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–+ servings
Manakish Zaatar spiced pita bread

Manakish Zaatar

Manakish Zaatar is a popular Middle Eastern flatbread, similar to pizza, topped with a fragrant za'atar spice blend and olive oil. It makes a flavorful snack or a satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Choose Serving Size 8

Ingredients 

Zaatar mix:

  • 2 Tablespoons sumac ground
  • 3 Tablespoons thyme dried
  • 3 Tablespoons oregano dried
  • 4 Tablespoons sesame seeds toasted
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

For the pita bread:

  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting (or use gluten-free flour if gluten intolerant)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for greasing

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix all the za'atar ingredients and set aside.
  • Combine the water, sugar, and yeast and set aside. It will start to foam.
  • Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and mix with your hands. Once the yeast mixture has foamed, add it in and mix into a soft dough.
  • Place the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 10 minutes.
  • Grease a bowl and place the dough in it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour. It will double in size.
  • Once the dough is ready, place it on a floured surface again. Knead it for 2-3 more minutes.
  • Divide the dough into 6-8 balls.
  • Roll each dough ball into a circle.
  • Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
  • Spread 1-2 tablespoons of za'atar over each flattened dough circle, leaving a little space around the margins.
  • Repeat the process and place each spiced pita on an oven tray lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake until the edges start to brown, about 10 minutes.
  • Serve with vegan yogurt and chopped parsley on top. Sliced green olives also make a great topping!

Notes

Store baked manakish in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month and reheat in the oven. The za'atar blend can be made ahead and kept in a sealed jar. Serve warm with vegan yogurt, chopped parsley, and sliced green olives.