Description
At its core, Za’atar Flatbread with Sesame—often referred to as Manakish or Man’oushe in various parts of the Levant—is a soft, leavened dough topped with a generous spread of herbs and oil. The star of the show is the za’atar itself. If you are unfamiliar with it, za’atar is a traditional herb blend typically consisting of dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Dough
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 tbsp olive oil
Za’atar Topping
¼ cup olive oil
3 tbsp za’atar spice blend
1–2 tbsp sesame seeds (white or toasted)
Instructions
Make the dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
Add warm water and olive oil; mix until a soft dough forms.
Knead 8–10 minutes (or 5 minutes in a mixer) until smooth and elastic.
Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour, until doubled.
Prepare topping
Mix olive oil, za’atar, and sesame seeds into a loose paste.
Shape
Punch down dough and divide into 6 balls.
Roll each into a thin oval or round (about 6–7 inches).
Top
Spread za’atar mixture evenly over each flatbread, pressing lightly into dough.
Bake
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a baking stone or inverted sheet pan inside.
Bake flatbreads for 6–8 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden.
Alternative: Cook in a hot cast-iron skillet for 2–3 minutes per side.
Serve
Serve warm, drizzled with olive oil if desired.
Notes
For an aromatic twist, brush the flatbread with olive oil and sprinkle extra za’atar just before baking. Serve warm with hummus, labneh, or roasted vegetables, or use it as a base for flatbread pizzas. A drizzle of tahini or a sprinkle of sumac adds an extra layer of Middle Eastern flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flatbread
- Calories: 210 kcal
Keywords: Middle Eastern Manakish, Herbed Sesame Flatbread, Zaatar Man’oushe, Spiced Levantine Bread