Traditional breakfast - Manakish - zaatar

Traditional Breakfast: Manakish with Zaatar Welcome to the world of Mediterranean flavors! Today, I will share with you a delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Manakish with zaatar, a traditional breakfast that combines the richness of flavors and the fluffy texture of the dough. This dish is perfect to start your day with a smile, especially alongside a cup of warm tea. Let’s embark on a culinary journey! Preparation Time - Preparation time: 30 minutes - Rising time: 10 minutes (for the starter) + 5 minutes (for the dough resting) - Baking time: 15-20 minutes - Total: Approximately 1 hour - Number of servings: 6-8 servings Ingredients For the zaatar mixture - 500 g dried green oregano (zaatar) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 tablespoons sumac - ½ tablespoon fennel seeds - ¼ teaspoon salt - ½ tablespoon cumin seeds - ½ tablespoon coriander seeds - ½ teaspoon lemon salt - 1 cup toasted sesame seeds, fresh For the dough - 5 + ½ cups of flour - 2 tablespoons dry yeast - 70 ml olive oil - 2 tablespoons sugar - 2 cups warm water - 1 teaspoon salt Preparing the Zaatar Mixture 1. Preparing the oregano: Start by drying the green oregano (zaatar) until it becomes brittle. Then, use a spice grinder to finely grind it. 2. Grinding the spices: Grind the fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds separately using the same grinder. This will ensure that the flavors blend perfectly. 3. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground oregano with the ground spices, adding sumac, salt, lemon salt, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix well and taste to adjust the salt and acidity to your preference. Preparing the Dough 1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water with 2 tablespoons of sugar and the dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. 2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture, olive oil, and start mixing with a spatula. 3. Kneading: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes elastic and easily pulls away from your hands. This may take 8-10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. 4. Resting the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 5 minutes. Shaping and Baking Manakish 1. Portioning the dough: After resting, divide the dough into balls about the size of a tennis ball. Place them on a towel, covered with a light cloth, and let them rest. 2. Rolling out the dough: Take each ball and roll it out with a rolling pin on a floured surface, forming thin discs. Make sure they are not too thick for even baking. 3. Preparing for baking: Place the discs on a greased baking tray, ensuring they are not too close together, as they will rise during baking. 4. Adding the mixture: On each disc, place 2 tablespoons of the zaatar mixture and spread it evenly over the surface. 5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the manakish for 15-20 minutes until they become golden and crispy. Serving Manakish with zaatar is served warm, often alongside a cup of hot tea. It is an excellent choice for breakfast but can be enjoyed at any time of the day. I recommend pairing it with cheese or eggs for a complete and nourishing meal! A Brief History of Manakish Manakish is a traditional dish that has been consumed for generations, with deep roots in Mediterranean culture. It is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a flavorful and satisfying meal. It is often served in families on festive days or Sundays, bringing people and stories together. Nutritional Benefits Manakish with zaatar is not only delicious but also healthy. Oregano is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil adds healthy fats, while sesame seeds provide protein and calcium. Frequently Asked Questions - How can I adapt the recipe to be vegan? You can use olive oil instead of butter and avoid animal-derived ingredients. - What can I use instead of zaatar? If you can't find zaatar, you can make a combination of oregano, sumac, and a splash of lemon. - Can I make the dough the night before? Yes, you can prepare the dough and leave it in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before using. Tips and Variations - Add cheese: A delicious variation is to add feta or mozzarella cheese to the manakish for extra flavor and texture. - Include vegetables: You can add slices of tomatoes or olives to complement the flavors. - Experiment with spices: Feel free to customize your zaatar mixture by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Now it’s your turn to enjoy the delight of manakish with zaatar! With every bite, you will feel the warmth and hospitality of a traditional meal. Enjoy and happy cooking!


Categories

Appetizers

Beverages

Celebrity chefs

Chef in the city

Children

Coffee

Conserve

Cook and smile

Culinary Games

Culinary School

Dessert

Diverse

Doughs and pastries

Drinks

Fish

Healthy Delights

International

Jakob Hausmann

Jam

Jamie Oliver

Meat

Miscellaneous

Over

Pasta/Pizza

Pickles

Plague

Salad

Sandwiches

Sauces

Savory

Season

Sezon

Slow cooking

Soups

Star Recipe

Syrup

Translated

Various

Vegan



