Manakish Za'atar (Lebanese Za'atar Flatbread)

Lebanese · Snack · Medium

Manakish Za'atar (Lebanese Za'atar Flatbread)

Total
2 hr 4 min
Prep
1 hr 40 min
Serves
6
Calories
340
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Soft Lebanese flatbreads bake with an olive-oil and za'atar topping, leaving sesame-speckled centers and lightly browned, chewy edges.

An olive-oil paste keeps the herbs on Manakish Za'atar (Lebanese Za'atar Flatbread) fragrant while the dough puffs around the rim. The center stays supple enough to fold, with toasted sesame and tangy sumac in every bite.

These bakery flatbreads are a familiar breakfast and snack in Lebanon. Keep the dough soft and spread the topping thinly; a deep pool of oil can make the center heavy before the edges have time to brown.

Method

  1. Mix flour, instant yeast, sugar and salt in a bowl. Add warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil, then knead for until smooth and elastic.

  2. Cover and let rise for until doubled. Divide into six balls, cover and rest for so they roll out easily.

  3. Heat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Mix za'atar with the remaining 4 tbsp olive oil. Roll each dough ball into a 6-inch round on parchment paper.

  4. Put three rounds on a sheet pan. Dimple the centers with your fingertips and spread each with one-sixth of the topping, leaving a narrow border.

  5. Bake for until the rims are pale gold and the undersides have brown spots. Repeat with the remaining three rounds for another . Serve warm and flexible.

Forkue tips

  • For 6 tbsp za'atar, combine 2 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 tbsp sumac. If sumac is unavailable, add a little lemon zest after baking; it will taste different but supply brightness.

Storing and reheating

Keep wrapped at room temperature for 1 day or freeze for 2 months. Warm briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered for a soft bread or uncovered for crisper edges.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

340Calories
7gProtein
50gCarbs
13gFat

Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.

Manakish Za'atar (Lebanese Za'atar Flatbread): FAQ

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, use about 1.5 lb plain pizza dough and divide it into six pieces. Let cold dough warm and relax before shaping so it does not spring back.

What should I eat with za'atar manakish?

Fresh tomatoes, cucumber, olives and labneh make a balanced spread. Fold the warm bread around the vegetables or tear pieces to scoop the labneh.

How do I store and reheat Manakish Za'atar (Lebanese Za'atar Flatbread)?

Keep wrapped at room temperature for 1 day or freeze for 2 months. Warm briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered for a soft bread or uncovered for crisper edges.

How long does Manakish Za'atar (Lebanese Za'atar Flatbread) take?

About 2 hr 4 min in total: 1 hr 40 min prep and 24 min cooking.

What do I need to make Manakish Za'atar (Lebanese Za'atar Flatbread)?

The key ingredients are all-purpose flour, instant yeast and za'atar, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Manakish Za'atar (Lebanese Za'atar Flatbread)?

For 6 tbsp za'atar, combine 2 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp sesame seeds and 2 tbsp sumac. If sumac is unavailable, add a little lemon zest after baking; it will taste different but supply brightness.