Easy Homemade Za’atar Bread Recipe

Easy Homemade Za’atar Bread Recipe: A Taste of the Levant

Za’atar Bread (Manakeesh) is a much-loved Mediterranean flatbread enjoyed by many. You’ve probably tasted it at Lebanese eateries or Mediterranean bakeries. This zaatar bread is truly delicious! But if you haven’t had the pleasure yet, don’t worry. Today, I’m excited to share with you an effortless homemade Za’atar bread recipe that will have you craving more with every bite. Inspired by the flavours of the Middle East, this soft and savoury flatbread topped with aromatic Za’atar spice is the perfect addition to any meal or snack time.

As a food enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the rich and diverse cuisine of the Levant. However, recreating authentic flavours in my own kitchen proved to be a challenge – until now. With a little guidance from a friend’s mother, I discovered the secret to making Za’atar bread at home, and let me tell you, it’s easier than you think!

With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible flatbreads in no time. From the moment you mix the dough to the final sprinkle of Za’atar spice, each step is designed to deliver maximum flavour with minimal effort. The result? A soft and fragrant bread that pairs perfectly with your favourite dips, spreads, or enjoyed on its own.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply craving a taste of the Levant, these homemade Za’atar breads are sure to impress. Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a quick and satisfying snack anytime hunger strikes.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Middle East in every bite. Happy baking!

What exactly are manaqish?

Manaqish, originating from the Middle East, are a type of savory flatbread resembling homemade pizzas but with a unique touch. The term “Manaqish” derives from the Arabic verb “naqash,” meaning to sculpt or carve out. This reflects the traditional method of preparation. Where dough is flattened and shaped with fingertips to create small indentations for the toppings.

Typically, cooks make manaqish using leftover dough from daily baking sessions. They top the dough with various ingredients, including minced lamb, cheese, or a flavorful blend of za’atar spice and olive oil. These toppings are then spread over the flattened dough before baking, resulting in a delicious and versatile flatbread enjoyed across the Middle East and beyond.

What is Za’atar?

In cooking throughout the region, people widely use Za’atar, a flavourful and aromatic Middle Eastern spice blend. It comprises a mixture of dried herbs, typically including thyme, oregano, marjoram, and sometimes savoury. Additionally, people often add sesame seeds and sumac to enhance the flavour profile.

Za’atar has a unique and earthy taste, with hints of citrus and a slightly tangy undertone from the sumac. In Middle Eastern cuisine, people consider Za’atar a staple ingredient and cherish it for its rich flavour and aromatic qualities. It offers incredible versatility, allowing you to sprinkle it over bread, mix it with olive oil as a dip, season grilled meats and vegetables, or incorporate it into salads and dips. It adds depth and complexity to dishes, making it a beloved seasoning in kitchens around the world.

For this za’atar bread recipe, I use my homemade blend, which includes thyme, coriander, cumin, sumac, oregano, sesame seeds, and a touch of oregano. This homemade mix adds a unique and flavourful twist to the bread.

The Ingredients Used to Make Easy Homemade Za’atar Bread Recipe:

For the Dough

• All-purpose flour: This versatile flour forms the base of the dough, providing structure and texture to your flatbread.
• Lukewarm water: The lukewarm water helps activate the yeast and aids in forming a smooth dough.
• Instant dry yeast: This yeast provides leavening, helping the dough rise and achieve a light and airy texture.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar helps feed the yeast, promoting fermentation and enhancing the dough’s flavour.
• Salt: Salt not only adds flavour to the dough but also regulates yeast activity and strengthens gluten formation.
• Olive oil: Adding olive oil to the dough enriches its texture, contributing moisture and a subtle flavour to the final flatbread.

For the Za’atar Oil

• Za’atar powder. I blend dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds to create the aromatic Za’atar powder, infusing the spread with its distinctive Middle Eastern flavour profile. While I prefer my homemade blend, you can also purchase Za’atar spice from most Middle Eastern markets or mainstream grocery stores.
• Olive Oil. High-quality olive oil serves as the base for the spread, providing richness and a silky texture to complement the za’atar’s herbal notes.
• Dried Parsley. Adding dried parsley to the spread enhances its visual appeal. And contributes a subtle hint of freshness to the overall flavour profile.

Optional Add-ons

• Cheese. Elevate your za’atar flatbread by adding halloumi or a similar cheese as a topping. Alternatively, consider adding Akawi or feta for a delightful cheesy twist.
• Tomatoes and Greens: Enhance the freshness of your za’atar flatbread by adding sliced tomatoes and greens as toppings.
• Olives: Sprinkle sliced kalamata olives on top of your fresh za’atar flatbread for a burst of Mediterranean flavour.
• Red Pepper Flakes: While not traditional, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to your za’atar pizza for a touch of heat and spice.

How To Make Easy Homemade Za’atar Bread Recipe:

Discover the joy of creating delicious homemade Za’atar Bread with this simple recipe. From activating the yeast to baking the golden-brown flatbreads, follow these easy steps to whip up a flavourful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

Prepare the dough :

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, yeast, sugar, and olive oil. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly mixed. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes frothy and activated.
2. Mix the Dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture, using a spatula to combine the ingredients. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky. Shape the dough into a ball.
4. Proof the Dough: Grease a bowl with oil and place the dough ball inside. Cover the bowl with cling film and let it rest in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Za’atar Spread :

1. Preheat the Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 230°C (446°F). Place a heavy baking sheet or pizza stone inside the oven to heat up.
2. In a small bowl, combine the za’atar, olive oil, & parsley and mix well into a paste similar to pesto rather than a thick paste.
3. Prepare the Flatbreads: Once the dough has proofed, transfer it to your work surface and lightly knead to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape them into round balls.
4. Roll Out the Flatbreads: Dust your work surface with flour and flatten each dough ball into a 6-7 inch diameter disc. Sprinkle generously with Za’atar spice blend, pressing it gently into the dough.

Bake the Za’atar Bread

1. Bake the Flatbreads: Place each prepared flatbread onto a piece of parchment paper and transfer them onto the preheated baking tray or pizza stone. Bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown and puffed up.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the flatbreads from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these aromatic Za’atar Flatbreads on their own or as a delightful accompaniment to your favourite Middle Eastern dishes.

Looking for More Middle Eastern Recipes?? Here are few of our favourites:

1. Best Homemade Hummus Recipe
2. Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini & Green Zhoug
3. Shakshuka
4. Authentic Lebanese Tabbouleh Salad

If you tried this recipe or any other recipe on our blog let us know how liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more amazing recipes!!

Easy Homemade Za'atar Bread Recipe

Serves: Makes-6 Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cooking Time: 10 Minutes 10 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 7 voted )

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Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 250ml water, luke warm
• 1tsp instant dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1.5 tbsp olive oil

For Za'atar Spread

• 2 tbsp Zaatar powder
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ tsp dried parsley

For Garnish:

• Olives
• Feta Cheese
• Tomatoes

method

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine lukewarm water, yeast, sugar, and olive oil. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed evenly. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes until the yeast activates and becomes frothy.
2. Mix the Dough: Add 2 cups of flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a spatula, mix until the ingredients are combined. Gradually add the remaining flour while continuing to mix. Once a shaggy dough forms, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour as needed. Form the dough into a ball.
4. Proof the Dough: Grease a bowl with oil and place the dough ball inside. Cover the bowl with cling film and let it rest in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. Preheat the Oven: Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 230°C (446°F). Place a heavy baking tray or pizza stone inside the oven to heat up.
6. Prepare the Flatbreads: Once the dough has proofed, transfer it to your work surface and lightly knead it to remove any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape them into round balls.
7. Roll Out the Flatbreads: Dust your work surface with flour and using your fingertips, flatten each dough ball into a flat disc, approximately 6-7 inches in diameter. Sprinkle each disc generously with Za'atar spice blend, pressing it gently into the dough.
8. Bake the Flatbreads: Place each prepared flatbread onto a piece of parchment paper and transfer them onto the preheated baking tray or pizza stone. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the flatbreads are golden brown and puffed up.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the flatbreads from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These Za'atar Flatbreads are perfect on their own or as a side to your favourite Middle Eastern dishes.

Did You Make This Recipe?

If you did, take a picture and tag me on Instagram at @poetryofspices!