Zaatar Cheese Manakeesh: Authentic Middle Eastern Flatbread Recipe
1 hour 40 minutes
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About Zaatar Cheese Manakeesh: Authentic Middle Eastern Flatbread Recipe
Experience the delicious flavors of the Middle East with this authentic Zaatar Cheese Manakeesh recipe! Also known as manaqish or manakish, this flatbread is a popular breakfast enjoyed throughout the region and beyond. Its simple yet satisfying combination of savory zaatar and creamy cheese makes it a perfect anytime treat.This recipe guides you through making the dough from scratch, ensuring a perfectly fluffy texture. We'll create our own zaatar blend for the ultimate freshness, but feel free to use a store-bought mix if you're short on time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish!Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art of Manakeesh. Prepare for a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East, one bite at a time.
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Recipe Time & More
Prep1 hour 30 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 350 gm All-Purpose Flour approximately 2 1/2 cups
- 1 tsp Active Yeast dry
- 1 tsp Sugar granulated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 250 ml Water lukewarm (around 105-115°f)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
- All-Purpose Flour for dusting
For the Zaatar Mix
- 2 tsp Thyme dried
- 1 tsp Sumac ground
- 1 tbsp Sesame Seeds toasted
- 4-5 tbsp Olive Oil
For the Topping
- 1 cup Akkawi Cheese cheddar, grated; halloumi, or mozzarella can be substituted
Instructions
Prepare the Yeast Mixture
- Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes until foamy.
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add olive oil and the yeast mixture. 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 smooth and elastic.
First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Second Rise
- Punch down the dough to release air. Divide it into 8-10 equal pieces and shape into balls. Cover and let rest for 20-30 minutes.
Shape and Prepare the Manakeesh
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough ball into a 6-inch diameter circle.
Make the Zaatar Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, ground sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and olive oil to make the zaatar mixture.
Assemble and Bake
- Transfer the flattened dough circles to a baking sheet. Spread the zaatar mixture over one half of each circle, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Top the other half with grated cheese.
Bake
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Serve the manakeesh warm. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for Perfect Manakeesh
- For extra flavor, toast your sesame seeds before adding them to the zaatar mix. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor profile.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. This ensures even baking and prevents the manakeesh from steaming rather than crisping.
- If your dough seems too sticky, add a tablespoon or two of flour at a time until it becomes manageable. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can result in a tough crust.
- Experiment with different cheeses! Feta, ricotta, or even a blend of cheeses can create exciting variations.
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 367kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 13gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 667mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 254IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 197mgIron: 4mg
Neha Pahilwani
Articles: 20
3 Comments
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This looks so good! Appreciate the share.
This looks so good! Appreciate the share.
Yum! This recipe is a must-try.