need for a successful bake. This Manakish Zaatar is perfect for any skill level. A little bit of time and love is all you need to succeed.
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at the recipe overview to give you an idea of what to expect:
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes (plus 1-2 hours for dough rising) |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Servings | 6-8 Manakish |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
The nutritional content of Manakish Zaatar can vary based on the ingredients used and the size of the serving. However, here’s a rough estimate:
- Calories: Approximately 250-350 kcal
- Protein: 7-10g
- Fat: 12-18g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 2-4g
Please note that these values are estimates and can change based on ingredient variations.
Ingredients for the Perfect Manakish Zaatar
Now, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll find most of these at your local grocery store, especially if they have an international section. Don’t worry if you can’t find Zaatar; I’ll provide a simple alternative blend you can make yourself.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 cups (375g) | Plus extra for dusting |
| Instant Dry Yeast | 1 teaspoon | Or 1 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon | Granulated sugar |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Table salt or sea salt |
| Warm Water | 1 1/4 cups (300ml) | About 105-115°F (40-46°C) |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin olive oil recommended |
| Zaatar | 1/2 cup | See note below for a substitute blend |
| Olive Oil (for Zaatar mix) | 1/4 cup | Extra virgin olive oil recommended |
Zaatar Substitute Blend (if you can’t find Zaatar):
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sumac (optional, but adds a characteristic tartness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix all ingredients thoroughly. If you want to boost the flavor consider adding a small pinch of cumin or marjoram.
Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant dry yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Add Liquids: Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes on medium speed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size. This rising step is critical to ensuring that your Manakish Zaatar is light and airy. The best place to let the dough rise is somewhere warm and humid, such as the top of the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Zaatar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the Zaatar and olive oil. Mix well to form a thick paste.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a baking stone or baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This will help the Manakish cook evenly and create a crispy crust.
- Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions.
- Shape the Manakish: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a circle or oval about 6-8 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about making them perfectly round; rustic shapes are part of the charm.
- Add the Topping: Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with semolina flour. Spread a generous amount of the Zaatar mixture evenly over each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Bake the Manakish: Carefully slide the Manakish onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the Zaatar topping is fragrant and bubbly. Keep a close eye on the Manakish while they bake to prevent them from burning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the Manakish from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm and enjoy!
That’s it! You’ve successfully made delicious, authentic Manakish Zaatar.
Serving Suggestions
Manakish Zaatar is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- Breakfast: Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or tea for a satisfying and flavorful breakfast.
- Lunch: Serve it alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of lentil soup for a light and nutritious lunch.
- Snack: Enjoy it as a quick and easy snack any time of day.
- Appetizer: Cut it into smaller pieces and serve it as an appetizer at your next gathering.
- Dipping: Serve with hummus, baba ghanoush, or labneh for dipping.
For a more elaborate meal, consider serving your Manakish Zaatar with a variety of Middle Eastern dips and salads. A platter of hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and fattoush would be a perfect complement to the warm, savory flatbreads.
Tips and Variations for Your Manakish Zaatar
Here are some additional tips and variations to help you customize your Manakish Zaatar and achieve the best possible results:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your Manakish. Use good quality flour, olive oil, and Zaatar for the best results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Oven: Bake the Manakish in batches to ensure they cook evenly. Overcrowding the oven can lower the temperature and result in soggy crusts.
- Adjust the Zaatar Mixture: Feel free to adjust the amount of Zaatar and olive oil in the topping to suit your taste. Some people prefer a thicker, more concentrated Zaatar paste, while others prefer a thinner, more spreadable mixture.
- Add Other Toppings: While Zaatar is the classic topping, you can also experiment with other toppings, such as cheese, vegetables, or meat. A sprinkle of feta cheese or a few slices of tomato would be delicious additions.
- Make it Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for best results. You may need to add a binder, such as xanthan gum, to help the dough hold together.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftover Manakish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Experimenting with different flours, such as whole wheat or spelt, can also add interesting flavors and textures to your Manakish. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid as needed, as different flours absorb moisture differently.
This Homemade Manakish Zaatar recipe is perfect for any occasion. Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Manakish Zaatar, you can easily impress your friends and family with this delicious and authentic Middle Eastern treat. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own signature version. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, Manakish Zaatar is sure to become a new favorite in your household. The unique flavor and ease of production makes Manakish Zaatar a very popular food item. Creating this delicious treat from the comfort of your home is a great way to try something new and exciting.
Enjoy the process of making this classic Middle Eastern flatbread, and savor every bite! This Manakish Zaatar recipe provides a fun and easy way to create a tasty meal. Remember to follow all the instruction and you’ll have no problem cooking a delicious homemade Manakish Zaatar. Making this dish in your own kitchen is an enriching and satisfying experience.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Homemade Manakish Zaatar! This recipe can bring a taste of the Middle East straight into your home. Once you try it, you’ll be making this dish over and over again.
