Oman today_ Manakish (or Manakeesh in plural) is one of Lebanon’s traditional and popular flatbreads, often enjoyed for breakfast. This bread resembles a thin pizza and is topped with a variety of ingredients such as za’atar (a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac), cheese, or ground meat. Due to its simplicity and delicious flavor, manakish is highly popular in Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries.
Ingredients for Za’atar Manakish:
Flour: 500 grams
Sugar: ½ teaspoon
Instant yeast: 2 teaspoons
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Warm water: 300 milliliters
Za’atar (thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac mix): 1 cup
Olive oil: ½ cup
Instructions:
1. Sift the flour into a bowl, then add sugar, yeast, and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm water and knead the dough until soft and smooth.
3. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
4. In the meantime, mix the za’atar with olive oil to create a uniform paste.
5. Once the dough has risen, divide it into equal portions and roll each portion into a thin, round shape.
6. Spread the za’atar mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
7. Bake the manakish in a preheated oven at 220°C (430°F) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Za’atar manakish can be served as a delicious breakfast or snack, accompanied by tea or yogurt.