Manakish Zaatar (Levantine Za'atar Flatbread)
Enjoy the aromatic flavors of the Levant with this easy Manakish Zaatar recipe, perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
Contents (2 sections)▾
Ingredients
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 10 g salt
- 10 g instant yeast
- 300 ml warm water
- 30 ml olive oil
- 100 g za'atar
- 60 ml additional olive oil for topping
Steps
In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Add the warm water and 30 ml of olive oil, and knead until you have a soft dough, about 10 minutes.
Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. This allows the yeast to activate, creating a light texture.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Punch down the dough to release air, then divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 0.5 cm thick.
In a small bowl, mix the za'atar with the remaining 60 ml of olive oil to create a paste. Spread this mixture evenly over each rolled-out dough circle.
Transfer the topped dough onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bread puffs up.
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy warm, perhaps with fresh vegetables or yogurt.
Why this works
The combination of yeast and warm water creates a dough that rises beautifully, yielding a light and airy flatbread. The za'atar, a blend of herbs, adds aromatic depth, while the olive oil enhances flavor and creates a crisp texture. It’s essential to spread the za'atar paste generously, as it not only flavors the bread but also helps create that toasty crust as it bakes. If your dough seems too sticky, add a small amount of flour while kneading; if it feels too dry, you can introduce a teaspoon of warm water at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Baking at a high temperature ensures the bread puffs up quickly, creating a pleasing texture and aroma. Serve it warm for the best experience, as the flavors are most vibrant right out of the oven!