Manakish Za’atar (Lebanese Za’atar Flatbread)

Manakish is Lebanon’s favorite breakfast bread, a soft flatbread brushed with olive oil and za’atar and baked until the edges crisp. Grab one folded in half on the way to work, the way it’s eaten all over Beirut.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for topping

For the za’atar topping

• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 3 tbsp za’atar spice blend

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast
   Stir the yeast and sugar into the warm water. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough
   Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead for 8 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled.
3. Shape the rounds
   Punch down the dough and divide into 6 pieces. Roll each into a thin 6-inch round and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
4. Mix the topping
   Stir together the olive oil and za’atar until it forms a spreadable paste.
5. Top the dough
   Spread a generous layer of the za’atar mixture over each round, pressing lightly with your fingers to leave dimples.
6. Bake
   Preheat the oven to 475F (245C). Bake the manakish for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.

Serve warm, folded in half, with fresh mint, tomato, and a side of yogurt.