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Lebanon · Breakfast

Manakish Za'atar

Manakish Za'atar is a beloved Lebanese flatbread often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Its origins date back centuries, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the Levant, where za'atar, a blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac, is a staple seasoning. This simple yet flavorful dish encapsulates the communal spirit of Lebanese dining, often shared amo...

TraditionalEverydayVegetarian
Prep15 min
Cook15 min
Servings2
DifficultyEasy

Published September 11, 2026 by MedTable AI · JJDigit

About this recipe

Manakish Za'atar is a beloved Lebanese flatbread often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Its origins date back centuries, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the Levant, where za'atar, a blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac, is a staple seasoning. This simple yet flavorful dish encapsulates the communal spirit of Lebanese dining, often shared among family and friends.

Ingredients

  • 200 g all-purpose flour - plus extra for dusting
  • 120 ml warm water - about 40°C (104°F)
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast - or active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil - plus more for brushing
  • 3 tablespoons za'atar - a blend of thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac
  • 2 tablespoons fresh yogurt - for serving

Step-by-step instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
  6. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a flat circle, about 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter.
  7. Brush each flatbread lightly with olive oil and sprinkle generously with za'atar.
  8. Place the manakish on a baking sheet or directly on the baking stone. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with fresh yogurt.

Chef's Tip

For a more intense flavor, let the za'atar sit in olive oil for a few hours before using it on the bread.

Serving suggestion

Manakish Za'atar is traditionally served warm, often with a side of fresh yogurt and sliced vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

Calories270 kcal
Protein7 g
Carbohydrates38 g
Fat10 g
Fiber2 g
Sodium200 mg

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