Discover how to make Manakish, a beloved Middle Eastern flatbread. This authentic recipe guides you through preparing the perfect dough and topping it with your choice of za'atar, cheese, or minced meat. Ideal for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack, this versatile dish brings the rich flavors of the Levant to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tsp sugar

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tbsp active dry yeast

- 3 tbsp olive oil

- 1 cup warm water

For the toppings:

- Za'atar Manakish:

 - 3 tbsp za'atar

 - 3 tbsp olive oil

- Cheese Manakish:

 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Akkawi cheese

- Minced Meat Manakish:

 - 250g ground beef or lamb

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - Salt and pepper to taste

 - 1 tsp allspice (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the dough:

  - In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and yeast in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a soft dough forms.

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

  - 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.

Prepare the toppings:

  - Za'atar topping: Mix the za'atar and olive oil in a small bowl to form a paste.

  - Cheese topping: Grate or shred the cheese.

  - Minced meat topping: In a skillet, cook the ground meat with chopped onions until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and allspice if using. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the Manakish:

  - Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

  - Punch down the dough and divide it into small balls (about 8-10 pieces).

  - Roll out each ball on a floured surface into a thin round (about 6-8 inches in diameter).

  - Place the dough rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  - Spread your desired topping (za'atar, cheese, or minced meat) evenly over the surface of each dough round.

Bake:

  - Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.

Serve:

  - Enjoy your Manakish warm, straight from the oven. Serve with fresh vegetables, olives, or a side of yogurt.

Manakish is perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed any time of day!

Nutritional Value:

All-Purpose Flour:

- Calories: 455

- Carbohydrates: 95g

- Protein: 13g

- Fat: 1g

- Fiber: 3g

Benefits:

- Provides a good source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content.

- Contains essential nutrients such as iron and B vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism and red blood cell production.

Sugar:

- Calories: 49

- Carbohydrates: 13g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

Benefits:

- Provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content.

- In moderate amounts, it can enhance the flavor of foods and improve palatability.

Salt:

- Sodium: 2,300mg (100% Daily Value)

Benefits:

- Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

- Improves the flavor of foods, making them more enjoyable to eat.

Active Dry Yeast:

- Calories: 11

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

Benefits:

- Provides B vitamins, which are important for energy production and metabolism.

- Aids in the fermentation process, helping the dough rise and become light and airy.

Olive Oil:

- Calories: 119

- Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Monounsaturated Fat: 10g

- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

Benefits:

- Rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

- Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Za'atar:

- Calories: 11

- Carbohydrates: 2g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

Benefits:

- Contains herbs like thyme and oregano that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

- Often includes sesame seeds, which are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium.

Mozzarella Cheese:

- Calories: 85

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 6g

- Fat: 6g

Benefits:

- Good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health.

- Provides protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth.

Ground Beef (or Lamb):

- Calories: 213

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 23g

- Fat: 14g

Benefits:

- High in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.

- Provides essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, which are important for energy and red blood cell formation.

Onion:

- Calories: 44

- Carbohydrates: 10g

- Protein: 1g

- Fat: 0g

Benefits:

- Contains antioxidants and compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties.

- Adds flavor and depth to dishes with minimal calories.

Allspice (Optional):

- Calories: 6

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

Benefits:

- Contains antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage.

- Adds a unique flavor to dishes with a small amount.

These ingredients not only contribute to the flavor and texture of Manakish but also offer a range of nutritional benefits.