Discover how to make Manakish, a beloved Middle Eastern flatbread, with our easy-to-follow recipe. Enjoy this versatile dish topped with za’atar, cheese, or ground meat. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as a delicious snack. Learn the secrets to achieving the perfect crispy crust and flavorful toppings!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 2 teaspoons instant yeast

- 1 cup warm water

- 1/4 cup olive oil

For Za’atar Topping:

- 1/4 cup za’atar spice mix

- 1/4 cup olive oil

For Cheese Topping:

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

For Ground Meat Topping:

- 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.

  - Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.

  - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

  - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Toppings:

  - Za’atar Topping: In a small bowl, mix the za’atar with olive oil.

  - Cheese Topping: Combine the mozzarella and feta cheeses in a bowl.

  - Ground Meat Topping: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft. Add the ground meat, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Set aside.

Assemble the Manakish:

  - Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

  - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions.

  - On a floured surface, roll each portion into a flat round, about 1/4 inch thick.

  - Transfer the rounds to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.

  - Spread the desired topping over each flatbread:

   - For za’atar: Brush the za’atar mixture evenly over the dough.

   - For cheese: Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the dough.

   - For ground meat: Spread the cooked ground meat mixture evenly over the dough.

Bake:

  - Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.

  - Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing.

Serve:

  - Enjoy your Manakish warm or at room temperature. Serve with fresh vegetables, yogurt, or your favorite dip.

This Manakish recipe provides a delicious and authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, perfect for any meal of the day!

Nutritional Values

For the Dough:

All-Purpose Flour (3 cups)

- Calories: 364

- Protein: 10g

- Fat: 1g

- Carbohydrates: 76g

- Fiber: 2.7g

Benefits:

- Provides a base for the dough, offering carbohydrates for energy.

- It’s a good source of B-vitamins, which are essential for metabolism.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

- Calories: 0

- Sodium: 38,000mg

Benefits:

- Enhances flavor.

- Use in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.

Sugar (1 tablespoon)

- Calories: 387

- Carbohydrates: 100g

Benefits:

- Adds sweetness and helps with yeast activation.

- Provides a quick source of energy.

Instant Yeast (2 teaspoons)

- Calories: 330

- Protein: 40g

- Fat: 5g

- Carbohydrates: 40g

Benefits:

- Helps the dough rise by producing carbon dioxide.

- Rich in B-vitamins and proteins.

Warm Water (1 cup)

- Calories: 0

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- Hydrates the dough and helps activate the yeast.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup)

- Calories: 884

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 100g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- Provides healthy monounsaturated fats.

- Contains antioxidants and can help with heart health.

For Za’atar Topping:

Za’atar Spice Mix (1/4 cup)

- Calories: 200

- Protein: 6g

- Fat: 8g

- Carbohydrates: 27g

Benefits:

- Adds unique flavor and has antioxidant properties.

- Often includes thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, which offer various health benefits.

Olive Oil (1/4 cup)

Nutritional Values: (As above)

Benefits:

- Adds flavor and provides healthy fats.

For Cheese Topping:

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup)

- Calories: 280

- Protein: 28g

- Fat: 17g

- Carbohydrates: 3g

Benefits:

- Provides protein and calcium.

- Adds a creamy texture to the topping.

Crumbled Feta Cheese (1/2 cup)

- Calories: 264

- Protein: 14g

- Fat: 21g

- Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits:

- Offers a tangy flavor and provides protein and calcium.

- Lower in fat compared to some other cheeses.

For Ground Meat Topping:

Ground Beef or Lamb (1/2 pound)

- Calories: 250

- Protein: 26g

- Fat: 20g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

- Rich in protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12.

- Provides flavor and substance to the topping.

Small Onion (1, finely chopped)

- Calories: 40

- Protein: 1.1g

- Fat: 0.1g

- Carbohydrates: 9.3g

- Fiber: 1.7g

Benefits:Adds flavor and contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon)

Nutritional Values: (As above)

Benefits:Adds warm, earthy flavor and has digestive benefits.

Ground Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)

- Calories: 282

- Protein: 14g

- Fat: 12g

- Carbohydrates: 54g

Benefits:Adds color and flavor; contains antioxidants and vitamins A and E.

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)

- Nutritional Values: (As above)

Benefits:Adds flavor and provides healthy fats.

Your dough is a classic base with a good balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats. The za’atar topping adds aromatic and antioxidant-rich spices, while the cheese topping provides creamy texture and additional protein. The ground meat topping enhances the dish with protein and savory flavors.