Manakish is a relatively new phenomenon in Lebanon, but has quickly become a popular breakfast dish. A lot of it has to do with the fact that it is quick and easy to bake, plus it’s cheap and tasty and can be varied endlessly with different fillings. It’s shown here with zaatar, a popular spice mixture.
MAKES: 8 PIECES
INGREDIENTS:
DOUGH
- 2 cups (473 ml) water
- 5 cups (625 g) flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dry yeast
- Almost 1 cup (237 ml) olive oil or any other vegetable oil
ZAATAR
- 3 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2½ tablespoons sumac
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅕ cup (29 g) roasted sesame seeds
- ⅖ cup (95 ml) olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat the water to 125°F (50°C). In a bowl, mix together the flour, water, salt, sugar, and dry yeast. Add the olive oil and work the ingredients into a smooth dough.
- Cover the dough with a damp baking towel and let it rise for 30 minutes in a warm place.
- Squeeze the air out of the dough and divide it into eight small balls. Roll each ball out into circles, approximately 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ingredients for the zaatar spice mix: dried oregano, dried thyme, sumac, salt, roasted sesame seeds, and olive oil. Sprinkle the zaatar mixture over the pizzas.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (250°C). Bake the pizzas for 7 to 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Serve the pizzas immediately.
