217. Zaatar Manaeesh

Manaeesh are a popular Arab pastry, specific to the region of Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon.
The most popular topping is zaatar and olive oil. Others include cheese, minced meat, spinach, and so on.

I have been searching for the right pastry base for a while now, and I think I just might have found it on Wondering Spice, who kindly shared it as a recipe passed through the generations of her family.
These zaatar manaeesh may be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

4 cups flour

2 eggs, at room temp

1 cup water

1 tsp salt

2 tsp yeast

1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 cup warm water

For the zaatar:

1 cup zaatar powder

1/2 cup olive oil, or more

Method:

Make the yeast mixture by whisking the yeast, salt, sugar, 1/2 cup warm water and set aside for 15 mins.

Using the dough hook of a stand mixture (or by hand), combine the flour and eggs.

Slowly add half of the water, and mix until just combined.

Add the yeast mixture and rest of the water, then mix once more until incorporated.

Cover with a clean, damp cloth and place in a warm spot to rise for an hour. 

Preheat oven to 400F while making the dough balls.

Rub your hands lightly with olive oil.

Take a handful of dough and make a fist, squeezing a little ball of dough up between your thumb and index finger.

Place on an oiled or non-stick baking sheet, and repeat until all dough is used.

Dip your fingertips in a bit more olive oil, and pat each sphere flat (they may shrink the first time, just keep flattening them).

In a small bowl, make the zaatar: mix the zaatar and olive oil into a paste.

Spread a thin layer of zaatar on each pastry round.

Bake in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and puffed up.

 صحة و عافية