Zaatar Manakeesh is a standard Center Japanese flatbread topped with zaatar, a aromatic mixture of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac. This straightforward recipe is ideal for making at residence, utilizing easy substances like flour, olive oil, yeast, and zaatar seasoning. Whether or not you’re making it for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack, Zaatar Manakeesh is flavorful, fragrant, and extremely satisfying.
This recipe contains step-by-step directions to make smooth, fluffy dough and a wealthy zaatar unfold. You possibly can take pleasure in Zaatar Manakeesh by itself or customise it with cheese and recent greens. It’s an ideal dish for a Mediterranean-inspired meal and pairs effectively with hummus, olives, or a recent cucumber salad.

Components
For the Dough:
- 1 tablespoon immediate yeast
- 1 cup heat water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for shaping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus additional for greasing the bowl)
For the Zaatar Unfold:
- 1/3 cup zaatar spice combine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Directions
Make the Dough:
- In a big bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with heat water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes till it turns into frothy.
- Add salt, sugar, and olive oil to the yeast combination, stirring to mix.
- Regularly add the flour, mixing till the dough turns into shaggy and troublesome to combine with a spoon.
- Switch the dough to a floured floor and knead by hand for about 5 minutes till the dough turns into easy and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, protecting it with plastic wrap or a towel. Let it rise at room temperature for 45-60 minutes, or till doubled in measurement.
Make the Zaatar Unfold:
- In a small bowl, mix the zaatar spice combine with olive oil, stirring till you obtain a easy, spreadable consistency.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 6-8 equal parts, relying on how massive you need the manakeesh.
- Roll every portion right into a ball, then use your fingers to press and flatten every ball right into a spherical disc, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Unfold 1-2 tablespoons of the zaatar combination on every dough disc, utilizing the again of a spoon to unfold it evenly.
- Place the ready discs on the lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or till the dough is golden and barely puffed.
Serve heat, optionally topped with cheese and greens for additional taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Zaatar Manakeesh is a scrumptious and versatile Center Japanese flatbread, excellent for breakfast or as a snack. The mixture of sentimental, heat dough and fragrant zaatar makes it irresistible. This straightforward recipe will be custom-made with toppings similar to cheese, tomatoes, or cucumbers for a extra substantial meal. It’s a fast, savory deal with that’s excellent for any event.


Ideas
- For a softer, fluffier dough, make certain to knead it effectively and let it rise till it doubles in measurement.
- For those who want a stronger zaatar taste, be happy so as to add extra zaatar to the unfold.
- To make sure a crispy backside, preheat your baking sheet within the oven whereas the dough rises.
Variations and Substitutions
- Cheese Zaatar Manakeesh: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or feta cheese on prime of the zaatar unfold earlier than baking.
- Vegetarian Possibility: Prime the manakeesh with sliced tomatoes or cucumbers after baking for a recent twist.
- Vegan: The unique recipe is already vegan-friendly, however should you use cheese, you’ll be able to go for a vegan cheese substitute.
FAQs
Can I take advantage of lively dry yeast as a substitute of immediate yeast? Sure, you’ll be able to. Simply dissolve the lively dry yeast in heat water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes earlier than utilizing.
How can I retailer leftovers? Retailer any leftover manakeesh in an hermetic container at room temperature for as much as 2 days. You can too freeze them for as much as 1 month and reheat them within the oven.
Can I make this recipe forward of time? Sure, you’ll be able to put together the dough and refrigerate it in a single day. Let it come to room temperature earlier than shaping and baking.
Serving
Serve your freshly baked Zaatar Manakeesh with a aspect of yogurt, olives, or recent salad for a full Mediterranean-inspired meal. In addition they make a fantastic snack or appetizer!
Ideas
Take pleasure in Zaatar Manakeesh with quite a lot of toppings similar to:
- Recent herbs like parsley or mint
- Sliced tomatoes or cucumbers
- A drizzle of olive oil or tahini for added taste
- Pair with hummus for a pleasant Mediterranean unfold.


Zaatar Manakeesh
Components
-
For the Dough:
-
1 tablespoon immediate yeast
-
1 cup heat water
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
-
3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for shaping)
-
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus additional for greasing the bowl)
-
For the Zaatar Unfold:
-
1/3 cup zaatar spice combine
-
1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Make the Dough:
- In a big bowl, activate the yeast by mixing it with heat water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes till it turns into frothy.
- Add salt, sugar, and olive oil to the yeast combination, stirring to mix.
- Regularly add the flour, mixing till the dough turns into shaggy and troublesome to combine with a spoon.
- Switch the dough to a floured floor and knead by hand for about 5 minutes till the dough turns into easy and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, protecting it with plastic wrap or a towel. Let it rise at room temperature for 45-60 minutes, or till doubled in measurement.
- Make the Zaatar Unfold:
- In a small bowl, mix the zaatar spice combine with olive oil, stirring till you obtain a easy, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 6-8 equal parts, relying on how massive you need the manakeesh.
- Roll every portion right into a ball, then use your fingers to press and flatten every ball right into a spherical disc, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Unfold 1-2 tablespoons of the zaatar combination on every dough disc, utilizing the again of a spoon to unfold it evenly.
- Place the ready discs on the lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or till the dough is golden and barely puffed.
- Serve heat, optionally topped with cheese and greens for additional taste.

