Manakish Zaatar
Manakish Zaatar is a delicious Lebanese flatbread topped with a mixture of zaatar herbs and olive oil. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for breakfast or a light snack.
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
12 minutes
Level
Easy
Serves
4
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are combined.
- 2
Gradually add 3/4 cup of warm water and 1/4 cup of olive oil to the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- 3
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 4
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- 5
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of zaatar spice mix, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and an additional 2 tablespoons of olive oil to form a paste.
- 6
Spread the zaatar mixture evenly over the surface of the rolled dough. Sprinkle with additional zaatar for extra flavor.
- 7
Transfer the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crisp.
- 8
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and green onions before slicing.
Tips
For a crispier base, bake the manakish directly on a pizza stone.
Adjust the amount of zaatar to your taste; some may prefer it more herbaceous or spicy.
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate any leftovers for a longer shelf life, heating them in the oven before serving.
- For freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Substitutions
- Use almond flour for a gluten-free version of the dough.
- Replace zaatar with an equal amount of dried oregano or thyme if you don’t have zaatar on hand.
- Use water infused with garlic for additional flavor.
What to Serve With
- Cucumber and tomato salad
- Plain yogurt
- A side of olives
Common Mistakes
- Over-kneading the dough can make it tough; knead just until smooth.
- Using water that is too hot can kill the yeast, so make sure it’s warm, not hot.
- Not letting the dough rise properly will result in a dense bread.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may change the texture slightly to be denser.
How long can I store leftover manakish?
Leftover manakish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with Manakish Zaatar?
It pairs well with a fresh salad, yogurt, or olives.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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