Manakeesh with za’atar — Levantine flatbreads with herbs and olive oil

Manakeesh with za’atar is one of the most loved dishes of Levantine cuisine — a thin flatbread baked in the oven, topped with the famous za’atar spice mixture and olive oil. It is easy to prepare at home and is traditionally served for breakfast, together with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, olives and cheese.

Ingredients (for 6 flatbreads):

• 500 g flour
• 300 ml lukewarm water
• 7 g dry yeast (1 sachet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the topping:

• 4 tablespoons za’atar
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Preparation steps:

1. Activate the yeast: mix the lukewarm water with the sugar and the yeast, and leave it for 10 minutes until it foams.
2. In a large bowl combine the flour with the salt; add the yeast water and the olive oil and knead the dough for 8–10 minutes, until it becomes soft and elastic.
3. Cover the dough and leave it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in volume.
4. Heat the oven to 250°C. Divide the dough into 6 equal balls and roll each one into a circle about 20 cm in diameter.
5. Mix the za’atar with the olive oil and spread it with a spoon over the surface of each flatbread.
6. Bake the manakeesh for 8–10 minutes, until the edges take on a golden colour. Serve warm.

Preparation time: 20 minutes + 1 hour rising. Baking time: 10 minutes. Servings: 6 flatbreads.