Zaatar Cheese Manakeesh

Zaatar Cheese Manakeesh | Cheese Za’ater Manakish | How to Make Cheese Za’ater Arabic Bread at Home

Zaatar Cheese Manakeesh | Cheese Za’ater Manakish | How to Make Cheese Za’ater Arabic Bread at Home with step by step instructions

Cheese Za’ater Manakish | Zaatar Cheese Manakeesh is a common traditional breakfast in the Middle Eastern countries. To simplify, it is a version of pizza with its local toppings, crispy on the outside and a bit chewy inside. Though it is commonly eaten as a breakfast, but that does not stop you from eating it as a  brunch, lunch or snack. This is a perfect breakfast when you are on the go.

Name variations: Manaqish, manaeesh, manakeesh, manooshe, man’ousheh, mankousheh. Singular manousheh.

We are fortunate to have a popular Arabic bakery in our neighborhood. During my days of teaching, my son and I would  walk straight to the bakery after boarding off from the school bus to satisfy our late afternoon hunger with a manakeesh. The first mouthful of Cheese Zaater Manakeesh was sheer bliss for our empty stomachs.

It was then that the thought of making these divine Manakeesh at home sparked my interest.

This breakfast is enjoyed not only by the native people but also the expatriates. Basically, it is a flatbread with Za’atar mix and olive oil topping.

There are various other options for the topping such Labnah or spinach. It is very quick to make except for the rising time needed. Zaatar is a mix of thyme, sesame and sumac powder (red berry powder having a subtle lemony flavour) which is mixed with olive oil and spread on the Manakeesh.

What is Manakeesh

Manakeesh is a popular and traditional breakfast in the Middle Eastern countries. Manakish is basically a flatbread with common toppings as

• Za’ater mix and olive oil topping – Za’ater Manakish
• Cheese – Cheese Manakeesh Jibni
• Blend of both- Za’ater Cheese Manakish
• Ground meat – Lahm Bi Ajin Manakish;Sfiha

One can see the local bakeries selling these treats early in the morning. It’s impossible to go past the neighborhood bakeries without getting tempted in by the irresistible aroma.

This breakfast is enjoyed not only by the native people but also the expatriates. Except for the time it takes to rise, it’s a really quick recipe.

Za’ater is a Middle Eastern traditional spice mix of thyme, toasted sesame seeds and sumac powder (red berry powder having a subtle lemony flavour) which is mixed with olive oil and spread on the Manakeesh.

For the Cheese Lovers, some more appetizers for you. These are quick and easy to make.

Potato with Feta Cheese

Veggie Pizza

Veggie Power Balls

Ingredients

For Measurements refer to the RECIPE CARD further below

Refined flour (maida) – Sieve before using.

Yeast– You may use instant yeast or active dry yeast. You can add instant yeast directly to the flour. However I activate it before adding to the flour.

Sugar – helps in activating yeast. Works like food for yeast.

Salt

Water – Lukewarm water to be used.

Extra virgin olive oil

Za’ater Mix– Is a Middle Eastern dried herb powder mix available at the local stores. FOR ZAATAR MIX: Dried thyme 2 teaspoons, ground sumac 1 teaspoon, toasted sesame seeds 1 tablespoon, olive oil 4 -5 tablespoons OR use ready zaatar mix if available about 40 grams and mix with olive oil 

CHEESE: Can use grated Akkawi cheese, halloumi cheese, cheddar or mozzarella whichever is available locally.

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How to make Cheese and Za’ater Manakeesh

Activate Yeast

In a bowl combine yeast, sugar and lukewarm water. 

Cover and keep aside for 10 minutes

Making Dough

In another wide mixing bowl take refined flour, salt and oil. 

Then, add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix to form a dough

Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth. 

Proofing the Dough

Thereafter place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with damp cloth or cling/wrap film. Leave it for 1 and 1/2 hour until dough doubles in size. 

Divide dough into portions

When the dough has doubled, take it on a work surface and punch down to remove the air.

Now divide the dough into equal parts and shape into balls. Again cover these balls for 20 to 30 minutes for a second rise. 

Making the Manakish

On a floured surface flatten each ball with a rolling pin to approximately 6″ diameter discs. Place the discs on a baking tray.

Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Combine Zaatar mix and olive oil to make the topping.

Spread za’ater-oil mix on one half and cheese on the other half of each flattened disc leaving 1/2″ border all around. 

Finally, bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until golden. Serve hot.

How to serve Cheese Za’ater Manakeesh

Serve with slices of tomatoes, cucumber and  olives. Enjoy sips of Arabic tea over a Manakish. You could also have some fresh juices or laban

A few Middle Eastern dishes that we enjoy are

Crispy Vegan Falafel

Tabbouleh with Pomegranate Salad

Fattoush salad with chickpeas

Hummus

Basbousa

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Recipe Card

Zaatar Cheese Manakeesh

Zaater Cheese Manakeesh (also known as manaqish and manakish; singular manousheh) is the Middle Eastern version of pizza with its local toppings . It is a popular breakfast in the Middle Eastern countries.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Servings 10 pcs

Ingredients

  

• 350 gm Refined flour maida 2 & 1/2 cups and more flour for dusting
• 1 tsp instant dry yeast
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• 250 ml water adjust lukewarm
• 40 gm Za'ater mix
• 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive oil adjust. 1 tbsp to mix in dough and remaining oil mix with Za'ater mix as needed
• 1 cup Grated Cheese You can also use , Akawi, Halloumi cheese, Cheddar or mozzarella whichever is available locally

Instructions

 

• In a bowl combine yeast, sugar and lukewarm water.
• Cover and keep aside for 10 minutes
• In another wide mixing bowl take refined flour, salt and oil.
• Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix to form a dough
• Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until the dough is elastic and smooth.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with damp cloth or cling/wrap film. Leave it for 1 and 1/2 hour until dough doubles in size.
• When the dough has doubled, take it on a work surface and punch down to remove the air.
• Divide the dough into equal parts and shape into balls. Again cover these balls for 20 to 30 minutes for a second rise.
• On a floured surface flatten each ball with a rolling pin to approximately 6″ diameter discs.Place the discs on a baking tray.
• Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Combine Zaatar mix and olive oil to make the topping.
• Spread zaatar-oil mix on one half and cheese on the other half of each flattened disc leaving 1/2″ border all around.
• Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.Serve hot
• Yields about 10 small Manakeesh

Notes

• Preheat the oven very well
• Use good quality olive oil and cheese

Keyword Arabic Bread, Cheese bread, Manakeesh, Manakish, Zaater Bread

FAQ

Can Whole Wheat Flour be used instead of only Refined Flour

Yes you may add replace until maximum 50% of the refined flour with Whole Wheat Flour.

What to do if I do not have Zaater Mix

Yet you can make Cheese Manakeesh with a sprinkle of Black Pepper on Chaat masala. You may also add a scanty topping of cooked keema or veg soya granules

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