Manakish Recipe

There’s nothing like the warm scent of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially when it’s the beloved Manakish. This traditional Middle Eastern flatbread, beautifully adorned with aromatic za’atar and gooey melted cheese, is a family favorite that’s perfect for gatherings. Imagine a table set with colorful dishes, olives, and fresh vegetables, all coming together in a vibrant celebration of shared moments. This Manakish recipe is not just a dish; it’s an invitation to bring creativity, family bonding, and a passion for cooking into your kitchen. So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking!

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Skill Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup za’atar spice mix
• ½ cup olive oil (for the za’atar topping)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Gradually mix until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it into a round, approximately ¼ inch thick.
7. In a small bowl, mix the za’atar spice with olive oil to form a paste. Spread a generous amount of the za’atar mixture over the top of each dough round.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the za’atar topping.
9. Transfer the prepared dough rounds to the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the Manakish cool slightly before cutting into wedges. Serve warm with olives and fresh vegetables.

Helpful Tips

• For a crispier crust, you can bake the dough rounds for 5 minutes without toppings, then add the za’atar and cheese before finishing the bake.
• If you can’t find za’atar spice mix, you can create your own by combining dried thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Manakish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Pairings and Complementary Dishes

Manakish pairs wonderfully with a variety of Middle Eastern appetizers like hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh. For drinks, a refreshing mint lemonade or a cup of strong Turkish tea would be perfect to complete the meal.

At Zynahz, we believe that the kitchen is a place where creativity and family bonding come together. This Manakish recipe is our invitation for you to make memories, share delicious moments, and find joy in cooking. We’d love to see how you bring this recipe to life—share your creations with us on social media, and don’t forget to tag Zynahz. Your friends and family will surely appreciate this delightful dish, so spread the love by sharing the recipe. For more inspiring dishes, follow Zynahz and sign up for our newsletter. Let’s continue to explore the world of flavors together!