Tasty Cheesy Zaatar Bread (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Manakish Dough
01 -
300 g of all-purpose flour
02 -
1 tablespoon of sugar
03 -
1 tablespoon of instant yeast
04 -
240 ml of lukewarm water
05 -
60 ml of olive oil
06 -
1 teaspoon of salt
→ Cheese Topping
07 -
340 g of fresh mozzarella
08 -
200 g of feta cheese
09 -
1.5 tablespoons of nigella seeds (often called Kalonji)
→ Za'atar Topping
10 -
60 ml of extra virgin olive oil
11 -
7 tablespoons of za'atar spice mix
# Instructions:
01 -
Combine the yeast with warm water and let it sit for about 3 minutes. In a mixing bowl, add a cup of flour, sugar, and the yeast-water mixture. Cover and leave it to rest for 10 minutes.
02 -
Mix in the remaining flour, olive oil, and salt until a dough forms. Knead it with your hands for roughly 3-4 minutes. Cover it and let it rise for 30 minutes.
03 -
Stir together the za'atar and olive oil in one bowl. In another bowl, mix the mozzarella and feta cheeses.
04 -
Divide the dough into 10 equal parts. Roll each piece into a very thin circle on a floured surface. Arrange them on lightly floured baking trays.
05 -
Spread the za'atar mixture over 5 dough circles, leaving a small border about 0.5 cm wide. For the other 5, sprinkle the cheese mixture on top and add nigella seeds for garnish.
06 -
Heat your oven to 190°C. Place one tray at the bottom and one in the middle of the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the undersides are golden. Swap the trays near the end to ensure even cooking. For the cheese ones, broil them briefly to melt and brown the topping.
07 -
Take the manakish out of the oven and cover them quickly to keep them soft and pliable.
# Notes:
01 -
This is a popular dish in the Middle East.
02 -
Works great as an appetizer or snack.
03 -
Can be stored for a few hours at room temperature.
04 -
Perfect for brunch or a lighter meal.