HOW TO PREPARE MANAKISH.

Manakish, also known as manaqish, is a popular Levantine flatbread topped with a variety of ingredients, such as za’atar, cheese, or ground meat. It is often eaten for breakfast or lunch. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing traditional za’atar manakish:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500 g all-purpose flour (about 4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 300 ml warm water (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Za’atar Topping:

• 4 tablespoons za’atar spice mix
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Preparing the Dough:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a bit more water.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the Za’atar Topping:

5. Make the Za’atar Mix: In a small bowl, mix the za’atar spice with olive oil to create a spreadable paste. Adjust the amount of olive oil as needed to achieve the right consistency.

Assembling and Baking the Manakish:

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. Otherwise, you can use a baking sheet.
7. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 6-8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
8. Shape the Dough: On a floured surface, roll each dough ball into a thin circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
9. Add the Topping: Place the rolled-out dough on a piece of parchment paper. Spread a generous amount of the za’atar mixture evenly over the surface of the dough.
10. Bake the Manakish: Transfer the parchment paper with the topped dough onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the topping is sizzling.

Serving:

11. Serve: Remove the manakish from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade za’atar manakish, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or alongside other dishes!