Name: Manakish
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Lebanon
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp instant yeast; 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp sugar; 1 cup warm water; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup za'atar; 1/2 cup olive oil for the topping; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or akkawi cheese; Cucumber, tomato, olives and mint to serve

Where it comes from

Manakish is a beloved bakery staple of Lebanon and the wider Levant. The best-known topping is za'atar mixed with olive oil, and people eat them for breakfast or a snack with vegetables and tea.

Explore the cuisine of Lebanon.

Recipe

Make Manakish at home

Serves 4Time 1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp salt and 1 tsp sugar
1 cup warm water
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup za'atar
1/2 cup olive oil for the topping
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or akkawi cheese
Cucumber, tomato, olives and mint to serve

How it's made

Mix flour, yeast, salt and sugar, then add the water and 2 tbsp oil.
Knead for 8 minutes until smooth, cover and let rise 1 hour.
Divide into 8 balls and let them rest for 15 minutes.
Heat the oven to 500F with a baking sheet or stone inside.
Stretch each ball into a 6-inch disc and press dimples all over.
Mix the za'atar with the 1/2 cup olive oil and spread on the discs, or top with cheese.
Bake 6 to 8 minutes until golden at the edges.
Serve warm with fresh vegetables and mint.