About this Dish
Flatbread topped with za'atar, olive oil, or cheese, baked fresh each morning.
History & Origin
Manakish is Lebanon's answer to breakfast pizza, sold hot from neighborhood bakeries each morning, the za'atar version considered the classic.
IngredientsServes 4
🌾All-purpose flour, 3 cups
🧂Salt, 1 tsp
🍬Sugar, 1 tsp
🫧Instant dry yeast, 7g (1 sachet)
💧Warm water, 1 cup (around 110°F/43°C)
🫒Olive oil, 4 tbsp plus extra for dough
🌿Za'atar spice blend, 4 tbsp
🧀Akkawi or mozzarella cheese, 200g shredded (optional topping)
🫙Sesame seeds, 1 tbsp (if making your own za'atar mix)
Method
1
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Make a well in the centre and pour in the warm water and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Mix together until a rough dough forms, then turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly springy.2
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or cling film, and leave to rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.3
Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal balls. On a floured surface, roll or press each ball into a thin round about 5–6 inches wide — it doesn't have to be perfectly round, home-style is rustic and that's the charm.4
Mix the za'atar spice blend with the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil in a small bowl to form a spreadable paste. Generously spread this mixture over each dough round, leaving a small border. If making cheese manakish, skip the za'atar and pile the shredded cheese on top instead.5
Preheat your oven to its highest setting (around 250°C/480°F) with a baking tray or pizza stone inside. Carefully slide 2–3 manakish onto the hot tray and bake for 6–8 minutes until the edges are golden and the dough is cooked through.6
Serve immediately while warm — manakish are best eaten fresh out of the oven. Fold them in half and enjoy alongside sliced tomatoes, fresh mint, olives, and a cup of hot tea for a traditional Lebanese breakfast.7
Serve immediately straight from the oven, folded in half or rolled up with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and mint tucked inside — just like a Lebanese morning breakfast.User Reviews
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