Mana’esh or Manakish with thyme or zaatar is a staple for breakfast in all of the Middle East countries. For me it relates to so many happy and different memories of my life. Manae’sh that is baked by my mum or my grandma, or eaten fresh from the school canteen each tasted different. Even now as I live far away mana’esh that I buy from a local Lebanese bakery taste something else to what I prepare at home for my family.
Za’atar is a special thyme and herbs mix that again taste different between each Middle Eastern country. As a Palestinian myself I like the Palestinian version most. But they all taste great and they are healthy too.
So if you want to try and make mana’esh at home please watch the video:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups A/P flour
- 1 1/4 cup lukewarm water
- 2 tsp instant dried yeast
- 3 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
- thyme mixture “za’atar” you can buy from your local Middle Eastern grocery store.
Tips:
- The water should be around 40C.
- It is better to start adding one cup of water only and if you feel that the dough is still stiff add another 1/4 cup. The dough should be sticky a bit before kneading.
- Knead the dough well until it becomes elastic and smooth. At least you should knead it for 10 mins.
- Leave the dough to rest in a warm place until it doubles in size around 1 1/5 to 2 hours.
- You can spread the dough to the thickness you like. If you prefer it crispy then spread to about 3 mm thickness if you prefer it softer and chewer then spread it more thick.
Bake the mana’esh in a pre heated oven at 200 C for 10 mins or until they are golden to your liking. - Serve hot next to a hot cup of black tea with mint.
